Employee Showcase – Ben Ravenscroft -Yard Supervisor

In this edition of our ‘Employee Showcase’, we highlight Ben Ravenscroft who is the Yard Supervisor here at CRJ Services.

Ben has been part of Team CRJ for over 10 years, having started with us in 2012 as our Yard Operative. Ben plays a key role in the organisation and maintenance of our busy yard at Brook House Farm, as well as washing and preparing incoming machinery for the workshop teams.

As our fleet of machinery continues to grow, it has been necessary for CRJ Services to expand our yard team, which has seen Ben progress from his role as a Yard Operative to Yard Supervisor. This has involved Ben embarking on a management development programme - ‘Managing for the first time’, which will see him develop his skills as a manager, to effectively manage the growing yard team.

Being one of our longest-serving team members, Ben holds a wealth of knowledge of our machinery and processes and embodies our value of ‘One Team’ as he is always willing to help out his colleagues.

“Ben is a real asset to our company. He is organised and always willing to go the extra mile to help out. Ben is a joy to work with, always laughing and puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

“He has been at CRJ now for over 10 years and is a truly well-respected colleague. His dedication and proactive work ethic is truly valued.”

Joe Symons – Transport Manager

We caught up with Ben to discuss his experiences at CRJ Services and learn a bit more about the man himself.

Why did you want join CRJ Services?

I applied to join CRJ Services for a five-month period as temporary cover. I enjoyed the role and people I was working with, and was pleased to be offered a permanent role and have now been with CRJ for over 10 years.

What is your favourite aspect of your role at CRJ?

My favourite aspect of my role is the fact that you have to think for yourself, and take the initiative to plan and organise my workload to fit in with the schedule of our other departments.

What is your favourite machine to work on?

My favourite machine would have to be our Doppstadt trommel screeners. We have over 50 of these in our hire fleet, and I have been working with these machines since the day I started, so know them very well.

What passions do you have outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, and watching my fair share of cricket. I enjoy following my county team, Lancashire, and particularly like watching the IPL 20/20 competition.

I also enjoy my match fishing competitions, with my biggest competition fish landed to date weighing 190lb.

What do you consider the biggest change you have seen in your time at CRJ?

The biggest change I have seen at CRJ Services is the size of the hire fleet. When I started back in 2012, I think we had around 20 machines. We now have well over 100 machines and it’s still growing!

What are the main factors in the longevity of your career with CRJ?

There are a few factors that have played a part in the longevity of my career with CRJ, the main one being loyalty, from both sides. CRJ take real care of their staff, and as long as you hold up your end of the deal, they are very accommodating.

We have a great team of people across all of our departments, who make it an excellent place to work. I also have a good work life balance, which allows me to spend time with my family, with hours that suit my personal commitments.

What three words would you pick to describe CRJ Services?

Always something new.

If you could pick an actor to play you in a movie of your life, who would it be?

Denzel Washington. Legend.