RISING STARS
THE ONES TO FOLLOW: PART 8 KATY SPURDENS
BMJ talks to the Rising Stars of the
industry.Those individuals whose managers have pinpointed as regularly going above and beyond.
Job title: Branch Manager Company: City Plumbing Supplies
MANAGER’S VIEW
Katy has been a huge part of my regional team. She began her Plumbing and Heating career over 11 years ago after leaving behind a plumbing career, starting out in PTS Norwich taking a failing branch to one of our best branches.
As the branch was going through a refit, Katy took it upon herself to drive the needed recruitment and the transfer of staff as well as maintaining good customer footfall. She even completed a 100 mile round trip to ensure she was there for her team. Her people focus ensures her team are super motivated and passionate about what they do, everyday.
Katy also thinks
bigger than her branch, supporting myself and the region when needed. She’s always ready to help. She’s recently taken on a new branch, in Cambridge, and I know she will excel even with the new challenges she faces. She’s one to watch.
What’s your role?
I am the branch manager of City Plumbing Supplies’ Cambridge branch
How did you get into this industry? I started my career in the catering industry then had a career change into the plumbing world. I met a gentleman who was a regular in the bar of the hotel I was working in and after several conversations with him about it, I changed career and completed my NVQs at college, while I was working as his apprentice. However, a cartilage problem developed which meant I had to give it up and I joined the merchant world.
What might a typical day for you at work be? A typical day for me will probably entail serving customers on the trade counter, answering the phones and sorting out transport for the two branch lorries. Then there’s dealing with emails, booking in and ordering stock, picking delivery tickets, stock management and invoicing. Plus, of course, managing staff.
What were you doing at work last week? Last week as mostly spent on stock management, reducing dead stock. I was also sorting out the showroom for an upgrade as well as making customer visits.
What are your big challenges in this role? For me the biggest challenges in this business are the fact that some customers and sales representatives still don’t like talking to a woman in this business. I am very lucky as I have a brilliant team around me in my branch and my
regional director who are all very supportive.
What do you love about your role? I love my staff, my customers and all the people within this business
What do you think has been your biggest achievement so far in your role? My biggest achievement has probably been being nominated for a number of merchant industry awards, four years in a row, and then being shortlisted twice for the BMJ Rising Star Awards. That means a lot to me.
What would you like to achieve next? I would like to turn this branch with a new location into a really successful business.
What advice would you give someone new to this industry?
I would say to stick with it as you will blossom and will hopefully grow to love it as much as I do.
What would you say to someone who might be thinking about a career/getting a job on the merchant industry?
It’s a very rewarding job. You will meet loads of people.
What are the changes you foresee the industry making in order to survive the future?
The industry needs to move with the changes and the times an keep active. BMJ
Rising Stars is sponsored by H+H UK
H+H UK is the largest manufacturer of aircrete building products, including the market-leading range of Celcon Blocks.
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Our focus is the development of products and systems to provide high performance buildings guaranteed to last several lifetimes.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2019
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