M&S Lisburn is celebrating four mums this Mother’s Day who share the shop floor with someone special – their sons.
With a large team at the Lisburn store, it’s perhaps no surprise that some colleagues are related. This year, the store is shining a light on four mums who work alongside their sons, celebrating the experience of bringing family connections into the workplace.
Among those celebrating are Lynne Keery and her son Tom.
Lynne, 53, who will celebrate 20 years working at M&S this June, first joined the business when her son Tom was just six months old. She began her career in womenswear before progressing through several roles and now works as Operations Manager.
Now 20, Tom joined the M&S Lisburn team two years ago while studying at university and works as a Customer Assistant in operations backstage.
Lynne said: “When I first started at M&S, Tom was only six months old, so it’s quite special to now be working in the same store together 20 years later. Tom joined the team two years ago while studying and it’s been lovely seeing him grow in confidence and really enjoy the job.
“I think I might have influenced him to join – his two brothers work with their dad, so Tom joked that he’d come and work with me at M&S. We really enjoy working together and often end up chatting about work when we’re at home as well. I remember the first time he called me ‘mum’ on the shop floor – that was a bit of a funny moment!”
Another mum being celebrated is Heather Staniland, who works with her son Josh.
Heather, 52, has worked at M&S for 15 years in the Lisburn Foodhall and now shares the shop floor with her 17-year-old son, Josh, who joined the team in November in a part-time role alongside his studies.
Reflecting on working with her son Josh, Heather said: “Josh was only two years old when I first started working at M&S, so seeing him now at 17 working in the same place really shows how quickly time has gone. When he joined in November during the busy Christmas period, I was nominated as his buddy to help train him and show him the ropes. I thought it was lovely being able to do that and spend that time together – although I’m not sure Josh would say the same!
“It’s been really special having him here and seeing him grow in confidence, especially when speaking to customers. It’s made me very proud.”
Also being celebrated this Mother’s Day is Dawn Marshall, who works alongside her son Cain.
Dawn, 58, has worked at M&S for 15 years and now shares the workplace with her 19-year-old son, Cain, who also joined the team in November. Dawn works in the café, while Cain is part of the backstage operations team.
Reflecting on working with her son Cain, Dawn said: “It’s lovely having Cain here. I did influence his decision to join M&S, so it’s great to see him settling in and doing well. Even though we work in different sections, we still bump into each other during the day. Sometimes I’ll shout over to him or ask for a hug just to embarrass him – but that’s my job as his mum after all!
“It’s just lovely seeing his wee face during the day. Outside of work we can both be busy with our own routines, so working in the same place is actually a really nice chance to catch up with each other and chat about how the day’s gone.”
Completing the special group is Audrey, who works alongside her son Ryan in the bustling Foodhall. Audrey has been with M&S for an incredible 38 years, all at Lisburn — first in fashion, home and beauty, then in the Foodhall.
Audrey’s son Ryan joined two years ago, staring as a Christmas temp and staying on in the Foodhall.
Reflecting on working with her son Ryan, Audrey said: “Ryan joined over Christmas two years ago looking for something temporary, but he’s still here — he loves the early mornings with me now. It’s great getting to see him every day. Now he’s married with a wee one, it gives him better work-life balance and more family time, which is brilliant."
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Suzy Spence at ASG
Tel: 07725316821
Email: [email protected]