The Maddie Rose Campaign aims to inspire young people to discover the varied and rewarding careers available in the Supplier and Merchanting sector as well as the wide Construction and Built Environment Industry.
The Maddie Rose Campaign has been set up as a lasting legacy in celebration of the life of Maddie Rose, an inspirational young woman who was dedicated to showcasing the aspirational careers available in the sector she cared for so passionately.
In partnership with the Construction Youth Trust, the supplier and merchanting sector are coming together to develop and deliver a Hidden careers programme, aiming to create a blueprint that can be used to inspire and support young people to access opportunities across the sector.
Alsford Timber Ltd are dedicated to supporting the Maddie Rose Campaign, and drawing attention to the #hiddencareers within the Merchanting sector.
Speaking with Louise Polston (Commercial Director), Luisa Cross (Marketing Executive) and Tracey Kyte (Sales Coordinator), we find out about their careers to date, and experience working in the Merchanting industry.
What is your role and how long have you worked within the Merchant Industry?
Luisa Cross (Marketing Executive) - My role is Marketing Executive. I sit within the Commercial team here at Alsford, based at our Tonbridge branch. I am new to the merchant industry, having only worked here since March this year.
Louise Polston (Commercial Director) - I am the Commercial Director at Alsford, and have been in the industry (and with Alsford) for just under 7 years.
Tracey Kyte (Sales Co-ordinator) – I work as a Sales Co-ordinator, and have worked in the building industry for just over a year now.
What has your career journey looked like so far?
Luisa Cross (Marketing Executive) - I started off by studying ‘Media and Communications’ at university. From university, my first full time job was in the marketing team at a Travel Insurers; where I gained experience in copywriting and CRO. After this, I moved away from the corporate world and joined a tech start-up, working closely with the founder on developing the brands social presence. From here, I found myself intrigued by the world of influencer marketing so I joined a large influencer marketing agency to work in their campaigns team. Here I lead the UK campaign influencer campaign for a large tech client. Moving on to where I am today, I wanted to find a local company to me which allowed me to pull on all my different skills I have learnt over the past years since university. So I believe now being in a generalist marketing role here at Alsford suits me perfectly.
Louise Polston (Commercial Director) - I left college and went to be a Nanny in Gibraltar – I did that for a year then was offered to go to Virginia but I decided to stay in Gibraltar and gained employment with Ladbrokes International where I stayed for 4.5 years. I then came back to the UK, worked for Ladbrokes at their head office near Harrow for 2 years. I then worked in recruitment both locally and in Central London for a few years but was made redundant in 2009 so I joined a washroom manufacturer in a sales position. After a few months I was promoted to Team Leader within sales, then moved in to their Export division as Export Operations Manager, after a few years, within the same group, I was asked to join one of their start up brands as Commercial Director. I then joined Alsford in November 2015. So my career has been varied but I have found an industry that I love and am excited to be a part of.
Tracey Kyte (Sales Co-ordinator) – Prior to Alsford, I worked for 10 years in a mailroom with all women.
Did you need to get a specific qualification to do the role you have now?
Luisa Cross (Marketing Executive) - From my own personal experience I have A-levels and a degree, but I don’t always believe you need a degree to work within a marketing role. I think passion and dedication is key, and if you are willing to learn and keep on top of the ever changing world of marketing, then you will succeed.
Louise Polston (Commercial Director) - Specific qualifications are not essential for my role.
Tracey Kyte (Sales Co-ordinator) – I didn’t need any experience. Every day there is an opportunity to learn something new. It could be a new product, a new way to do something or even new ways to better yourself at work.
What do you like most about working within the Merchant Industry?
Luisa Cross (Marketing Executive) - I like working in a new industry, as there is always something new to learn. My team also play a massive part of making my role here fun and exciting.
Louise Polston (Commercial Director) - The people: my team, our suppliers, our customers – they are down to earth, work hard and have fun along the way – what more can you ask for!
Tracey Kyte (Sales Co-ordinator) – When I started at Alsford with just male staff I was nervous, but I have never been made to feel more welcomed. Alsford are like a family and even with customers you get good relationships. I enjoy having women come into the shop because it shows how the building industry isn’t male only.
We love what we do at Alsford, and we'd encourage everyone to consider a career in the Merchanting sector. View and apply to any of our current vacancies in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and London.