Employee Spotlight: Abi Richardson

The Partner Relationship Manager is a role that has been recently introduced to Key IVR to manage the growing number of partners that have come on board over recent years.

Abi Richardson has had the privilege of taking on this role, maintaining strong relationships with our existing partners, providing training and support to their sales teams with her knowledge and understanding around our Payment Solutions.

When did you start working at Key IVR?
It was July 2017. I started off by doing Business Development and Account Management. I knew a few people that worked here, and they said I’d fit in really well. The office was also really close to where I live, making it very convenient to commute to.
What does your role involve?
At the moment I’m transitioning from my Account Manager role to a dedicated Partner Relationship Manager. I do a lot around training our partner sales teams as well as nurturing new partnerships and arranging regular team meetings. A huge aspect of my role is to build up their knowledge and understanding of our payment solutions when selling them on to potential clients. I’m basically the first point of call with partner field sales if they have any queries around an opportunity.
What is your favourite part about working for Key IVR?
I enjoy keeping busy and Key IVR is definitely a fast paced environment with a constant list of things to do. The job is demanding, but every day is different and I love all the variety of people I get to meet. We also occasionally go out on team socials, it’s always a good laugh and nice to see everyone outside the work environment.

What have you gained from working at Key IVR?
Confidence. I’d never done face-to-face selling before I came to Key IVR and adapting my techniques from selling a product over the phone to presenting bespoke solutions has massively improved my sales skills. I can give suggestions for tackling a specific set of business challenges that have massively benefited a number of clients and in turn, their customers. I’d also never worked in an IT or Technical environment, so I’ve surprised myself with the knowledge I’ve gained within the sector.
What makes you proud to work at Key IVR?
Watching it grow from only a small team of people to over 50 passionate and dedicated staff. You can clearly see every improvement year-on-year.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I’m a really outdoorsy person, so I love to go and visit the seaside or the North York Moors. I also really enjoy going on weekends away to different cities and places.
Before working at Key IVR, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
My job before this was pretty interesting and different, I worked as a medical sales representative for a healthcare consumable manufacturer. We sold anything from surgical instruments to waterproof underwear!

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
For my honeymoon we went on an American road trip through California, Nevada and Arizona. We started off in Los Angeles, then went up to San Francisco, across to Mammoth Lakes in Yosemite National Park, then to Death Valley, and finally finished in Las Vegas. I really didn’t expect Vegas to be something for me, but I loved every minute of it. We also went to the Grand Canyon which was spectacular!
Describe what you were like at age 10?
I was a bit of a tomboy, really confident and a bit of a performer. Unsurprisingly, I always had the main role in the school play.
If you could do any other job for one day, what would it be?
I’d love to do real estate, selling yachts and penthouses to the rich and famous.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
I’m a bit of a chef and I can play guitar.
What music is on your phone?
It’s quite varied, but I absolutely love Motown, Soul, Funk and Rock music (especially Classic Rock). My favourite song of all time is Raspberry Beret by Prince.
Where is your favourite place to eat?
Bem Brasil, it’s an all-you-can-eat steak restaurant and it’s amazing.