FIVE MINUTES WITH… IRIS HYDE, OUR LONGEST STANDING EMPLOYEE

Moving from Hong Kong to the UK to study catering management and with a background working in patisserie, Iris joined us as an Accounts Assistant. She has worked on every aspect of accounts and payroll here at Dolce, as well as being immersed in managing the wider office activity. Iris is now the Office Manager.

It’s become a true family affair, as Iris’ daughter also joined us 10 years ago.

We grabbed five minutes with Iris to hear about how Dolce has changed over the years she has been here, how she finds working with her daughter, what she likes to do in her spare time and her favourite meal.

You’ve been at Dolce for nearly 24 years – how has the business changed in that time?

It’s changed hugely, as you’d expect with any business over 25 years. I joined when it was a year old, and it was quite small back then. The office was a house based in Ashton and Makerfield that had been converted into a small office and run by Dolce Founder Dan Curtis. Within a year, the office moved to Hindley Business Centre in Wigan. It then split into two offices – one in Leigh and one over in York – and eventually the Leigh office moved to Lowton in 2015, which is where I work now.

Over time, Dan’s sons also joined the business, with Scott Curtis now in place as Managing Director and Adam Curtis as Director.

I feel quite privileged to have seen the business evolve and develop over the years. It’s a family-run business with a family feel to it, and I like being a part of it all.

What’s the best thing about working at Dolce?

I’m not sure I can choose just one. I have to say that I’ve really enjoyed learning lots of different skills; the development and progress opportunities have been great. I’ve held a variety of roles at Dolce, and with each one, I’ve had to learn new things. I really enjoy what I do; I wouldn’t have stayed for nearly 24 years if I didn’t!
Your daughter works alongside you in the office. How is it working together?

Yes, my daughter joined Dolce when she was at college, which was 10 years ago now. The time has flown! We both work in the office full time, side by side, and it works well. We have a nice mother/daughter dynamic and have found a rhythm together.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love gardening; my house is full of plants and flowers. I’m quite active and enjoy walking and have become a dab-hand at DIY too. I like to keep busy, so between work and my pastimes, I’m kept entertained.

Dolce works in catering. We’ve got to ask – what would be your ‘deathrow’ meal?

It’s got to be crispy duck! It’s a dish I don’t often make a lot at home. Before I came to the UK, I lived in Hong Kong and it’s the dish I miss the most. Every few months, I go out to Manchester’s Chinatown for crispy duck.

Thanks Iris!
The Dolce team

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