From Welding Torches to Teamwork: Marianne Edwards’ 25-Year Journey with Rapid

Starting a new job is always a challenge. But starting one as the managing director’s wife? That comes with a unique set of expectations – and pressure.

In 1997, Marianne Edwards found herself stepping into exactly that situation.

With a background in private health insurance, she’d built her own career, far removed from the world of welding supplies. But after marrying Roy Edwards, founder of a fast-growing welding business, life took an unexpected turn.

Joining Rapid: A Leap into the Unknown

Just eight months after tying the knot, a marketing vacancy opened up at Rapid. Roy encouraged Marianne to apply, convinced she had the right skills to help shape the company’s future.

At the time, Rapid was in its eighth year of trading, and while the business was established and growing, it was in desperate need of a clearer identity – branding was inconsistent, invoice headers mismatched, and there was no cohesive look or feel.

So, in January 1998, Marianne joined the team to address those issues.

Walking into a small but growing business, she knew there were challenges ahead – not least of which was proving herself.

“I was very aware of how it might look,” Marianne admits. “Not only was I new to the company, but I was also the boss’s wife. That meant I had to work twice as hard to earn respect.”

And earn it she did.

From Marketing to Sales – and Everything in Between

What started as a marketing role soon took a new direction. Six months in, Marianne left the quiet of her private office to join the buzz of the communal sales floor – learning the ropes, picking up the phone, and immersing herself in a customer-facing role.

Her natural knack for customer service soon became obvious, and it wasn’t long before she was handling credit control – a role she continues to be involved in today.

But it was quite a learning curve, to say the least.

‘I remember once, someone phoned up asking for a red leather jacket,’ she laughs. ‘I had to politely explain we were a welding supplies company, and they’d probably be better off ringing Topman!’

There were other moments of confusion too, like when a customer ordered ‘Sparklers’ and Marianne thought they were after fireworks. Turns out, it was a type of welding rod!

Misunderstandings aside, it was all part of getting to grips with a whole new industry, and six months after joining Rapid, Marianne finally felt accepted, which meant everything.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with Marianne throughout my years at Rapid, and deeply value her insight and perspective across all areas of the business. She’s a vital cog in the management team and, for me, someone I trust to bring clarity and meaning to ideas, helping shape them so they really connect and make an impact.”

Dave Austin, IT Director.

Building Something New: The Birth of Rapid Industrial Gases

In 1999, Marianne took on what would become one of her biggest professional achievements – the launch of Rapid Industrial Gases.

“It was the biggest challenge, but also the biggest success. It felt like building a company within a company.

From overseeing legalities and paperwork to hiring staff and managing orders, it quickly became “her baby.”

“We started from scratch and grew fast,” she recalls. “At one point, we had three sites, four drivers, two admin staff, and covered Dorset, Hampshire, and West Sussex.”

She also brought in new people to support the team, including Karen, who still works at Rapid today, albeit in a different role. And Stuart Rogers, who was a key part of the gas division’s success and camaraderie.

“I’ve worked with Marianne for 25 years, she’s always been there for me, many of those years we worked side by side supporting each other. Great times.”

Stuart Rogers, Operations Director.

More Than a Job: A Journey That Keeps Evolving

Over the years, Marianne’s role continued to develop – from marketing to sales to HR, she has touched almost every part of the company.

And as Rapid grew, so did Marianne’s influence, becoming the driving force behind shaping a positive culture, fostering open communication, and building a deep sense of unity.

One of her proudest achievements? Creating cohesion.

From branded uniforms to consistent messaging, she’s inspired a sense of team spirit that brought the whole organisation together.

Celebrating the Journey

Looking back, there have been many highlights over the years – including the day Rapid landed a substantial order just before the weekend.

“We all sat on the floor in the sales office, with cake and drinks, just taking a moment to soak in what we’d achieved.”

There’s also been recognition.

Suppliers now know Marianne not just as “Roy’s wife,” but as a force in her own right – a professional who’s played a pivotal role in building Rapid from the inside out.

Recalling a funny moment, Marianne remembers when Roy was once invited as her plus one to an Air Products event – it was usually the other way around!

Today, Marianne continues to provide essential support to both staff and leadership, helping drive the company forward.

Having learned the business from the ground up, she’s now able to support the directors across their various responsibilities, while remaining closely involved in the day-to-day work alongside her colleagues.

And yes, she’s still doing credit control.

Some of the customers she chased for payments 25 years ago are still on the books – and still need the occasional nudge. Some even admit they deliberately pay slowly, just so they get the pleasure of a call from Marianne!

“She’s as much Rapid as Roy is,” someone once said.

And they’re absolutely right.

Rapid wouldn’t be the same without her.

“When Marianne was asked to join Rapid, she was keen not to be known as the ‘MD’s Wife’. I believe, with her support, professionalism and contribution, she has proven she is way more than that.”

Roy Edwards, Rapid’s Managing Director.