From the quickstep to Quality Assurance, Jenny Houghton has quite a diverse range of skills that some may not be aware of.
From a young age, Hartlepool-born Jenny had a keen interest in dance which started off in tap and ballet and performing in pantomimes and shows.
At around eight years old, Jenny began to move into the more complex arts of Ballroom and Latin.
She said: “At that age, as you can imagine there was a massive shortage of boys so we would always end up competing and dancing with girls.
“I just remember enjoying the music and getting to work with a partner, it’s much better and more fun when you have someone supporting you.”
While Jenny enjoyed dancing, she also had a natural talent for it and as well as taking part in the regional Medallist of the Year competitions she also got to take to the stage at the famous Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
She added: “That was a completely different experience, you could feel it in the atmosphere.
“The place had so much history and to dance on the famous ballroom was a brilliant opportunity.”
But Jenny didn’t stop at Blackpool, she also competed in Paris where she represented the UK in the under-16’s category.
Jenny added: “Visiting France and performing my favourite dances is something I’ll never forget. It was crazy competing alongside all the other different countries.
“My dancing however came to a natural end when I left the under 16’s category.
“I looked for another dance school but nowhere really suited me and I wanted to begin concentrating on my education.”
Jenny studied at Hartlepool Sixth Form studying German, English, Psychology and Law before going on to Leeds Metropolitan University to study Business and German.
After completing her second year, Jenny went to live in Germany for a year as part of her Degree.
She continued: “As part of the university course in my third-year, I lived in Germany for 12 months, completing an internship with a nuclear power company in Frankfurt.
“I worked within its training centre, proof-reading, teaching English and also doing a few English to German translations.
“Although I didn’t actually get to speak much German as it was a very international office - and of course the international business language is English!”
Jenny returned home to complete her degree and graduated in 2010.
She said: “As always it was tough looking for work so I began volunteering in the language department at Manor Technology College, where I used to go.
“When I was there I was told about the vacancy at Hart Biologicals and applied.
“I was delighted when I got the job and couldn’t wait to start. I initially started as a Document Control Administrator, updating our document system, adding Certificates of Analysis and also doing the odd German translation.
“After a consultant was brought into Hart Biologicals to work on regulation, I worked closely alongside them and realised I really enjoyed the Quality Assurance aspect of the company.
“I am now a Quality Assurance Officer and have many day-to-day tasks, from maintaining and ensuring we’re compliant with ISO 134835 and handling customer requests to ensuring all Safety Data Sheets and Instructions For Use are approved, correct and up-to-date.”
Jenny is now focused on making further progress at Hart Biologicals in the years to come.
“There are so many things which I enjoy within my role at Hart Biologicals, there’s liaising with customers, getting to use a bit of my German skills and of course the people. We’re really like one big family,” added Jenny.
“In the role I’m currently in I hope to continually progress learning more and also taking part in a Quality Systems based course.”
