When browsing through our website, you will come to know some familiar faces within the amazing Partner photography that features.

These Partners are from all different areas of the business and with that, comes their own unique experiences and stories. Stories they wanted to share with you.

Tom’s Story

I joined the Partnership because I am passionate about giving outstanding customer service and making customers happy, which I knew the Partnership really values! I also wanted the 25% discount on clothes that was a pretty important benefit to me at 17! I’ve now worked for the Partnership for over 16 years (across two stints) and I’ve had a blast so far!

Back in 2004, lots of my school friends were already working at my local John Lewis branch at Cribbs Causeway and always said it was a great place to work, so I wanted in too! I ended up applying at a pop-up careers fair, and it wasn’t long until I got invited to a group assessment and received a job offer – part-time in the Sport and Menswear Department.

Aside from the discount, I have made so many great memories, friends and new skills through the subsidised Partnership Clubs. Such as the Surf Club where I’ve travelled within the UK and Europe learning to surf. The clubs have enabled me to experience things that I might not have otherwise, like a weekend with the wine club visiting the Champagne region of France, and have built my personal confidence on the way too!

My family and I (my wife is a Partner too. We met and worked together when John Lewis Poole opened) often stayed at one of the many Partnership Hotels. Our most favourite being a summer stay at Brownsea Castle (Island). Staying in a castle on a tiny island is just amazing! We also really enjoy staying at the Leckford Abbas and Lodges too! All of which are heavily subsidised by the Partnership.

My Partnership experience has been as varied as it has been delightful, I started in John Lewis Cribbs Causeway, worked in John Lewis Financial Services (now Money), held a role in the John Lewis People team and during Covid was a night shift Partner in Waitrose Chichester. I’m most recently working within our Procurement Team ,coming up to five years now!

Initially, when I joined the Partnership, I thought I’d only stay for a few years and then head off to Cardiff University. That plan quickly changed! I really enjoyed the learning opportunities and clear career paths at John Lewis Partnership. I have continued to drive a successful and fulfilling career! It’s been 16 years now.

I took part in the Partner Difference photoshoot because I thought it would be a fun and different day out! Truthfully, it was a little bit outside of my comfort zone but I’m passionate about inclusivity and was pleased to have the opportunity to role model to others that the Partnership is an inclusive and great place to work.