Raising a Cuppa to Diane Stoneman: Our Accounts Ace

We're absolutely thrilled to shine our team spotlight on the wonderful Diane Stoneman, a cornerstone of the Norwegian Log family for a fantastic 13 years. Diane’s journey with us is a brilliant example of how talent can blossom and evolve, and we’re chuffed to bits to celebrate her incredible contribution.

I managed to grab a quick chat with Diane amidst the hustle and bustle of the office, and her warm smile and genuine enthusiasm for her role were immediately infectious. You'll often find her making the rounds with a fresh brew, a testament to her thoughtful and caring nature – she's always making sure the team has a cuppa to keep them going.

From Marketing Admin to Master of the Accounts Ledger

Diane’s initial years at Norwegian Log saw her as a vital part of the Marketing and Sales Administration team, where her exceptional eye for detail and remarkable organisational skills were clear for all to see. Indeed, these abilities were honed during her extensive prior experience. Before joining Norwegian Log, Diane lent her talents to 3M, first in the Photographic and Audio Visual Department for 12 years, and subsequently with Johnson and Johnson Medical - Breast Care Team within their marketing team for 11 years.

Then came a fantastic opportunity. Recognising Diane’s inherent strengths, Norwegian Log nurtured her skillset and offered her a chance to diversify into the world of Accounts. It’s a move that perfectly highlights our belief in our people and their potential for growth. As Diane herself put it, she initially thought, "No, no, don't do numbers!" But our then Accounts whizz, Pat Turner, saw her potential, declaring, "Oh no, you're so organised, you'll be able to do it!" And the rest, as they say, is history!

Diane now expertly manages accounts payable and receivable, ensuring everything ticks along smoothly. From processing customer payments and sending out invoices to handling supplier queries and managing warranties, her role is incredibly varied. As she says, it’s been a "great learning curve," especially navigating the shift from Sage to XERO.

A Natural Organiser and a People Person Through and Through

When asked about her key skills, Diane’s natural flair for organisation shines through. It’s something she’s brought with her and honed over her many years here. What makes her contribution even more special is the genuine care she has for both our clients and the team. She treats company money as her own and always aims to provide the best possible service. It's no wonder she receives lovely feedback from customers!

Diane fondly remembers the welcoming atmosphere when she first started, with Nick Forrester and Mark Chatfield at the helm. The family feel of the company has remained a constant, and she truly appreciates the opportunities she’s been given to grow and develop. As she rightly says, it’s brilliant when a company "keeps you because they see you." 

More Time for Family and Adventures 

In more recent news, Diane’s husband, Phil, has now retired. We were absolutely delighted to support Diane’s request to reduce her working days to three, allowing her more precious time for cruising and enjoying life to the full with Phil. Her love for cruising is well-known, especially as her daughter, Rebecca, is a professional dancer on cruise ships! This has led to some incredible travel opportunities, including trips to South Africa and New York. Adding to the excitement, Diane’s son, Nicholas, is getting married in October – a truly joyous occasion for the whole family. Her recent adventures also include a stunning cruise around the Norwegian Fjords – though she couldn't quite confirm if she spotted any Norwegian Spruce trees up close! This flexibility and focus on work-life balance is something Diane truly values at Norwegian Log. 

Moments to Cherish and a Future Full of Growth

Reflecting on her time here, Diane highlights the continuous growth of Norwegian Log while maintaining that cherished family ethos. It's a powerful reflection to the company's values and the dedication of everyone involved.

Diane Stoneman is an absolute gem, and her 13 years of dedication have made a real difference to Norwegian Log. Her adaptability, her meticulous approach, and her warm personality make her an invaluable member of our team. Here’s to many more happy years, Diane! We’re so lucky to have you.