5 Minutes With Relief Officer, Newton Parry

We spent five minutes talking to Newton Parry, relief officer in Manchester about what being a security professional means to him.

When did you join Corps and what does your current role involve?

I joined Corps in June 2010 and my current role is relief officer. I work at 12 different sites in and around Manchester, on call to cover holidays, sickness, or to provide support for security officers. I also work many additional hours at my sites.

Can you tell us a little about your career background / what was your first job?

I trained in finance and became an accountant for many years. I thoroughly enjoyed the profession. I got into the security business because I was employed by Oldham council and worked primarily in the budget department. Here I worked with the local authority, which included lots of security, giving me the idea to establish a recognised security department.

I developed the idea and eventually created a department and  stayed on as security manager. I learnt the trade as I went along, becoming more and more invested in the security world. This department became my baby and is something I’m very proud of. I worked there for over 14 years before joining the Corps Security team.

If you weren’t in security, what would you be doing as a career?

I’d probably still work as an accountant.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

My favourite thing is the recognition of our efforts from the client. Sometimes your hard work can get forgotten about, but since working with Corps, clients have been really appreciative and recognise the work we do. Little things like that go a long way and is something I truly value.

What are the main challenges you face in your daily role?

I really enjoy what I do. For me, if you enjoy and love something, it’s never a challenge. When you work hard and become good at your profession, there’s a solution to every obstacle, an answer to every question. Nothing feels like a challenge when you enjoy these moments.

What would you say has been your biggest highlight whilst working for Corps?

Every day is a highlight. There’s so much variety in being a relief officer, no shift is the same. Linking back to enjoying what you do, when you have this mindset, every day is a highlight because every day is different.

What do you like doing outside of work?

I love my music! I’ve played the drums since I was young and to this day still play the drums whenever I can. I go to jamming sessions a lot, where various musicians all meet up and play together at a hired facility. The equipment is already in place and ready to play, which is very beneficial when your equipment is a drum set! You meet some amazing new people and talents, as well as connect with friends.

Playing the drums has been a massive part of my life. I’ve played in local pubs and venues but a special highlight of mine was when I met the late Gerry Marsden from Gerry and The Peacemakers at a nightclub in Manchester. I toured with Gerry for a while after that, a fantastic experience with memories I’ll cherish forever.

What is on your bucket list?

I’d really like to travel to Istanbul in Turkey. This is where the infamous, high quality bell bronze discs cymbals are made, a highly sought-after cymbal for drumming enthusiasts. I also want my own Ludwig drum kit. They’re by far the most famous drumming kits in the world and owned by the best musicians out there.