Careers in merchanting: “The opportunities are there for the taking!”
Continuing our #BuildACareerWithoutLimits series we talk to BMF student George Donnelly of C & W Berry. George won the ‘Best Performing BMF Diploma Student’ award at WCoBM’s this year’s City & Awards Luncheon, achieving the highest overall average score over nine modules. We also ask George about his 13-year career in merchanting, from college student through to Counter Manager.
- When did you join C & W Berry?
In July 2007, working part-time while studying at college and then through university, graduating with a BA Hons degree. My full-time role started in May 2013.
- What is your current role and how has it developed?
I’m currently the Counter Manager for the plumbing trade counter, but I started in ‘goods inwards’ unloading vehicles of stock and then putting it away and stocking shelves. My role has developed dramatically. Early on, it was straight forward and routine, but now it is much more involving and varied – from team management through to selling plumbing fittings to tradesmen and full bathrooms to consumers.
- How did you come to hear of the Diploma course and how long did it take?
A colleague put me forward as I was carrying out other City & Guilds modules in plumbing & heating. He thought it would be a good next step. My BMF tutor confirmed it would take 27 months to complete, allowing three months for each of the nine modules.
- How has the course benefitted your learning and development, and your role?
It’s enabled me to understand numbers and selling to whole different level, while also developing my knowledge of how a business runs and the different aspects to it. The course covered leadership and team management too, supporting my development in these areas. Overall it has helped my progression in the family-run business, giving me clearer direction and insight.
- What is your view of merchanting and the career opportunities for young people?
At first, it didn’t seem there was all that much, but I quickly realised there are both wide and varied opportunities for young people – even more so if you are willing to learn, work hard, take the knowledge on board and then use it in your day-to-day role so you keep developing.
The opportunities are there for the taking. I didn’t realise just quite how much scope for progression there is, at C & W Berry and across the industry. I cannot speak for any other company, but one thing I do know is that a job at C & W Berry, is a job for life.
- What advice would you give to young people considering a career in the building materials sector?
Learn as much as you can and listen. If opportunities come up, grab them with both hands and just try your best.
- What are your career ambitions?
This course has put me in good stead for future opportunities that may arise. I will continue to learn and tackle new roles that come my way to the best of my ability.
I’d like to thank C & W Berry for putting me forward for this course – it has given me such in-depth knowledge. While it’s challenging studying and working full time, it’s certainly worth it and extremely rewarding.
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WCoBM’s City & Awards Luncheon celebrates the achievements of BMF students the Company supports in training and education through its charitable fund, with bursaries of up to £2,000 a person. For details and how to apply, visit our page here
