Monday Meets Claire Daly - Receptionist

In this week's #MondayMeets, we sit down with Claire Daly , receptionist at Derwent London HQ, 25 Savile Row W1.

As Claire explains, her position may appear straightforward, but in reality, it demands composure, quick thinking, and the ability to handle whatever the day brings.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?

I was inspired to take on this role after working in front-of-house positions in hotels for many years. I’ve always loved being that friendly, welcoming face people see first, and I’ve developed a real passion for creating great first impressions and helping things run smoothly. Whether it's assisting someone who's coming for an interview or handling a busy front desk with a smile, I genuinely enjoy being in a role where I can help others and keep things organised.

What’s one surprising or little-known aspect of your role that you think people would find interesting?

People often think being a receptionist is all calm smiles and answering phones – and on the surface, it is! But behind the scenes, it's like that swan analogy: calm and graceful on top but paddling like crazy underneath. I’m constantly juggling changing schedules, handling unexpected situations, and making sure everything flows smoothly without anyone seeing the chaos. It keeps things interesting!

What does innovation mean to you in your role, and how do you bring it to life in your work?

To me, innovation is all about finding smarter ways to do things – making processes simpler, faster, and more efficient. In my role, that often means looking at how we work day-to-day and thinking, 'Is there an easier way to do this?' I’m always trying to streamline tasks, cut out unnecessary steps, and make things run more smoothly. Even small changes can make a big difference, and I enjoy coming up with practical solutions that help the team work better. It’s all about making every day work smoother and more effective for everyone involved.

What’s been a career-defining moment for you, either at Derwent London or elsewhere?

Before joining Derwent London I worked in the hotel industry, and one of the most career-defining moments for me was being part of two successful hotel opening teams in London. Being involved from the very beginning – setting up operations, creating systems, and building new teams – was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It taught me a lot about adaptability, teamwork, and the importance of getting the details right from the very beginning. Those experiences really shaped how I approach my work today.

What’s your favourite part of working at Derwent London, and what sets the company apart for you?

My favourite part of working at Derwent London is the people. From day one, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. There’s a genuine sense of collaboration and respect across the team, which makes it a great environment to work in. What sets the company apart for me is that strong sense of community – no matter your role, you feel valued and encouraged to contribute. It’s a place where people really care about both the work and each other.