New Starter: Welcome Victoria!

We’re excited to welcome Victoria Applegarth to the Virtus team! Victoria has already impressed us with her quick thinking and expertise during this week’s rapid-fire Q&A session.

Victoria joins us as a Bid Manager, a crucial role that involves overseeing the entire bid process — ensuring that our submissions are both competitive and compelling.

We’re confident that Victoria’s skills and experience will make her an invaluable asset as we continue to drive innovation and excellence. Please join us in giving Victoria a warm Virtus welcome!

 

Why Bid Writing?

Truthfully, I didn’t even know about bid writing up until a couple of months ago. So, when it was suggested to me, I did some research, and I was immediately intrigued. I have a strong background in copy writing, editing and researching and I soon realised that the job perfectly aligned with my interests and skills.

I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of synthesising complex information and presenting it in a clear, persuasive and structured way, which is ultimately what bid writing is. In addition, I enjoy speaking with new people, and the role enables me to connect with professionals from all corners of the company…even if this may be me having to chase them for the documents I need occasionally!

In essence, bid writing provides me with the opportunity to think creatively and strategically and lets me leverage my communication skills, attention to detail, and critical analysis.

 

What interested you about the construction industry?

The construction industry is both dynamic and impactful. It shapes the spaces where people work, live, and play, and it offers opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that have a tangible effect on communities. I’m particularly drawn to the fast-paced nature of the industry and how it constantly evolves with new technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative designs.

 

What made Virtus stand out?

I was keen to work for a company that takes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously. Virtus have clear policies on diversity and inclusion, well-being, and environmental sustainability (shoutout to Poppy, Head of ESG!). Their collaborations with organisations such as Rewilding Britain, Broadbase and their ongoing sponsorship with Dulwich Hamlet football team goes to show that the company fosters a great sense of belonging and purpose. I immediately knew it would be a company that I would be proud to work for.

I think it’s also a good sign that the employee retention at Virtus is high. There are several staff that have been with the company for 10+ years, which goes to show that a happy, safe working environment has been cultivated.

 

What experience do you hope to gain?

In all, I want to learn as much as I can! As a bid writer in the construction industry, I am working with project managers, health and safety coordinators, the commercial team (just to name a few) and I want to soak in as much as possible and build strong relationships and network, to broaden my knowledge across all disciplines.

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to have taken advantage of all the opportunities for skill development and personal growth and evolved to become a confident Bid Manager. I’d like to have contributed to the strategic progression of Virtus Contracts, driving successful bids and helping to enhance the company’s visibility and brand in the market. I would also like to have become a master of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop!

 

What do you think makes a good company?

A good company values its employees, fosters a culture of collaboration, and is a place where people can work together towards clear, meaningful goals, underpinned by principles that never compromise for profit. Ultimately, as an employee, you want to feel supported, valued and empowered and be working in an environment that fosters trust, respect and open communication.

What motivates you?

What motivates me is the drive to master something. As a bit of a perfectionist (well, more of a massive perfectionist to be honest), I am driven by continuous learning – whether it’s staying ahead of industry trends, refining my skills, receiving constructive criticism or collaborating with a talented team to achieve shared goals. I thrive off the process of growth and ensuring that the end result is something I’m truly proud of. Seeing the tangible results of my efforts, such as winning a bid is incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward.

What did you study?

I studied Geography at the University of Bristol. I really loved the course, which was very varied. Not only was I coding and mapping on software’s such as GIS and RStudio but was also completing units such as ‘Geographies of Food’ and ‘Geographies of Fashion.’ Bristol is also an amazing city, with lots of music venues, cafes and vintage/charity shops.

Any interesting past jobs?

Not particularly. Since I was 16, I have worked mostly in customer service jobs – hospitality, temping agencies, call centres and have the usual horror stories from those. I certainly have learnt how to have the patience of a saint.

Do you have any hobbies? How do you switch off from work?

I enjoy being creative. I tend to create things for my friends, like collaged cards or prints and absolutely love Pinterest. If I see something on there, I will try and recreate it. I also like going to the cinema – at one point I was going 1-2 times a week! My most recent favourite film that I watched was Anora, which ended up winning five Oscars.

Any hidden talents?

No…

What are you currently binge watching?

Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares.

What’s your coffee order?

Tricky one. I get something different every time, depending on my mood and the weather. At the moment, it would have to be an iced Americano – one glimpse of sun and boom, immediately getting iced coffees!

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Creative

Competitive

Inquisitive

Empathetic

Thoughtful

Any guilty pleasure?

Hm, I am a bit of a bargain hunter. I love to scour Facebook Marketplace and enjoy a good mooch around charity shops and car boot sales, always with a coffee and pastry in hand. My parents would say most of it is tat (what would they know huh?), but there is nothing better than finding hidden gems.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?

I was born in Germany, in a town called Buxtehude which is just outside of Hamburg. I moved to England when I was 5/6 and couldn’t speak a word of English.