It’s no secret that the success of a company is determined by its employees and Oxygen Finance is no exception, with a hard-working and dedicated workforce keeping the wheels turning.

We spent time with some of our client-facing colleagues to find out more about their work life and what makes them tick.

A long-standing Oxygen employee, Debbs McDermid first worked for the company for a couple of months back in 2013, and lucky for us, she returned in February 2015. Debbs is a Purchase to Pay subject matter expert and now works as Head of Compliance.

Hi Debbs. What does your role involve?

As Head of Compliance, I’m tasked with ensuring all our Early Payment suppliers have their invoices paid as quickly as possible. I have responsibilities around improving payment acceleration and days to pay, and I’m also a Service Manager for three of our clients and an SM/Exec for another.

What do you find most satisfying about your role at Oxygen Finance?

The diversity. I get to do compliance for all our clients whilst being a Service Manager and Exec. This means that although I work independently in compliance, I am also part of a larger team with the other Service Managers. Oxygen is just like one big family – that’s what I love about it. The support you receive is second to none, and during recent years it really has been invaluable! Plus, Oxygen likes to party – which is fantastic.

Now let’s learn more about you outside of work; Do you have any hobbies?

Just walking. Ever since I’ve had my Labrador Charlie, who is eight years old, I’ve walked. He goes out twice day without fail. He has the best dog life.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

My idea of a perfect day is a walk along the beach followed by a picnic. In fact, that’s why I now live two minutes from the sea!

Finally, which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Freddy Mercury, Prince, Paul Weller and Molly Ringwald who was part of the 80’s Brat Pack – she’s out of the film Pretty in Pink.

We also spoke to Joe Morris, Telesales Executive, who is an expert at speaking to our clients’ customers and building relationships.

Joe, tell us more about your role here at Oxygen.

I joined Oxygen in May 2018, so I’m coming up to four years here. My role involves overseeing the whole telesales process. I call our clients’ suppliers to discuss the vast benefits of being a member of their early payment programmes and encourage them to join. I also help manage the digital campaigns and the building of any supplier-facing assets.

What is your background?

After I left University, but before I joined Oxygen, I worked at a software company where I would sell Finance and HR solutions to businesses all over the country of various sizes.

What do you find most satisfying about your role at Oxygen Finance?

I like the fact I get to speak to different people, from different companies every day. Luckily, I am a very social, talkative person by nature!

What motivates you at work?

Helping companies survive through early payment.

Let’s talk about you outside of work now. Tell us your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect non-working day would involve getting up and going to the pub for a Full English Breakfast, then heading down to the football and having a few beers with the lads. After the game, jumping on a plane to Amsterdam for a couple of days away.

What are the three words that would describe you best?

I’d say Social, Confident, and Outgoing.

What’s one thing you’re quite bad at?

Grammar, or always getting injured while playing sport. I have torn my ACL twice and have been told that if I do it again, I will need a knee replacement. I have torn the ligaments in both of my ankles, plus broken two fingers and a toe! I’m not bad at sport, I’m just prone to getting injured!

Ellie Gould is a member of Oxygen’s Support Hub and has worked as an Operational Support Analyst since early 2020. The Support Hub ensures that all of Oxygen’s early payment programmes keep on running smoothly day-by-day, answering client and supplier queries and providing frontline support.

Ellie, tell us more about your role.

As a Support Analyst my role involves being the first point of contact for all our clients and providing support for all their compliance and rebate queries. I also work collaboratively with our Technology, Service Management, and Data teams to ensure that all our processes are working smoothly, and to find ways that we can improve those processes.

What do you find most satisfying about your role at Oxygen Finance?

The most satisfying thing is that no two days are ever the same. There’s always a new challenge, which keeps the whole team on their toes!

What are the three words that would describe you best?

I would say I am Compassionate, Idealist, Observant.

Do you have any skills you wish to improve on?

Workwise, being more confident in my own skill set. Outside of work, knitting!

Do you have any hobbies?

Dancing, reading, baking, and exploring National Trust properties.

Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Anne Boleyn, David Attenborough, Marie Antoinette, and Tom Hiddleston.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Wake up after at least 10 hours sleep and eat a lovely breakfast of eggs royale that has been cooked for me. Then, go to a spa for the morning, take a leisurely walk around a National Trust property with my husband, and have an artisan coffee. Finally, I’d go for an early roast dinner, take a bath with a glass of wine and a good book, then go to bed and watch a Disney film.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My long-term ambition is to work for the National Trust (I’m a little obsessed!) or another similar charitable organisation, and that I will be travelling to all the places I want to visit.