PEOPLE 10 MINUTES WITH:
What’s your job title? Heavyside senior account manager at Harris & Bailey.
How long have you been in this role? I’ve been with Harris & Bailey for six years, but I have more than 30 years experience in the industry.
What are the main functions of your role? My role focuses on driving sales with both existing and new customers while maintaining the highest standards of service and support. This involves working closely with customers both over the phone and face-to-face to ensure their requirements are met and their projects are a success. I also provide supervisory support and guidance to our external sales team, and assist with the introduction of new materials into our stockholding.
What appealed to you about this industry? I was drawn by the opportunity to contribute to projects with a long-term legacy. This continues to be a source of motivation more than three decades on. I’ve always appreciated having the chance to connect with a wide range of people in the industry. From customers and suppliers to colleagues across the sector, no two conversations are the same. It is a people-driven industry at its core, and the relationships built along the way are among the most rewarding aspects of the job.
What have been the highlights of your career so far? The most rewarding moments are those where I have been able to apply technical knowledge to deliver solutions that genuinely benefit the
Border Merchant Systems have appointed Holly Brown to head up the new Projects and Implementations Team.
Kudos Showers. has appointed Stephen Woolsey as senior business development manager. He will be supporting the Kudos Distribution partners and growing the business for Kudos
in London and the Southeast of England, reporting to Mark Hill, managing director.
10 IAN HEMMING Heavyside senior account manager at Harris & Bailey
customer. Seeing how the right product choice can enable a project to progress smoothly is a win for everyone involved.
While hitting sales targets is always satisfying, the true highlights for me are when I can see the positive impact of my contribution in helping a significant project comes together seamlessly.
If you could give your younger self some career advice, what would it be? Our industry is complex, and the early years offered me invaluable opportunities to build knowledge and experience that has helped to shape my career to date. I’d probably also tell myself to invest in a decent pair of site boots much earlier than I did!
What are the biggest challenges facing merchants and the industry today? Profitability remains a key concern across the industry, impacting everyone from small independent builders to large-scale developers. Access to finance is a key challenge at every level, whether it is a homeowner seeking funds for a modest extension or a developer securing investment for a major residential scheme. These financial pressures inevitably have a direct impact on merchant sales too. Greater economic stability would provide significant benefits for the sector as a whole. The availability of a suitably skilled workforce also remains an ongoing challenge and one that can cause delays and disruption to projects if not addressed.
What are the best things about the industry?
One of the most rewarding aspects of the
Aircrete manufacturer H+H has promoted Matthew Compton to head of merchant accounts. He has worked for H+H for over nine years, most recently in the role of key account manager.
Navien UK has announced the appointment of Greg Banham as its new commercial director. Banham brings more than 25 years of
experience within the heating and plumbing industry
industry is the variety it offers. Each day brings new construction challenges and a wide range of customer requests; this keeps my role both dynamic and engaging. This diversity also fosters the opportunity to develop long- lasting, meaningful relationships across the industry.
What frustrates you most about the sector? Supply chain disruption and transport delays continue to be some of the biggest frustrations in the industry. They create pressure across the board, but I see them less as roadblocks and more as challenges that I need to find proactive solutions to.
If you could make one big change in the industry, what would it be? I believe the industry would benefit greatly from a stronger recognition of the vital role it plays, not only for those directly employed within it but for the wider UK economy.
Construction underpins so many other sectors and without it, very little else can move forward. Equally, greater investment in training the next generation of tradespeople and professionals is urgently needed. The skills gap has been a long-standing concern, and unless it is addressed with meaningful support, the shortage will only worsen in the future.
Where’s your favourite place in the world? I have a real appreciation for the UK and everything it has to offer, so it would have to be my favourite part of the world. Canterbury stands out as my favourite city. It’s a place rich in history and heritage, with a character that blends the old with the new in a really unique way and I always enjoy visiting. BMJ
ON THE MOVE
Marsh Industries has announced that Julie Langford, formerly financial and operations director at NMBS, is taking on the role of financial & management advisor.
Phil Viner is the new managing director at shower supplier Triton Showers. Formerly commercial director, he takes over from Dave Tutton, who is retiring.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2025
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