Meet the Team: A Q&A with Sales Executive, Jill Heald
15th July 2026
At Hainsworth Cue Sports, our people are just as passionate about the game as the cloths we manufacture. From helping customers choose the perfect cloth to supporting tournaments across the UK, our team plays an important role in keeping cue sports thriving.
This month, we’re getting to know Sales Executive Jill Heald, whose enthusiasm for the industry is infectious. We caught up with Jill to talk about her career, favourite cloths, memorable experiences and what she enjoys outside of work.
How long have you worked at Hainsworth Cue Sports?
I’ve worked for Hainsworth for 13 years. I spent my first two years in HR before moving into the Leisure & Lifestyle division, where I’ve been for the last 11 years working with Hainsworth Cue Sports.
Did you work in the cue sports industry before joining Hainsworth?
No, I actually came from the insurance sector. I worked for a corporate insurance company for 20 years, starting in Sales before moving into Recruitment, HR and Project Management. I definitely don’t jump from job to job! It’s been lovely building long-term relationships throughout my career, and that’s something I really value in my role today.
What’s your favourite Hainsworth Cue Sports cloth?
It has to be our printed logo cloths.
I absolutely love being involved in the whole process – from receiving the initial enquiry and helping customers choose the right cloth colour, through to seeing the artwork develop into the finished product.
Working alongside our talented table fitters is another highlight. They do an incredible job installing the cloths, and it’s fantastic when they share professional photographs or even drone footage of the finished tables. Seeing the customer’s vision come to life is incredibly rewarding.
Do you have a favourite cloth colour?
Without a doubt: galaxy Purple.
It’s such a rich, luxurious colour and looks stunning on so many different table frames. It’s bold, elegant and really makes a statement.
Orange is a very close second!
What are you looking forward to in the cue sports world this year?
It’s going to take something special to beat visiting the Crucible earlier this year, where I was lucky enough to watch Ronnie O’Sullivan play on two separate occasions.
I was invited by Michaela Tabb from Blackball Tables, who treated me to the full VIP experience with backstage access and front-row seats. It was an unforgettable experience.
I’m also looking forward to supporting some fantastic pool tournaments in Blackpool, including Golden 8 Ball and BAPTO. These events are a brilliant opportunity to support one of our valued UK distributors, Funky Chalk, and give something back to the cue sports community.
I’ve been attending these events for around eight years now and always enjoy chatting with players, catching up with customers and helping to raise money for charity.
I genuinely love my job and the people I get to work with.
What advice would you give someone choosing a cloth for their snooker or pool table?
Think about who will be using the table and what they want from it.
If it’s a family table with children using it regularly, you’ll probably benefit from a heavier, more durable cloth that can withstand plenty of use. If the table is in an outdoor games room or a man cave, our Elite Pro waterproof cloth is an excellent option. For players looking for tournament-style performance, I’d recommend Match for either snooker or pool. If you’re competing at county level or looking to really develop your game, Precision is a fantastic choice as it offers the speed and consistency needed to challenge your abilities.
Choosing the right cloth really depends on how and where you’ll be playing.
What advice would you give someone looking for a pool or snooker table fitter?
One of the best resources we offer is the Fit List on the Hainsworth Cue Sports website.
Being included on the Fit List is something our fitters earn. We only recommend professionals we have complete confidence in based on their workmanship, reputation and customer feedback. If you’re unsure who to choose, take a look at the Fit List or drop me an email – I’m always happy to point people in the right direction.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’m very lucky to have children and grandchildren, so they take up a lot of my time – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I also attend snooker exhibitions and tournaments in my own time because I genuinely enjoy the atmosphere, the conversations and the banter that comes with the cue sports community. More recently, I’ve been focusing on my health, so I’m enjoying getting outside and walking more.
And who knows… maybe I’ll even meet the man of my dreams at a pool tournament or snooker exhibition one day! 😉
Jill’s enthusiasm, experience and genuine passion for cue sports shine through in everything she does. Whether she’s helping customers choose the perfect cloth, supporting tournaments across the country or celebrating another beautifully fitted branded table, she’s a fantastic member of the team for Hainsworth Cue Sports.
If you’d like advice on choosing the right cloth for your table or finding a trusted fitter, contact sales@awhainsworth.co.uk and Jill will be more than happy to help.
