Eighteen Years,
Two Thousand Coffees,
and one very full heart. Here I go.
By Julie King
Head of Client Care
I came in as a receptionist. Paul apparently said, “we’ll give her three months,” and somehow, I ended up running the client care team, surviving an office move, fifteen Christmas parties, BBQ’s, engagements, weddings, several babies, along with breakups, and a lot of meeting prep. We do have a large supply of tissues in the office.
The move to SeventySeven WM was a big one. My role grew the most and I was promoted into a team I care deeply about — people who share the same belief: treat clients as we’d treat our own parents.
Taking on the client care team and becoming a manager was a challenge for someone who hates confrontation — I’m the sort of person who apologises to doors when I bump into them. But it was worth it.
I’ve always tried to be kind and thoughtful, to listen, and to offer the best advice I can. Somewhere along the way, I also became the unofficial Head of Cake and Charity. If a cause needed funds (and calories), we baked, sold, and ate our way through it — from Breast Cancer and Macmillan to Save the Children and Mind. Basically, if it’s got a JustGiving page, I’ve baked for it.
I’ve also walked many miles for Refuge, the Heart Foundation and, most recently, the SJP Charitable Foundation (Seven Sisters). If walking and cake were Olympic sports, I’d be double gold.
Then there was the famous Christmas Party of 2023 — the one I organised but never attended, because I was in Barbados. (It’s called delegation, not desertion.) I’m planning this year’s event too and fully intend to turn up this time — assuming I can resist the lure of the Caribbean - only joking everyone.
I’ve met so many lovely people—and their families, dogs, and once a parrot called Colin. I tried to fix every question, worry, or misplaced password. I’ll miss them all — though perhaps not the paperwork that came with them or their pension paperwork that looked like a novel! I will say that one person, we won’t mention names Rob, always made me laugh hysterically and the office will be quieter when I’m gone. Every time he calls he says, “Are you still here...!”
There have been so many laughs (and the odd challenge), but the Exec Team were right when they said, “If you cut Julie’s arm off, you’d see SeventySeven written through her like a stick of rock.” It’s true — though hopefully no one’s testing that theory.
The move to SeventySeven WM was a big one. My role grew the most and I was promoted into a team I care deeply about — people who share the same belief: treat clients as we’d treat our own parents.
Taking on the client care team and becoming a manager was a challenge for someone who hates confrontation — I’m the sort of person who apologises to doors when I bump into them. But it was worth it.
I’ve always tried to be kind and thoughtful, to listen, and to offer the best advice I can. Somewhere along the way, I also became the unofficial Head of Cake and Charity. If a cause needed funds (and calories), we baked, sold, and ate our way through it — from Breast Cancer and Macmillan to Save the Children and Mind. Basically, if it’s got a JustGiving page, I’ve baked for it.
I’ve also walked many miles for Refuge, the Heart Foundation and, most recently, the SJP Charitable Foundation (Seven Sisters). If walking and cake were Olympic sports, I’d be double gold.
Then there was the famous Christmas Party of 2023 — the one I organised but never attended, because I was in Barbados. (It’s called delegation, not desertion.) I’m planning this year’s event too and fully intend to turn up this time — assuming I can resist the lure of the Caribbean - only joking everyone.
I’ve met so many lovely people—and their families, dogs, and once a parrot called Colin. I tried to fix every question, worry, or misplaced password. I’ll miss them all — though perhaps not the paperwork that came with them or their pension paperwork that looked like a novel! I will say that one person, we won’t mention names Rob, always made me laugh hysterically and the office will be quieter when I’m gone. Every time he calls he says, “Are you still here...!”
There have been so many laughs (and the odd challenge), but the Exec Team were right when they said, “If you cut Julie’s arm off, you’d see SeventySeven written through her like a stick of rock.” It’s true — though hopefully no one’s testing that theory.
I’m fiercely proud of the SeventySeven team. There is a reason why Anna and Andy have led their groups for so long — they love the friendships, care and support that make this place feel more like a family than a business. And like any family, we occasionally disagree… but usually over the radio station: Magic will always be my favourite! The next chapter: Chris and I are retiring so we can be closer to our parents and help support them along with our sisters. First, though, we’ve got to figure out where we’ll live — somewhere in Yorkshire, halfway between Darlington and South Cave. Basically, we’re aiming for the sweet spot between family, friends, and a decent pub.
We have booked a trip to Thailand in January 2026 — my youngest daughter has been travelling since July, so it’ll be amazing to see her and Matt again in Phuket (and to prove we’re still fun).
Spending time with my four children and Chris’s two sons — will always be my priority. We both love walking, so Scotland, Ireland and Wales are next on the list. I suspect my version of “slowing down” will still involve a colour-coded itinerary, a packed lunch, and definitely a plan, but I’ll work on it.
Passing the Torch to Lucy: well, I’ve written procedures, notes, and at least three emotional disclaimers. The manual is thicker than War and Peace!
Lucy is strong, capable and full of ideas. My advice to her is simple: be kind, be honest, and never underestimate the power of biscuits in a team meeting. Oh, and keep snacks in your drawer. And always stir Paul’s coffee to the right - You’ll be fine. Handing over something that’s been such a big part of my life isn’t easy. Paul, James, Adele and David have supported me through some tough times, and that’s how I managed to juggle it all with family life.
My time at SeventySeven WM has been the best of my life, and I’ll miss everyone so much. If I had to sum it up in three words (which is impossible), they’d be: happy, supported, loved.
So, my leaving message is this: always be kind, be happy, be safe, and look after yourselves. You’ve all been amazing — and yes, I’m crying again just thinking about it. Goodbye xx
We have booked a trip to Thailand in January 2026 — my youngest daughter has been travelling since July, so it’ll be amazing to see her and Matt again in Phuket (and to prove we’re still fun).
Spending time with my four children and Chris’s two sons — will always be my priority. We both love walking, so Scotland, Ireland and Wales are next on the list. I suspect my version of “slowing down” will still involve a colour-coded itinerary, a packed lunch, and definitely a plan, but I’ll work on it.
Passing the Torch to Lucy: well, I’ve written procedures, notes, and at least three emotional disclaimers. The manual is thicker than War and Peace!
Lucy is strong, capable and full of ideas. My advice to her is simple: be kind, be honest, and never underestimate the power of biscuits in a team meeting. Oh, and keep snacks in your drawer. And always stir Paul’s coffee to the right - You’ll be fine. Handing over something that’s been such a big part of my life isn’t easy. Paul, James, Adele and David have supported me through some tough times, and that’s how I managed to juggle it all with family life.
My time at SeventySeven WM has been the best of my life, and I’ll miss everyone so much. If I had to sum it up in three words (which is impossible), they’d be: happy, supported, loved.
So, my leaving message is this: always be kind, be happy, be safe, and look after yourselves. You’ve all been amazing — and yes, I’m crying again just thinking about it. Goodbye xx
SJP Approved: 10/10/2025