Our people are important to us at UNTHA UK — after all, without their knowledge and expertise we would be unable to deliver the five-star customer service that we’re so famous for. 

So, each month we quiz a different colleague on  quickfire questions that offer a little more insight into why they play such an important and valued part of our growing team. 

Next up, it’s our recently-appointed global marketing director, Katie Mallinson… 

1. How did you first get into the world of shredding?

It was by chance, when I was about 24. I worked for a PR agency and they won a client in this industry. It was love at first sight!

2. What’s the one skill or quality that helps you succeed in the UNTHA environment?  

I love telling the stories of our customers, and I’m not afraid of a technical or complex brief. This hopefully translates into content — written or otherwise — that informs the market, encourages debate, promotes the sharing of knowledge, drives discussion and progress, and results in growth for all concerned. 

3. Name one highlight from your UNTHA tenure so far. 

Being appointed as their global marketing director, following almost 15 years working with UNTHA, as a supplier. 

4. How do you unwind at the end of a busy day at work? 

I have no choice but to switch off when the working day is officially over — I have two young girls under five who keep my mind busy and my heart full. Plus, very soon I’ll be in ‘reno’ mode as I’m just about to move into a new house — and let’s just say, it’s a project…

5. What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received? 

Be authentic. It was around 2013 when I stood out like a sore thumb at a waste event because I was the only woman in a room of over 300 attendees. Another delegate remarked that I wouldn’t succeed by simply smiling, as though that was the only thing I was basing my career on. After a momentary confidence dip, I was given far more helpful advice to approach the business environment in a way that felt right for me. Needless to say, I maintained my ‘smiley’ approach — I enjoy what I do and ten years later, I hope that others appreciate my positive attitude to work. There can be a lot of hard graft behind a smile!

6. Which machine is your favourite from the UNTHA shredder range, and why? 

While the XR is globally recognised as a game-changer, and I therefore never get bored of writing about the new boundaries it continues to break, I do have a soft spot for the PS1300!

7. What do you think makes UNTHA’s service such a hit with our customers?

Because a customer never merely buys a shredder. They invest in our expertise, and our commitment to making their waste, recycling, or energy project a success. We pride ourselves on that, even if the shredding scenario is extremely challenging. We become truly invested in what happens after the shredder installation — that’s the added value that to us is a given, but isn’t the norm for every manufacturer. 

8. What’s your main hope for UNTHA over the next year or so?

 As a team, UNTHA UK has never felt stronger, and I love experiencing the achievements of my colleagues. There’s a real energy in the business right now. 

On a more international level, I am so excited for my new role, and know that we have the vision — and ability — to continue UNTHA’s growth journey on a truly worldwide basis. Our plan is to increasingly ‘think global, act local’ — so watch this space.

9. Share an environmental fact that you think people need to know

I wish everyone knew what could happen with their unwanted mattress, if in the right hands, instead of fly-tipped or on a landfill site!

10. And finally, what’s your main environmental hope for the UK as a whole? 

When I first started working in this industry, in around 2009, waste and recycling was considered a dirty industry — my friends would laugh at how excited I got about all-things-environmental. Now, so many people care about being green. I am excited to see where we are in another 14 years’ time, because I think the nation’s passion for sustainability progress is only going to grow.