Manager beats 400 to take top title

Nov 7 2007 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

AN office manager has won a national award for helping her disaster restoration company deliver vital services to the victims of flood and fire.

Lynne Murphy, who works for Rainbow International, beat off competition from more than 400 colleagues across the UK to win Administrator of the Year.

Rainbow International specialises in restoring homes and businesses following fire, flood or accidental damage, as well as providing a domestic and commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning service.

Lynne’s boss Michael Folkes said she had played a significant part in the success of the business over the past two years.

“Lynne was pretty much dropped in at the deep end when she joined us but she very quickly reorganised office systems and invoicing, creating greater efficiency and giving us the platform to continue our growth,” said Mr Folkes.

He and his father Charles launched the business five years ago and since then have seen turnover grow from an initial £180,000 in their first year to more than £1m this year, creating 16 jobs in the process.

They recently relocated to a 5,000sq ft response centre on the Alliance Industrial Estate in Dodsworth Street, Darlington.

Their franchise area has also greatly expanded from originally covering Darlington and Richmondshire to taking on Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

Lynne said: “I am delighted that I have been recognised for my hard work but would not have been able to achieve this without the support of my team and work colleagues.”