Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has recently welcomed seven members of staff to its Institute of Sales Management (ISM) accredited Essential Foundations of Sales Management programme, following the first set of graduates completing it earlier this year.
The latest set of graduates have been selected from across the company’s nationwide branch network and have now begun the 12-month programme. It aims to support the staff members in their eventual progression to a sales account management role, through giving them practical experience of Howarth Timber & Building Supplies’ operational structure.
Over the next year, the seven graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of the company in order to monitor and grow sales organically through developing a deeper understanding of the company’s KPIs. Participants’ success within the programme will be measured in a number of ways, such as commercial results and return on investment.
Howarth Timber & Building Supplies’ Essential Foundations of Sales Management programme is fast-paced and will see its participants working across a range of departments including health & safety, IT, customer service, and project management. A range of resources will be available to participants alongside departmental training, including e-learning, additional training and support through mentoring.
Sales graduate Joshua Chaplin, who took part in the programme last year, said: “The programme is a fantastic opportunity for both professional and personal development, especially for anyone who is new to sales or the industry, and it has changed how I approach challenging situations. I’m excited for those taking part in the programme this year – my advice would be to remember there is always a different approach to the task in hand and to use the network that you build throughout the programme, as well as to always challenge yourself.”
Paige Blanchard, a sales graduate currently taking part in the programme, said: “I’m really happy with my role and I’m enjoying the programme so far. There is a lot to learn, but I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of sales and the business whilst gaining valuable, hands-on experience which will be beneficial to me in my career.”
Anadi Dey, group head of HR at Howarth Timber, said: “Following the success of the implementation of our Essential Foundations of Sales Management programme last year, we’re delighted to have welcomed a new group of graduates from our branches across the country.
“We’re passionate about assisting staff in their careers at Howarth Timber, and this programme provides graduates with the skills required for later progression into sales account management.”
