IN PERSON
ONE WOMAN, TWO AWARDS: MAKING CHANGE AT CHANDLERS
Angela Straker, branch manager at Chandlers Building Supplies in Banstead, talks to Catrin Jones about how women can succeed in the merchanting industry.
W
ith two industry awards under her belt, after only being in the role for two years, Angela Straker is determined to see
growth, redevelopment, and change continue at her builder’s merchants branch. Branch manager of Chandlers Building Supplies in Banstead, Surrey, Straker’s role has seen growth in several areas, and it is fair to say her achievements have been recognised. For women who aspire to enter the merchanting industry, Straker demonstrates what hard work, determination, and a strong personality can offer.
When talking about her role as branch manager, Straker says that it has offered her an abundance of merchanting knowledge. “From learning about new products to construction and my personal development in business management, every day is a learning experience.”
Straker happened to fall into the industry by chance, as have many and hasn’t looked back since. “I’ve been dealing with stock products for over 15 years. I started in a popular UK stationery company, but this role became less and less challenging. My children had grown up, and I felt like I had become too complacent. I was no longer being challenged and felt like I needed to do something different. I applied for a role at Selco, from there they invited me for a first interview and then a second. I had gone for a stock control position but ended up being employed as a goods manager. I spent a couple of years at Selco until I received a call from Chandlers Building Supplies for an internal sales admin role. I weighed up the pros and cons and here I am.”
Her first role at Chandlers Building Supplies allowed her to observe how the branch worked and to decipher where she thought there were areas for improvement. “Because of my strong character, I would see certain things happening and if it wasn’t right, I felt like I needed to act on it. This led me to have more involvement in the branch. The branch manager
retired after thirty years, the vacancy became open and I applied, albeit
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nervously, and this led to being offered the job.” Straker says it was overwhelming to begin with as she did not expect to be given the role but is beyond grateful that Chandlers Building Supplies decided to take a chance on her. “It was a big step. I was responsible for this whole building, and to the customers that walk in. I have fifteen staff, eight in the yard and, seven downstairs. Two
of these are field representatives and are not always in the branch. Then others work on the trade counter and for transport.” Straker believes that the opportunity Chandlers Building Supplies gave her opened doors she didn’t know were possible. She credits her successes to those who have been a great support and the team that she works with. “This is my second year in the role, the first year flew by and we did well as a branch, including a refit. I couldn’t ask for a greater team. I am a straightforward person and don’t mess about. My staff know that about me. As a black woman, I have noticed there aren’t many women or indeed black women in the industry. “Chandlers Building Supplies has helped to develop my career in the merchanting industry. I’ve had equal parts guidance and support as I have been allowed to get on with certain aspects. I give my staff the responsibility and ownership because we all need that accountability for every area. The culture in the branch is one of hard work and support. Some things are a work in progress and if things are going the right way, then I have Chandlers Building Supplies to thank for that.” On discussing women in merchanting, Straker offers advice on entering the industry and putting what you can gain from it at the forefront. “For me, first assess what is right for you,
what do you want? Have a flexible plan, the atmosphere might not be what you think. Is this permanent or do I want to be in a different area?” The key qualities outlined by Straker are, set your sights high, work hard, be open to criticism and network well. But most importantly, she highlights that you should leave your ego behind, have fun, and have a laugh.
The job can produce plenty of benefits, but it is the key qualities an individual can bring to the role that allows them to succeed. Straker believes for her, that it is the ability to strive, maintain and develop relationships with customers. As well as, “valuing individuals, having ambition and it’s a lot to do with knowing your customers and how well you know them.” In turn, these qualities bring rewards. “The job is rewarding for many different reasons.” she continues, “meeting different people each day and being able to take on a personal approach is something I enjoy. The staff are a great bunch and every member of the team is happy to come to work and if they have any issues, I believe they can come and talk to me.” Working alongside customers and staff is important to how Straker manages the branch and in turn has achieved monetary goals as well as excellent relationships.
Looking to the future, Straker recognises her achievements and what she has been able to do in such a short amount of time at Chandlers Building Supplies in Banstead. From here, “I hope to improve other branches. I’ve so far had the recognition that demonstrates I am capable, and I think I could use the skills I have learnt here and apply them elsewhere.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2020
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