As part of BEAM Fieldwork’s tenth anniversary, we’re celebrating the relationships that have helped build BEAM. For Amy, that includes Jo Corneill, a Supervisor whose support began before the company’s first project.
Here, Amy revisits their shared beginnings, memorable studies and the things she values most about working with Jo.
A COFFEE AND A BEGINNING
Amy: I first met you while working for another fieldwork company. You were always warm and accommodating, and such a fantastic supervisor. When I started BEAM, I knew I wanted you involved. What do you remember about that time?
Jo: I was really pleased when you said you were starting your own company, and happy you asked me to be part of it. I remember meeting one morning at Costa Coffee in Wilmslow. It was a good place to meet because it was the site of my late father’s photographic business.
Amy: I remember your encouragement. You knew I was nervous about going it alone, but you helped build my confidence. Looking back now, we’ve shared quite a few projects since that coffee, haven’t we?
Jo: We have done many projects together. Not least the paper towel projects, which involved a lot of cooking oil and Dolmio sauce. Stressful! We all smelled like spag bol for weeks.
PLENTY TO LAUGH ABOUT
Amy: There was usually a lot of tomato sauce involved! I also remember the baked bean taste tests. It took me a long time to want to eat baked beans afterwards. Then there were the loo roll hall tests. Perhaps we’ll leave those to everyone’s imagination. One thing I love about you is that you know how to have a giggle. Your laugh is wonderfully infectious. Beyond those memorable moments, what has working with BEAM been like for you?
Jo: I appreciate working for and with BEAM. I have always found the team approachable, professional and understanding. So many companies have lost the personal touch; but not BEAM.
PART OF THE TEAM
Amy: That means a lot. Professionally, something I really value is how brilliantly you manage your team. You’re determined, resourceful and a wonderful problem solver. You demonstrate our values: Be Effective, Be Supportive, Be Trustworthy and Be Resourceful. Do you feel that your experience has a proper place in our projects?
Jo: I feel I am your valued local supervisor, and I’m often asked for input. So many companies treat supervisors as allocating machines. Big mistake! We are all in it together from start to finish.
Amy: You’re certainly more than someone we send work to. You’re one of my go-to people when I need help with a difficult project. What advice would you give someone starting in fieldwork today?
Jo: Be flexible. Be honest with your field team and expect your company to be the same. A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Care about your staff and resources. We all play a part in the picture. Take the rough with the smooth, too. We all need to make a living.
KEEPING THE PERSONAL TOUCH
Amy: We’ve also worked through a lot of change. What stands out to you when you look back?
Jo: COVID was difficult for face-to-face work, but we survived. There is now much more online research. That helps us reach people quickly, including harder-to-reach audiences. However, it is very important to keep face-to-face research going. You can’t beat the personal touch.
THANK YOU, JO
Amy: As we reach ten years, I want to thank you for your continued support, honesty and kindness. You’ve helped BEAM, but you’ve also helped me personally.
You’ve taught me that it will come together in the end. How do you feel looking towards our next chapter?
Jo: BEAM Fieldwork is dear to me. I have great respect for you and what you have built. It can’t always have been easy with the ebb and flow of work.
I wish you all well for the future and look forward to seeing BEAM continue to grow.
Amy: Thank you, Jo. I hope we can keep sharing plenty of work, alongside the support and laughter that have meant so much.