Let's meet ...
Fiona Coles
I joined AF in 2010 to provide admin support for what were AF’s various subsidiary businesses at the time. Since then, my career has evolved alongside changes at AF, so I’ve taken on roles in procurement, technology and now as Membership Services Manager.
Your first port of call
The most important function of me and my team is to support you, our Members, in the smooth running of your AF account.
It’s my job to manage new membership applications as they go through the onboarding process, issue share certificates and update current Member accounts when you notify us of any chances. As well as general account management and admin, my team and I are responsible for answering all incoming calls and welcoming visitors to AF HQ.
Rising to the challenge
Member Services is fast-paced and no two days are ever the same. In fact our day-to-day tasks are determined by you, our Members, as we’re there to respond to what your farm or rural business needs. We work closely with your AF Member Account Managers and the procurement teams, so whatever your question we make sure it gets to the right person.
Is it challenging? Absolutely, and I relish that. For me, a good day’s work is when I, or my colleagues, have left Members feeling satisfied and supported after every interaction.
Green fingers
I find total relaxation in my garden, and even at my AF desk I’ve adopted some of our office plants.
I love weeding, especially after it’s rained. My garden is full of shrubs and flowers although I must admit, I’ve never grown anything edible! I’m keen to replace our small lawn with more borders packed full of shrubs. But the one thing my husband enjoys tending in the garden is the lawn, so I’m keeping my spade away from his pride and joy!
From kitchen disco’s to the deserts of Jordan
I enjoy ’pop’ music, both live and recorded. A very good friend has the same taste in music so we have great kitchen disco’s, although our husbands just roll their eyes at us. At AF Christmas parties, I can usually be found hogging the dance floor, dancing to anything and everything!
One of my claims to fame is that, as a child, I met Princess Sarvath al-Hassan and Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. I even went swimming with their two youngest children, Princess Badiya and Prince Rashid!
I’m passionate about travel and have been to some incredible places. The most memorable include climbing to Machu Pichu, seeing wild Orangutans in Borneo, wandering through Jordan’s lost city Petra, and taking time for reflection at Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.
But I realise we have some lovely places on our doorstep here in the UK, so I’m beginning to explore those too. Favourites so far are the Peak District and Cornwall, especially the cream teas (I am a jam first and then cream person)! I’m already planning my next UK trip, when I’ll be heading to the Cotswolds.
Fiona Coles Membership Services Manager
fiona.coles@af.farm 01603 881 887
