Sanjit Dosanjh, Norbord’s National Sales Manager for UK & Ireland, on helping the builders’ merchants sector through current challenges and beyond.
“Lockdown”, “Furlough”, “Covid-19”, “WFH” “Building boom!” “Brexit” – any more phrases we want to add to the words we have heard time and time again every day?
But what have they meant for us at Norbord as a supplier to the merchant and building industry?
In essence, we have become more talkative, speed of response-driven, efficient and “modern” in communications, as have our customers, and we are reaping the rewards of changing the way we work now. Of course, nothing is the same as a face-to-face meeting, but we are all adapting to the new norm – everywhere!
It has been challenging at times as any change is; but we have moved forward, as has the industry, and the building world is a really positive place to be. Due to the lockdown, and subsequent limitations on travel and staff levels, customers have not been on site or available for physical meetings. Yet we are talking more.
Norbord’s base of merchants has reacted and we are working in tandem very well. We keep in touch with Zoom or Teams meetings – we are communicating much more, with more people in one place, and in much less time which is good for everyone. Merchants and suppliers alike now seem easier to access and results are quicker to realise.
As the customers now order on a click-and-collect basis in the main, their online presence is crucial. In turn, we are supporting our customers with online sales and product training and, if a conversation is needed, our team is ready.
For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk
