RISING STARS THE NEXT GENERATION


BMJ meets some of the younger members of the sector, those ensuring that the industry will thrive in the future. This month, Elliotts’ Millie Blackman


What is your current role?


I am currently part of the internal sales team at Elliotts, in the Totton branch.


How did you get into this industry? I got into the industry through an apprenticeship, which was a great way to learn the business from the ground up. When I first started, everything was new to me.


What does a typical day for you at work look like?


My typical day consists of a wide range of responsibilities that support the smooth running of the branch. These include handling sales and providing excellent customer service, completing various administrative tasks, managing daily banking processes, and maintaining accurate stock control. I am also responsible for processing invoices, as well as liaising with both suppliers and customers to ensure orders are fulfilled efficiently and any queries are resolved promptly.


What are your big challenges in this role? One of the biggest challenges is price pressure; customers always compare quotes and push for better deals, so you’ve got to balance keeping them happy while protecting margin.


What’s been your biggest achievement in your role?


I believe it has been building strong relationships with customers and consistently contributing to sales growth. Being proactive with quotes, following up regularly and understanding each customer’s needs. I have been able to increase repeat business and support the performance of the branch.


What would you like to achieve next? I would like to take on an assistant manager position, where I can use my experience to support the wider team, help drive branch performance and take on more responsibility in the day to day running of the branch.


What advice would you give to someone new to this industry?


I would advise focusing on learning as much as possible early on, especially product knowledge. This makes a big difference


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when speaking with trade customers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as there is a lot to take in. Keeping organised and proactive is also important. It can be quite fast paced, so managing your time well and keeping on top of orders quotes and communication will really help you succeed.


Start with the basics: show up reliable, on time, and willing to learn. Builders’ merchants run on trust and relationships. If you become the person people can count on, whether it’s customers or your team, you’ll stand out quickly.


“I believe my


biggest achievement in my role has been building strong relationships with customers and consistently contributing to sales growth.”


What would you say to someone who might be thinking about a career or getting a job in the merchant industry? I would say the merchant industry is a great career choice if you enjoy working in a fast- paced, customer focused environment. Every day is different. My advice would be come in with a willingness to learn and a good work ethic. Product knowledge, communication and teamwork are important, but these can all be developed overtime. If you are proactive and show commitment, there are plenty of opportunities to build a long-term career.


Why do you think young people, especially women, are hesitant to go into the industry?


I think some young people, and especially women, can be hesitant mainly due to perceptions of the industry. Traditionally, it is seen as a male-dominated environment, this makes it more intimidating or less welcoming to those who haven’t been exposed to it before. Another issue can be confidence. If someone doesn’t have prior knowledge of building materials, they might feel they won’t fit in. However, that knowledge can be learned over time, especially through support and training. BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2026


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