PEOPLE 10 MINUTES WITH:
What’s your job title? National commercial manager at Cemex UK, Rugby Packed Cement
How long have you been in this role? 2 Years 8 months
What are the main functions of your role? I am really lucky; my role is multi-faceted, so one day is never the same as the next. Ultimately, I am charged with delivering the commercial strategy and managing the Rugby Cement commercial team. This also entails ensuring our commercial strategy is aligned with the supply chain and our operations. I oversee and support our national key accounts and look after contract negotiation, as well as promoting and representing the Rugby brand and our range of packed products at conferences, exhibitions, and industry events.
What appealed to you about this industry? The opportunity to progress my career without the need for a degree was a very strong driving force. I left University after 3 months – it wasn’t for me. My Dad had previously worked for RMC as a tipper driver and said I should try and get a job there. At the time, I applied for two jobs, both in admin roles, one with RMC (which I got) the other was at Long Rake Spar.
What have been the career highlights so far? I started at with RMC in 2004 as an office administer. In the following year RMC was acquired by Cemex. Shortly after, I saw an opening for an area sales manager for Midlands and Yorkshire for concrete products, which I successfully applied for, and the rest is history. In my 22 years working in this industry, I have made connections and relationships that have been instrumental in my succession and development. Last year, I was recognised in Cemex UK Women in Cemex Awards for outstanding contributions in my commercial role.
What advice would you give yourself from the start?
Just be yourself and believe in yourself… you’ve got this!
What are the main issues for the construction industry at the moment? Inactive market, with minimum growth forecast. This has been a continuous trend for some time. Government changes and
12 VICKI ELLIOTT National commercial manager, Rugby Packed Cement
inconsistencies continue to hold back growth and confidence. In recent weeks, the market had shown signs of picking up, however, now we face more uncertainties due to the current geo-political climate. It feels very much like we take one foot forward and two steps back.
What are the best things about this industry?
The people, the valuable network, the relationships, the variety, the opportunities, and uniqueness! No two days are the same and I love that. The more you put in, the more rewarding it becomes.
What frustrates you about the sector? How everything and anything can easily impact materials and building. The economy, the government, the weather, political activities overseas.
The UK cement industry has experienced all time low volumes because of the stagnant UK market and the significant increase in imported cement. Imported cement may not be subject to the high energy and Carbon cost that UK producers must pay, however, the government is introducing Carbon Boarder Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the UK from Jan 2027, which should create a level playing field for domestic producers. However, 2026 could prove to be one of the most challenging years for UK cement producers due to CBAM in EU coming into force from Jan 2026. T
If you could make some major changes to the industry, what would you do? I’d like to ensure that the career progression
Aircrete manufacturer H+H has appointed Guy Lacey as operations director.
Lacey will take responsibility for the three H+H factories in Borough Green, Kent and
Pollington, Yorkshire, supported by plant managers and site managers at both locations.
Setcrete has appointed Michael Hoe as national sales manager to lead the established sales support team in providing product and technical support both to merchants and end users.
is futureproofed for individuals like me. And I would love to be able to inject some positivity into the industry - it has been very challenging for both merchants and suppliers. CBAM UK needs to be fair and aligned with the CBAM policy in the EU; otherwise, weaker differences could make the UK a more attractive for imports to target. If the Government does not implement a robust strategy, it will threaten the heritage cement market. The industry needs clear guidance on how the UK rate will be calculated to ensure importers face the same carbon costs as domestic producers. It is a concerning situation with far reaching implications, compromising quality and supply as well as environmental impact. We are also supportive of the MPA’s lobbying to support energy intensive businesses.
What’s your favourite part of the world? Favourite city? The Square Mile in the City of London holds a special place, along with my Peak District homeland in the beautiful Hope Valley. It was a privilege to receive Freedom of the City, which means I have a very personal connection, but I am also a homebird. My husband is a 3rd generation livestock
farmer. We have 300 sheep, 150 cattle, 42 hens, 4 dogs, 3 cats and 2 children on a 350- acre farm, and the most incredible views. As a Freeman, I’m often asked if I’ll be taking my own sheep to London Bridge to exercise my ancient right to drive sheep across the bridge toll free. I will leave this with the professionals, however, I do plan to take my husband and children to watch the event. BMJ
ON THE MOVE
Kevin McGlinchey has joined merchant JW Grant as branch manager at Paisley, while David Brown has been appointed as head of key accounts tohelp grow this area of the business
while strengthening relationships with key customers across the group.
Stelrad Radiators has added Scarlett Sprudd to its sales team as area manager for the North.
Sprudd, who is originally from Northumbria is now based in Morpeth.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2026
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