Valerie Gardner

As Managing Director, Val plays a pivotal role in setting the direction of the business, particularly when the path forward isn’t always clear. One of the most important (and often unseen) parts of her role is making decisive choices when logic, data and differing opinions don’t align.

What Val enjoys most about her role is simple: the people. From the internal team to customers, suppliers and stakeholders, she values the relationships that keep the business moving forward. She firmly believes that every individual, regardless of title or position, plays a vital part in keeping the engine turning. That philosophy shapes the culture at Winster; one where everyone is respected, needed and encouraged to contribute.

Val describes herself as resilient, determined and persistent; qualities that have supported her throughout her career. She deeply appreciates that her colleagues genuinely care about the company and always strive to do their best.

Outside of work, Val enjoys escaping to warmer weather at her van in Mid Wales and walking her rescue dog from Spain. A fan of the film A Few Good Men, she admires strong, principled characters, much like Olivia Benson from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Her personal motto, “Change what you can, accept what you can’t,” reflects her grounded and pragmatic outlook.

For Val, the perfect weekend includes good food, good company, and perhaps a homemade Snickers-style treat (dates, peanut butter, chopped nuts and 90% chocolate). If she could invite anyone to dinner, it would be her late grandfather; a funny, humble man with endless stories and a sense of wonder about the world.