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While out and about visiting different sites we managed to grab Andy to answer our questions on life as the Sales Manager of Specialised Canvas Services.
Describe your role here at Specialised Canvas
I am the Sales Manager responsible for all sales activity across the Specialised Canvas, Proflight Bags and Flexiplastics divisions within the Specialised Canvas Group.
What is it like working in the sales team at SCS?
Every day is a real challenge – Though overcoming those challenges is very satisfying.
What is like dealing with some of the bigger SCS clients?
A real challenge, but an enjoyable one. Due to the bespoke nature of all our products – including some with very defined specifications, a lot of attention to detail is needed when working out what our client wants, and getting to that point can be a very enjoyable process.
How long have you been working here?
I joined the company in June 2014 as a Sales Executive for the Banner Box division within the organisation – straight from studying Business Studies at Sheffield Hallam Uni. A few months into working here, I was transferred over to assist with sales activity on the Proflight Bags and Specialised Canvas side of the company, around 6 months ago I got the opportunity to be in the position I am now. So I guess that means i’ve been part of the company for just over 16 months – time flies.
What makes SCS different?
The variety of work we take on – One day, the SCS team may be focussed on working through orders for awning extensions/reductions or tent repairs for many people within the local vicinity – Another day we may be working on projects for bags for a county Fire and Rescue Service. So the variety of clientelle is certainly something that we’re quite proud of – There is no job too big or too small for us!
Have there been any jobs which you’ve been particularly pleased with?
A great winter project we took on last year was for a local pub. We created a cover to protect the pubs local ales while in transit. This cover had to be totally bespoke to fit on the back of the old-fashioned open back Chevrolet truck. Read the full story here.
Do you have a dream client you’d like to work with?
One division in the business where we have recently done some work is the Manor Marussia F1 Team – We’ve got involved with them in terms of supplying a canopy, and various bespoke padded bags. Whilst it’s nice to have such a noteworthy client on our books, supplying other similar products across some of the other F1 Teams such as Mclaren, Red Bull would be fantastic!
Describe and average day in SCS
Entering the office at 8.30am with a cup of tea or coffee, then marking out a plan of action for the day. Attaining information regarding customer enquiries, liaising with our production team over orders in the pipeline, progress of current orders. Assisting with processing orders and customer enquiries. As said in a question earlier, no day is the same! Yes like every business, the occasional crisis may occur but we have the right people in-house to arrive at the best solution.
What do you think 2016 holds for SCS?
We never can tell! Hopefully many more interesting projects, and if the end of 2015 is anything to go by, a very busy workforce! The bespoke nature of the business makes it almost impossible to determine our next big item.
What parts of your job do you particularly enjoy?
Beat my daily sales target is always secretly satisfying, the variety of projects we get involved with.
… and which bits aren’t so great?
When it’s my turn to make the tea! (which he does his best to avoid!)
We hear you joined SCS as a graduate – tell us a little about your university experience
I studied Business Studies: primarily covering finance and marketing modules. Going with Business Studies rather than one of the specialisms (HRM for example) has been beneficial as it’s given me a great foundation of knowledge to cover all aspects of business, rather than just focussing on one in particular. I thoroughly enjoyed my uni experience – it was pretty stressful as deadlines approached but I made many friends and learnt a lot about others, and myself.
What made you choose SCS as a graduate?
Whilst being located very close to home, the opportunity to work for such a diverse organisation which is growing was very appealing. Following a placement year with a larger company I felt I wanted the opportunity to get much more involved in a smaller business.
Have you read any good books recently?
I’m not really one for reading books – Apart from when at Uni when studying for an exam or coursework. I’m a big fan of the Game of Thrones Series – many of my friends read the books and claim they’re much more in depth than the shows themselves. As I enjoyed the TV shows so much, a few months back I bought all 7 books with plans to read them all. Since buying them, I’ve not touched them once! (tut tut!)
Rugby or football?
Enjoy both, but I’m definitely a football snob!
Do you like to play any sports or have any outdoor hobbies?
I play 5-a-side football on a Monday night: mainly as goalkeeper.
Is there anywhere you’d like to travel?
I’ve never been out of Europe so I would love to go to America – Las Vegas in particular I would love to visit.
I hear you like a bit of a flutter in the casino?
Who doesn’t occasionally? I have become quite a fan of a good poker night, I must admit.
What kind of food do you like cooking… or eating?!
It has to be Chinese!
Tea or coffee?
It depend’s who’s making it! Probably Tea if I had to pick one
