The people behind Peartree: Abigail Payne

As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we are highlighting the people who continue to shape Peartree’s success.

Abigail Payne joined the business almost five years ago and has since progressed from Site Manager to Operations Manager, now overseeing nine client sites across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Before joining Peartree, Abigail spent eight years working in the hospitality sector as a Housekeeping Manager. Looking for a new challenge, she was drawn to the opportunities for development and progression that Peartree offered.

“From the beginning, there was a genuine conversation about progression and development,” Abigail explains. “A lot of companies talk about opportunities, but Peartree was clear that if you wanted to grow, there would be support to help you do that.”

Today, Abigail’s role involves leading site teams, maintaining service standards, supporting clients and ensuring operations run smoothly across a diverse portfolio of locations. No two days are ever quite the same.

“Every day is different and you have to be adaptable,” she says. “You might start the day with one plan and end up somewhere completely different.”

Having worked closely with frontline teams throughout her career, Abigail is passionate about supporting the people who deliver the service every day.

“The cleaners are the people who make our jobs easier. They’re with the client every day and represent the company. If you look after your people, they’ll look after your business.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Abigail credits the support of colleagues and senior leaders for helping her build confidence and develop her career.

Her progression from Site Manager to Operations Manager in less than five years demonstrates the opportunities available to those willing to learn, take on new challenges and continue developing their skills.

Abigail’s story is a great example of how careers can evolve within the company, supported by opportunity, trust and a commitment to helping people succeed.