The Greencroft Estate in Annfield Plain is home to Greencroft Bottling and Lanchester Wines – sister businesses within the family-owned The Lanchester Group. Combined, each is amongst the leading businesses in their sector, and combined, they are one of the biggest employers in our area. Consett Magazine has been given exclusive access to meet the people behind the scenes who keep these businesses running.
Gabbie Jefferson is Business Administration Apprentice within the Lanchester Group’s finance department, primarily working for Greencroft Bottling but also learning finance roles for Lanchester Wines and another sister business, Spicers of Hythe, which is based in Gateshead.
My role is really varied, Gabbie explains. “I mostly look after the Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger, so ensuring we pay our bills on time and that people pay us on time too. Due to the nature of the business, there’s a lot of international payments too, Euros mostly, but also US Dollar, New Zealand Dollars, Australian Dollar, South African Rand. It means I have to keep up with the Foreign Exchange rate (FX) daily, so I’m learning really useful skills.
“I also help with finance admin, like filing – if anyone hasn’t got time to do something they usually ask me and I’m very willing to help, it’s what I’m here for and it all helps me to learn.
No two days are the same; there are so many aspects to finance that make every day a learning day.
“I’m often faced with new challenges which keeps it really interesting. Its been great getting to know the people within the business, there’s so many people who work here and the jobs are so varied. Everyone is really nice and they make it easy to ask questions, they all appreciate I’m still learning and are all really helpful.”
Gabbie’s apprenticeship is through Derwentside College and lasts up to 15 months – she joined Lanchester Group in June 2024 so she’s almost completed her course: “I went to sixth form after school but I wasn’t into it, I wanted more of a hands-on role and being able to earn while you learn was perfect for me. I previously tried a Customer Service Level 2 apprentice but didn’t enjoy it, so I switched to Business Admin which is something I’ve really enjoyed.”
Gabbie is already working with her line manager to discuss her career options and development within the Lanchester Group finance team once her apprenticeship comes to an end.
Greencroft Bottling and Lanchester Wines are growing, and they’re looking for people to join our teams. If you’re enthusiastic, hard-working and seeking a career in which you can progress, visit the websites: www.greencroftbottling.com/recruitment and www.lanchesterwines.co.uk/careers-at-lanchester-wines/
