Alex Atha – UKLA young employee of the year 2023

Give us a bit of background – how long have you been working at Vickers Oils – what is your role and how have you progressed throughout the years?

I am Alex Atha and I have been working for Vickers Oils for 10 years, I started as the Purchasing Assistant and have been the Purchasing Manager for nearly 3 years now! Prior to joining Vickers Oils, I had never been in a purchasing role, so I had to learn everything about the industry. Vickers Oils are strong believers in personal development and supported me to start my Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply qualifications in 2016 which I completed in 2022.

In your 10 years at Vickers Oils, what do you feel you have learnt the most?

To expect the unexpected! Over my time at Vickers Oils, I have learnt that there are various challenges for businesses and people involved in the supply chain, the biggest issue for me is not knowing what is next. Over the last 5 years we have faced many different challenges, and these issues have led to transport shortages, raw material shortages, extensive lead times and huge energy prices and businesses cannot foresee such disruptions. Procurement, as a function plays a huge part of managing these risks and mitigating them where possible. It really highlights the importance of good, strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers. Without these, it would have been near impossible to manage supply and quality for our customers.

Do you enjoy working in the lubricants industry? What are your favourite aspects of it?

Very much so. I enjoy how the lubricants industry is constantly changing and always striving for innovation and more sustainable and efficient ways of lubricating. Every day I am learning something new and there is always a challenge to tackle. It would be boring if it was easy!

I enjoy working with everyone at Vickers Oils and the level of teamwork we have. I also very much enjoy working with our suppliers and building the close relationships that are needed for both sides to succeed.

As a member of the sustainability task force, what do you feel is important for the future of the lubricants industry?

Now more than ever it is extremely important for businesses to take more of a sustainable approach in everything that they do. I feel that it is vital to be constantly looking at how to reduce the overall impacts of CO₂ emissions whilst also improving and maintaining the quality of our products. Education on this subject is extremely important.

How does it feel to be the winner of the UKLA young employee of the year award?

It feels great! I was really pleased when I found out I was entered and then winning the award! I’m very grateful to Peter Vickers for putting my name forward and I feel very proud to work as part of the Vickers Oils team.