“Having joined the company just five weeks before lockdown last year, it’s been one of the more unusual starts to a new role! But just over 12 months in, and I can honestly say that ROCKWOOL has been extremely supportive in helping me to realise my ambitions for developing my team,” explains Annemarie Shotton, National Sales Manager – Merchants & DIY.
Despite the challenges of navigating a sales landscape that is traditionally driven by networking and industry events, Annemarie and her team have succeeded in growing the ROCKWOOL stockist base by deploying an innovative programme of virtual engagements and aligning the sales support structure to merchant needs.
Diversity and inclusivity
While Annemarie focuses on ROCKWOOL’s merchant network, over in the structural sales team there is another strong saleswoman leading the charge with major distributors. Tara Wilson, Regional Sales Manager – South, comments: “This is my seventh year with the business, during which time I’ve moved through three sales roles – each time taking a step up in responsibility and now leading my own commercial team within structural sales."
"ROCKWOOL has a positive culture that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, recognising that each employee has unique capabilities. It’s always the right person for the role, regardless of gender.”
Shaking off the stigma
The perception of the industry is a lot better and has evolved over the years, states Tara
Interestingly, both Annemarie and Tara have spent their whole careers in the construction sector, an industry that is striving to shake off the stigma of being a male dominated profession.
“Things are definitely moving in the right direction, “said Tara. “The perception of the industry is a lot better than it was, it truly feels that the construction industry has evolved and that’s down to large companies like ROCKWOOL, leading the charge with empowering women to develop careers in construction.
Positive changes
Annemarie echoes this sentiment: “I have worked in manufacturing, distribution and merchanting across a range of construction markets and I’ve definitely seen a lot of positive change over the years, there’s a lot more women in construction and in more influential roles.
"As Tara said, this is credit to leading businesses setting a standard for equality and championing diversity in the workforce.”