Behind every business we support, there’s a team of people making it happen. This summer, we’re running a series of spotlights on that team, the people who keep Tree Shepherd going day to day. First up was Jamie-Lee, who keeps Thrive running at Surrey Quays. This time, it’s April Collins.
April is our Business Development Manager and has been part of the team since 2023. She supports businesses to start or stay trading through regeneration projects across London, working part time across more than 40 different businesses at once. If that sounds like a lot to juggle, that’s because it is, and she’s managing several different projects, all with the same goal.
Here’s what she had to say.
The basics
1. What’s your name, your role at Tree Shepherd, and how long have you been part of the team?
April Collins, Business Development Manager at Tree Shepherd. I’ve been part of the team since 2023.
2. In one sentence, what does your job actually involve day to day?
Supporting businesses to start or remain in business through regeneration across London.
3. What’s the bit of your job most people wouldn’t guess you do?
Managing several different projects, all with the same goal.
Quick fire
4. Books or movies?
Books.
5. Night owl or early lark?
Early lark.
6. Tea or coffee to get you through the day?
Coffee.
7. Best free thing to do in London this summer?
Summer by the River, Canada Water Floating Cinema, Surrey Docks Farm, Elephant Springs.
8. One South London spot you always recommend to people?
Rosey Hue, Elephant Park.
The juggle
9. What does a typical August day look like for you right now?
6am wake up, 8am summer club drop off, office till 3pm, pick up from summer club and enjoy what’s left of the day.
10. Your favourite thing to do with the kids in London when the sun’s out?
Greenwich Park.
11. And the thing you secretly dread doing with them on repeat?
Roller skating and feeding them!
12. How does juggling your own summer help you understand what traders are going through with theirs?
It’s very difficult and requires lots of flexibility with late nights and early mornings. Mum guilt.
Behind the scenes
13. What does your support look like for traders in August specifically?
Change of working days (Fridays), early morning and late evening availability. Communication is key.
14. What’s a small thing you’ve done for a trader recently that they might not even realise made a difference?
Showed a trader how to use the card reader to take a manual payment after their card wasn’t tapping.
15. What’s the most rewarding part of keeping things running when everyone else’s summer gets a bit wobbly?
Knowing the support we provide is keeping things balanced.
16. What’s one thing you wish people knew about what you do at Tree Shepherd?
I work part time across London with over 40 different businesses.
17. Sum up your summer in three words.
Absolutely winging it.
