PEOPLE 10 MINUTES WITH: SARAH ATKINS Commercial Director of Dulux Decorator Centre
What is your current role and how long have you been doing it? I’m commercial director at Dulux Decorator Centre, and I’ve been here for eight years.
What does your role entail? I oversee business development strategies, encompassing marketing, category management, E-commerce and estates management to drive growth and enhance Dulux Decorator Centre’s success. As well as understanding customer needs, I also look at the larger market and industry to drive this. I need a close understanding of the current market, its trends, and the industry as a whole to work out how to best maximise our opportunities within it. Most recently, I was excited to be a part of the launch of Dulux Decorator Centre’s newest brand campaign: Moving Forwards With You. Through the campaign, we are illustrating how we put our customers front and centre. Our colleagues work in close partnership with our customers to ensure they have everything they need to succeed through our professional advice and industry leading products and services.
How did you get started in this industry? One of my early career roles was in marketing as Senior Marketing Manager at GUS Home Shopping. I was Customer Communications Manager at the Yorkshire Building Society, then headed up Swinton Insurance’s Direct Marketing division. I joined Makro Self Servicing Wholesalers as head of marketing, and was also Sales and Marketing Director at Chill Factore, for three years. I then joined Dulux Decorator Centre
in 2016. Each stage of my career so far has offered me the opportunity for growth. I have learnt a huge amount from the different roles I have undertaken, focussing on consumer and B2B and trade customers, each having different targeting and strategy development challenges.
What would you like to achieve in the role? I am most passionate about guiding, empowering and nurturing my teams to achieve their fullpotential and drive sustainable success.
What has been the highlight of your career? My dad was a painter and decorator and used to take me with him on jobs and teach me the tricks of the trade. So, in a way, I feel like I came home when I started at Dulux Decorator Centre.
What do you see as the main issues for the construction industry at the moment? As an industry, we know that construction is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, and strides are being made to try and reduce our impact. It has been really rewarding to see these efforts and the innovative solutions that are now becoming available. In addition, it is no secret that we are facing skills shortages in the industry. Although demand remains high, we are seeing customers struggle to find the resource to deliver it. It is a huge priority for us as a merchant to help bridge this gap and support decorators to find skilled labour. It is key that businesses like ours work together with customers and wider industry players to inspire the next generation of talent entering the industry. Through Dulux Academy, we offer industry-
leading painting and decorating courses in store for every stage of people’s career – from those just starting out, to seasoned professionals. By making training more accessible, we hope to help support and futureproof our industry.
If you could go back to the start of your career, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
I would emphasise the importance of staying curious and being committed to lifelong learning. Make sure to always cultivate and grow meaningful professional connections and pursue your passion.
What keeps you busy at the weekends? With football, ballet, sleepovers, and playing host to a bunch of teenagers, there is a lot going on. But I also try and find time for myself too, from a spot of gardening and a good Sunday hike, to finding some fun by enjoying the Manchester music and theatre scene with friends.
If you’re at the bar – what are you drinking? A good glass of French Rose - or a gin and tonic (Bathtub Gin is a particular favourite)!
What’s your favourite book? Favourite film? Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Favourite film: Local Hero (1983)
If you could be a superhero, which super- power would you choose? Time manipulation and a healing touch – it would make my work and life at home with kids that much easier! BMJ
Andrew Miller has joined TIMCO as sales director, as part of the Senior Leadership Team, driving future strategic plans. His most recent role was with Marshalls and Stonemarket.
He says: “I’m thrilled to be joining this multi award winning organisation.”
Chris Harrison has joined Lawsons Group as Group Finance Director succeeding Paul Rushent who retired earlier this year. He joins after five years with Inland Homes PLC.
Marshalls.
PLASSON UK has appointed Victoria Fiddies as Sales Director with a 12-year background in senior
management and director roles at manufacturers including Marshalls and Catnic.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2024
The Pallet LOOP – part of BSW Group – has appointed Rob Devonshire as Merchant Account Manager. He previously held roles at Vado Victoria Plum; Geberit; Travis Perkins and
ON THE MOVE Kilsaran has
appointed a new dedicated render team in the UK. Headed up by Paul Davies, as UK Business Unit Manager: Render & EWI, the team comprises Hannah
Mosley, Business Development Manager: Midlands & Wales, Mark Irwin: Business Development Manager: South West and Scott McCracken: Business Development Manager: Scotland & North England.
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