March 7, 2025
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We caught up with three employees from Eclipse (IP) Ltd: Service Lead Leila Ahidar, Human Resources (HR) Manager Ali Alexander, and Service Sales Executive Sonia Macleod (pictured above, from left).
Eclipse (IP) is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and 2024 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award recipient in the Highland RFCA area. Eclipse first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2022. The employer organisation, which provides safety and security solutions, is a member of HRFCA’s Highland Gold Network, which consists of the current 47 ERS Gold Award holders.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Leila: “I enjoy doing arts and crafts, trying new food and restaurants, spending time with family (especially the dogs in the family) and friends, attending concerts (so far this year I have been to Craig David and Pitbull, coming up I’ve got Usher, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, and Chase & Status, and I’m hoping to get tickets for Post Malone in Barcelona), and spending my Sundays going to different garden centres around the country.”
Ali: “I enjoy keeping fit and going for dog walks with my dachshund Dixie. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.”
Sonia: “I’m a sociable person, so I like spending time with friends and going out to eat. I also enjoy being active. I love Highland cows.”
What was your dream job growing up?
Leila: “My dream job throughout school was a paediatric doctor.”
Ali: “A criminal psychologist.”
Sonia: “A lawyer or a vet.”
What did it then evolve into, and why?
Leila: “It then evolved into a Business and Administration Apprentice here at Eclipse.”
Ali: “I went to university in Aberdeen and then started working in business roles within the banking industry.”
Sonia: “I started working in a hairdresser’s as a Saturday job when I was younger. I enjoyed my time there and fell into being a hairdresser as a career.”
Tell us about your current job and employer.
Leila: “Now I’m the Service Lead, meaning I run the service desk, ensuring any faults are dealt with in a timely manner and scheduling routine inspections. I also do a bit of sales within my role, quoting for remedial and extra works as well as working on tendered projects.”
Ali: “I’ve been with Eclipse for almost ten years. I started here part-time in 2015 after a career break from the banking industry. I started in a Sales Administration role and have worked up to HR Manager, looking after a team of 12 now.”
Sonia: “Now my role within Eclipse is Service Sales Executive. This is a new role for me, and I’m enjoying getting to know the team and learning the ropes within the industry. I enjoy making sales within a positive and supportive team.”
What are some of your proudest achievements?
Leila: “I achieved both Level 2 and Level 3 Business and Administration qualifications within a few months of starting each level.”
Ali: “One of my proudest achievements has been running a marathon. Another would be my children – both are cadets, one is a Royal Air Force Air Cadet and the other is an Army Cadet.”
Sonia: “My proudest achievements are my kids and proving to myself that I’m an independent woman.”
What advice would you give to young people starting out in the world of work?
Leila: “Don’t stress or panic if things don’t turn out the way you wanted, because what’s meant for you will work out.”
Ali: “Find something you’re good at and enjoy, then find a way to turn that into a career that won’t feel like work. Be open to opportunities. It’s okay not to have a plan.”
Sonia: “Don’t rush, you don’t have to choose your forever job at 15 or 16. Travel the world and be yourself. Don’t get hung up on people not liking you.”
Are there any past or future events within your employer organisation that you would like to highlight?
Leila: “We achieved the ERS Gold Award in 2024. Eclipse also turned 15 in 2024.”
Ali: “In the future, I’m looking forward to Eclipse’s journey in supporting local charities.”
Find out more about Eclipse (IP) Ltd.
Find out more about the Highland Gold Network.
