PEOPLE 10 MINUTES WITH:
What is your current role and how long have you been doing it? Divisional managing director– SIG Roofing – since January 2025
What does your role entail? I am now responsible for delivering the company strategy within the northern region, supporting colleagues to achieve our initiatives whilst delivering the best service possible to our customers. We have a team of very experienced and knowledgeable staff, but excellent service also means having the right branch locations, accessible stock, and the best products. The customer is our top priority, and understanding the needs of our customers of all sizes is key and will remain a focus in my new role. It is also important to have the right team to deliver this. I want to foster a positive corporate culture that supports employee engagement and development, ensuring the recruitment, training, and retention of top talent across the region.
How did you get started in this industry? A wonderful man named Charles Boughton Leigh, who was chairman of Worthing Rugby Club at the time, changed the course of my life after an exhibition game for the Colts. Instead of encouraging me to go to university, he persuaded me to come and work for him. At the time, he was the managing director at Asphaltic (which later became part of SIG Roofing). Charles took me under his wing and assured me that if friendship, hard work, and fun were important to me in my career, then roofing would be the perfect industry.
What roles were you doing before and how did they prepare you for this one? Sales director, key account director, business development director, branch manager, area sale manager, assistant manager. Each of
DAN ANSTEY Divisional managing director, SIG Roofing
these roles has progressively built on my skills, expanding from operational management at the branch level to sales leadership and business development.
They have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up, from customer relations to strategic growth.
What would I like to achieve in my role Deliver the best service for our customers, attract roofing contractors who have never dealt with us before, and ones who haven’t dealt with us in a while, to increase the performance of the SIG Northern Division. We are a ‘people’ industry where customer relationships are really important, and that is a culture I’d like to foster.
That is also true within the organisation. People
are the heartbeat of any business, and my goal is to create an environment where every individual feels empowered to thrive, make meaningful contributions, and achieve their personal and professional aspirations, going above and beyond to deliver for our customers.
What has been the highlight of your career so far (can be more than one!)? When I reflect on my career, the true highlight has always been people development. Across my various roles, helping individuals grow, unlock their potential, and thrive within the organisation has been the most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of my journey. I firmly believe that an organisation’s greatest strength lies in the talent and potential of its people and the relationships it builds with its customers.
What do you see as the main issues for builders merchants and for the construction industry at the moment?
The building and construction industry is currently navigating several significant challenges.
Labour shortages, compounded by skills gaps and an ageing workforce, have led to delays and rising costs. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals by adopting greener building practices, reducing carbon footprints, and adhering to stricter environmental regulations.
Supply chain disruptions and escalating material costs have further complicated efforts to keep projects on schedule and within budget. Health and safety concerns, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, remain a critical focus.
If you could go back to the start of your career, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Focus on people. While skills, knowledge, and results are crucial, it’s the relationships you build and the people (customers and colleagues) you invest in that truly shape your success. Take the time to listen and learn from others.
What keeps you busy at the weekends? Three children! Plus football training, dancing (not me by the way) playing cricket and taking long walks.
If you’re at the bar – what are you drinking? A nice cold larger.
What’s your favourite book? “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
Favourite film? It’s a wonderful life
If you could be a superhero, which would you choose?
It would definitely be Superman – because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want the power to fly and have super strength. BMJ
ON THE MOVE
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd has appointed Simon Chard as chairman of its builders merchant on the Channel Island of Jersey, Normans, and Martina McGibney as managing director designate.
McGibney is a long-term Jersey resident and joins STARK UK and Normans from Woodside Logistics where she was managing director. Chard joined Normans in 2001 and was appointed as managing director in 2010.
10
Landscaping speciaists Talasey have a new sales director – Aaron Frogley who comes to Talasey with a strong sales- oriented career history, including roles at SIG, Pavestone and
Vado. He is well respected for his charitable work, is one of the most popular and well- known figures in the merchant and landscaping industries, and is the public face of the Pavestone Rally.
Dulux Decorator Centre, the painting and decorating merchant, has appointed Sarah Atkins as its new managing director, effective February 1. Atkins joined the business
as marketing lead, before becoming head of retail marketing, and subsequently commercial director in
2023.She succeeds Guy Butterworth, who is leaving the business after 30 years.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
