What does your role entail?
My role as Sales Director involves a variety of day-to-day activities such as targeting new prospects for the business, developing existing customer relationships, and planning our business strategy alongside Nigel.
I also search out new products and services. We’re ultimately a solutions driven business, so it’s important we have new offerings available to meet our customer’s briefs.
Are there a lot of responsibilities that come with the role?
Of course….one of the key ones being to ensure the continued success and growth of the business, and consequently the livelihood of the team. I’m also responsible for keeping the sales on track and making sure customers are happy.
What does your average day look like?
In general my day consists of the following:
- Replying to customer and team emails
- Sharing out tasks and enquiries with the team
- Liaising with customers and suppliers
- Consulting with potential new customers
- Keeping an eye on the figures
- Reviewing and approving our marketing activity
What are the benefits and challenges of the role?
Being your own boss definitely brings an element of freedom, but it’s also a huge responsibility.
A clear benefit is being able to make decisions regarding the business and planning the route we want to take, without having to go through a long drawn-out process. We obviously have to live and die by those decisions, but that’s all part and parcel of it.
Managing customer expectations and deadlines can be quite a challenge. We’re always in a race against time, as we live in an immediate world where everybody wants everything now.
Over the years print timescales for the most part have improved significantly, but certain processes take a specific time and cannot be compromised if quality is key. However not everyone wants to hear that when they’re up against a tight deadline!
If you hadn’t taken over the business from your Dad, what would you liked to have done?
I’m not entirely sure as print is all I’ve known, however it would likely be something in the fashion industry. We work with a number of clothing brands, so I’m pleased to say, I get my fix that way!
What do you enjoy the most?
There’s lots to enjoy.
I love the variety of work we produce and the different customers we work with. I love it when we sign a new contract and welcome a new customer on board.
A particular highlight is receiving customer testimonials. I’m proud to say the majority of our business comes through recommendations and referrals; which makes the hard work worthwhile and is an encouragement to the whole team.
I also enjoy sharing my experiences and advising new businesses and then seeing them develop and grow.
There’s never a dull moment.
