In this month’s #MeetTheTeam series, we’re shining a spotlight on Sophie Taylor, who has recently moved into her new role as National Account Manager for Affordable Housing here at Bristan Group.With Affordable Housing being high on the Government’s agenda at the moment — and following the recent investment into the sector — Sophie’s role is a crucial and exciting one. We caught up with her to find out how she’s settling in, what excites her about the industry, and more.
Q: What does your typical workday look like as National Account Manager for Affordable Housing at Bristan Group?
A: I’m three and a half months into my new role, so my days are jammed packed with getting to know it and delivering for my customers.
Q: How long have you been working at Bristan Group? And what was your journey to the role you’re at now?
A: I’ve been at Bristan Group for just over six years in a variety of roles. I started as a Business Development Manager for domestic specification at Bristan, then had an eight-month period as National Specification Manager at Heritage, before returning to Bristan as an Area Specification Manager for domestic and commercial specification. I’ve now been promoted into my new role as National Account Manager for Affordable Housing.
Q: What’s the best thing about your job? And what makes working at Bristan Group so brilliant?
A: I love being able to put my all into one sector. Having an in-depth understanding of the Affordable Housing industry means I’m able to deliver brilliant service and put our customers first, always. Plus, the team at Bristan Group are helpful and supportive, and I have been lucky to make friends for life.
Q: What’s the key to creating brilliant specifications for Affordable Housing? Are there any key factors to consider when specifying kitchen and bathroom products?
A: The key is to be the solution provider that provides quality products that are easy to install and maintain, at the right price.
To be able to offer the right products it’s very important to have a good knowledge of UK building regulations, such as Part G and WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme), and sector priorities, such as water safety and water efficiency.
Q: What are your top tips for delivering brilliantly simple service for spec customers?
A: Always put the customer first; listen and understand their wants and needs to provide them with our expert advice. Always deliver exactly what you promised.
Q: What are some of your favourite Bristan innovations, and why?
A: Our bar showers featuring Safe Touch technology and the award-winning Wallmount 12 fixing kit are my favourite innovations. Being able to offer safe showers that are easy to install, maintain and replace helps to strengthen our position as a market leader and make life brilliantly simple for our customers.
Q: What excites you about the industry at the moment?
A: As there is a shortage of houses in the UK, I’m excited about the continuous push for new homes to be built. I’m eager to find out what the new Decent Homes Standard is going to look like after the Government has conducted part one of their review process, which is taking place in Autumn this year.
Q: And finally, tell us a fun fact about you.
A: While traveling around the world (many moons ago), I felt like my life was in danger when I was free falling 10 seconds longer than everyone else, while tandem skydiving 15,000 feet over Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Moral of the story — never buddy up with a professional skydiver who is the same weight and height as you!
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