Meet Bethany Wilby: HR Advisor

20 May 2026

Bethany joined Bagnalls back in August 2025 and is already a truly integral part of our team. We caught up with her to discuss all things HR, her apprentice ambassadorship and her proudest achievement to date.

How did you get into the HR sector?

Bethany: “I had been interested in a career within HR for a while and one of my previous employers kindly provided me with the opportunity to complete my CIPD Level 3 Certificate in Learning and Development.

“Unfortunately, I was finding it difficult to apply my learnings to my day-to-day work. After experiencing a number of different roles and gaining valuable insights into the world of HR, I decided I wanted to gain further exposure in employee relations.

“It was then that I discovered the Bagnalls role of Apprentice HR Advisor, specialising in recruitment – I knew it was the perfect position for me so jumped at it! I’m very grateful for the opportunity to gain more experience within our industry, along with a further CIPD qualification.”

What’s it like working for a family business?

Bethany: “Our family business status really is the heart of everything that we do at Bagnalls. It’s incredible that this value still runs true 150 years down the line!

“The positive effects radiate through everyone in the organisation, from our Group Managing Director, Stephen Bagnall, all the way through to the painters out on site each day.

“I can honestly say that I haven’t experienced an organisation with such a warm and welcoming culture before. As a new employee, it was so refreshing to feel welcome, safe and valued from my very first day.”

Tell us about your role as Apprentice Ambassador for the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (YHAAN). How did this come about?

Bethany: “The Apprentice Ambassador Network helps raise awareness of the benefits, value and opportunities that can arise from completing an apprenticeship. My HR Advisor role involves organising, running and promoting our yearly apprentice intake programme – this connects well with YHAAN, so becoming an Ambassador seemed like a no-brainer!

“I was recently invited to the National Apprenticeship Ambassador Network Conference, which was such a treat! It meant I could connect with other Ambassadors, understand the work everyone has been doing and champion apprenticeships.

“I’m also very grateful to have received the Best Newcomer Apprentice Award 2025/2026 for the Network. It’s a real pleasure and honour to receive this recognition so early into my career with Bagnalls.”

How has the Bagnalls team supported you throughout the last 8 months?

Bethany: “I’m incredibly lucky to have such a supportive and helpful team around me. I have worked in different roles within HR departments for over 4 years now, but I am still learning new things every day. I’m very thankful that all my Bagnalls colleagues are willing to provide me with advice and guidance, including extra support with my ongoing apprenticeship.

“My manager, Ben, began his role at Bagnalls at a similar time, so we’ve been learning about the business together. This has helped us build a good working relationship.”

What’s been your proudest achievement at Bagnalls so far?

Bethany: “I’ve recently been working closely with Becky Slater, our Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ), researching potential support options for our disabled employees.

“I will be putting some specific measures in place in the coming months to hopefully enhance our employees’ experience, while also showing our support for them and their disability. I’m very proud to have been part of this initiative and hope I can continue to champion these measures going forward.”

What else do you enjoy about your current role?

Bethany: “I really enjoy being responsible for recruitment across Bagnalls, particularly working on the induction and onboarding of new employees.

“I’ve recently introduced a new-starter onboarding and induction pack, with the aim of giving our new employees a detailed insight into their role, their colleagues and how their first few weeks with the business will pan out. This seems to have been a success so far!

“I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know people from our different branches and building some great relationships. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent at Bagnalls so far and I look forward to the development of my career with the company.”

If Bethany’s career journey appeals to you, why not check out our current vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities?