Meet the Team: Olivia

2 min read

Dec 05 2024

Next in the Meet the Team series is Olivia (a.k.a. Liv), the Personal Assistant to the Director of Estates whose role has grown alongside the estate. Liv’s energy, warmth, and ability to juggle a multitude of tasks make her an integral part of the Belmont team. Let’s get to know her better!

Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did your journey to belmont begin?

Before Belmont, I spent five years in the world of weddings and high-end events, working for a marquee company that handled everything from event production to refrigeration or catering logistics. It was fast-paced, client-facing, and involved a lot of travel. Then COVID hit, and I moved to Bristol, looking for a new role. Belmont felt like a natural fit having worked for a family business before, I loved the overlap and sense of community.

I joined Belmont during the quiet days of the pandemic in September 2020, when the estate was practically empty. It was an amazing time to get to know the estate in its purest form, walk through it on my own, and understand its rhythms. I originally came on board as an Estate Manager’s Assistant, but as Belmont has grown, so has my role. Now, I support the COO and the wider Estate Team with everything from farming admin to purchasing and scheduling. It’s been incredible to see the business evolve and my role along with it.

What inspired you to join the belmont team?

It was the estate itself. Belmont’s natural beauty immediately drew me in, and during those early, quiet months, I realised how special this place is. Being surrounded by nature every day isn’t just inspiring, it’s grounding. Working here combines my love of people, organisation, and the outdoors, which was the perfect balance for me.

Tell us about your Role and what excites you most about it?

My role is all about multitasking. Supporting many different people at once means no two days are the same! Whether helping with admin tasks, coordinating schedules, or jumping in to solve problems, I love those little “mini wins” where I can make things happen quickly.

One of the best parts of my job is being the go-to person for the team. Over time, I’ve built up a lot of knowledge about how the estate runs, and I take pride in being a first point of contact. Knowing that my work helps others do theirs is really rewarding.

When you’re not at work, where would we find you?

Outdoors, definitely! I love long walks with my husband and our dog and exploring new places. Cooking is another passion, although my husband usually takes the lead in the kitchen as he’s just better at it!

I also enjoy reading and taking sunny trips abroad, and I’m a big fan of festivals. Music, the outdoors, and good company? That’s my happy place.

Do you have a favourite spot on the estate?

The pigs! I adore them – especially Dotty. If I’m down near Watercress, I’ll always make a point to visit Tallulah and Delilah (our free-roaming Tamworth pigs). They’re one of my favourite animals; they remind me of dogs in many ways. Their personalities and quirks make me so happy.

What inspires you? Do you have a favourite book or music that resonates with you?

I’m drawn to female singer-songwriters like Laura Marling and First Aid Kit. Their music feels like the perfect soundtrack for exploring or travelling. As for books, Where the Crawdads Sing is a standout for me. Its description of the natural world from the swamp to the wildlife is beautiful. It’s such an evocative story that makes you appreciate the outdoors.

What’s something you’d love to accomplish in the future?

Personally, I’ve always wanted to explore Scotland properly – not just the cities, but the islands and wilderness. The Isle of Harris is high on my list, and I’d love to spend time walking, driving, and soaking in the beauty and culture of the Highlands.

Professionally, one thing I’d love to get involved with more is learning everything needed to grow good, healthy, organic food with my local community. It’s something that I and so many of the team are passionate about, and I think it’s such a great way to connect, learn and grow with like-minded people. I would really love this!