Door Industry Journal - Summer 2021

19 THE door industry journal summer 2021 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Here Come the Girls JD UK and Alutech Systems have had a flurry of new starters in recent months, thanks to the growth the aluminium supplier has experienced over the past year. And while the company prides itself on hiring the right person for the job, by coincidence, all the new hires have turned out to be women, bringing what was typically a more male-dominated industry into balance. But with great customer service being the attribute JD UK is most renowned for, building a team that shares the same values is the most important factor. Fortunately, with these latest recruits, JD UK has continued to be able to do just that. What’s more, through promoting the company’s apprenticeship scheme, they have encouraged people from outside the industry to consider it as a career choice and has gone some way to tackling the UK-wide skills shortage problem. Managing Director, Steve Hudson, explains: “Our most recent addition is Jess Hemingway, an Apprentice Order Processor. As part of her apprenticeship, JD UK provides Jess with the support and time she needs to complete an NVQ in customer service and is encouraged beyond completion of the apprenticeship to remain with the company. We’re extremely proud to have several members of staff already progressing through the company that joined the team through an apprenticeship, such as Georgia Rigg, Bailey Doran and Rebekah Pilkington.” Last year, Belle Cape joined the Sectional Door department as Apprentice Sales Coordinator, followed earlier this year by Sinead Hinks. Belle is progressing well and already taking on additional responsibility. And although only 19, Sinead’s enthusiasm and appetite for work have already made her a valuable asset to the team! Sinead said, “When starting to work for JD UK I never thought I’d know and learn as much as I have in such a short time of working for the company. Not just an exceptional company but also one that is supportive and caring.” The roller shutter department was pleased to welcome Laura Oldroyd who joined as a Sales Coordinator, responsible for the processing of incoming customer requests and orders, producing purchase orders, liaising with transport regarding incoming deliveries and advising customers throughout each stage of the process. Laura will also provide maternity cover for Georgia Rigg later this year. JD UK and Alutech Systems have also recently welcomed Accounts Apprentice, Millie Paton, Rachel Sims as Sales Coordinator for Alutech Systems, Laura Porritt as Internal Sales for New Business and Catherine Glover as Office Administrator. To speak to the helpful, friendly team, please call 01924 472924, email sales@jdukltd.co.uk or visit www.jdukltd.co.uk . A Familiar Face Returns to SWS UK SWS UK has made further investment in its Sales team following the recruitment of Ian Astin who recently accepted the role of National Sales Manager. Having joined the company in late June, Ian is leading the Sales & Customer Service departments in maintaining the company’s high standards in exceptional levels of service and support. The customer-facing role will allow Ian to work closely with SWS UK’s distributors whilst also supporting the account management teams in growing sales and building customer relationships. Ian will be a familiar face to SWS UK’s distributors, thanks to his remarkable 20-year experience within the industry. In fact, Ian began his career with SWS UK back in the early noughties as a member of the SeceuroShield shutter production team. He then went on to join the Customer Service department and later progressed to the role of Regional Sales Manager for the North West. Following his time with SWS UK, Ian expanded his industry knowledge further with various other customer-facing roles. He is well known within the garage door industry, gaining experience with some of the biggest names. This has equipped Ian with diverse technical knowledge and proven problem-solving skills. Ian’s contact details will be available shortly. In the meantime, SWS UK’s distributors can reach him by contacting the head office on 01524 77200. Industry News