Writing in the October issue of PBM, Editor Paul Davies considered the real breadth and depth of the career opportunities open to individuals – and especially new entrants – within the building materials sector.
It was a great pleasure to have once again served on the Judging Panel for the BMF Young Achiever Awards, presented recently at the trade federation’s Annual Members’ Conference. We drill down into the detail of the category winners — and the results of the inaugural BMF Marketing Excellence Award — later in the issue, but it is well worth pausing to reflect on such a positive story when the media landscape continues to be dominated by so much doom and gloom.
The high calibre of the nominees ensured that it was far from an easy task for the Judging Panel to agree upon the winners. Reflecting the breadth and depth of the industry, with submissions coming from businesses of all sizes and specialisms, both the Young Merchant and Young Supplier categories showcased the talents of demonstrably passionate, talented and committed individuals and the high levels of achievement they had already attained in their burgeoning careers.
Open to those under the age of 35, many of the entrants were actually still in their twenties (or even younger…) yet could display tangible accomplishments and proof of clear progression through the endorsement of colleagues and testimonials from customers.
“It simply cannot be emphasised enough how much employees value the recognition of a job well done, whilst enhancing your reputation as a great company to work for will get more out of your staff — and ensure that potential employees will want to seek you out…”
Furthermore, the lists also demonstrated real variety in terms of job roles and titles, many of which are often overlooked by people considering the next steps in their careers. Whilst such accolades can tend to favour the more obvious, evidential success of those working in sales, many of the nominees instead came from account management, operations, HR, procurement, business development, technical services and even mergers & acquisitions.
And as well as shining a well-earned spotlight on the shortlisted candidates themselves, the Awards should also serve as an important reminder to all as to just what an incredible industry this is to work in. Recruitment remains a real issue, and attracting the best talent into the sector is a particular challenge. Yet irrespective of their background or prior experience of building materials, it can offer a host of fulfilling opportunities for dedicated individuals to make the best of themselves.
I’m sure that all the nominees will go far in their careers, and I’m equally certain that their employers will reap the rewards for the support they have provided along the way. Similarly, I’d encourage everyone reading this to give serious consideration to submitting names for next year’s Awards.
It simply cannot be emphasised enough how much employees value the recognition of a job well done, whilst enhancing your reputation as a great company to work for will get more out of your staff — and ensure that potential employees will want to seek you out.
We have thoroughly enjoyed tracking the progress on social media of those participating in this year’s Pavestone Rally. Beyond its key purpose as an epic charity fundraising event, it is also another fantastic advert for the sector itself. Building camaraderie and teamwork along the way, all underpinned by a strong dose of dedication, creativity and fun, the intrepid teams have raised more than £212,000 for CRASH, the Rainy Day Trust, the British Heart Foundation and Variety.
Big respect to all concerned!
