A Howarth Timber sales graduate has been named Rising Star of the Year at the 2018 British Excellence in Sales Management Awards.
The awards are hosted by the Institute of Sales Management, which puts together a panel of judges who decide the winner.
Joshua Chaplin (pictured third from left), who works for Howarth Timber’s Rochdale branch, was awarded the BESMA, which celebrates high achieving sales professionals, at a ceremony recently held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
The 23-year-old was nominated by his Paul Barton, and made the top eight in the category.
Chaplin then made a presentation to the judges on why he should win, emphasising his understanding of customer service and the sales cycle, as well as what he has learned and achieved throughout his career with Howarth Timber – including evidence of his profit margin figures.
Throughout the 18 months that Chaplin has been with Howarth Timber, he has taken steps to advance his career, including taking part in the company’s ISM-accredited Essential Foundations of Sales Management programme, which develops skills in-house by giving participants hands-on experience of Howarth Timber’s operational structure, with the aim of supporting them in achieving a sales account management role in the future.
Although he has now completed the programme, Chaplin continues to take part in Howarth Timber’s e-learning courses to ensure he maintains a high level of product knowledge.
He said: “I’ve taken every opportunity I can to expand my knowledge of both sales and the merchant industry, through both training courses and building strong networks of customers as well as internal and external colleagues.
“I’m thrilled to have won the BESMA Rising Star of the Year Award, and it feels great that all my hard work since starting my career at Howarth Timber has paid off and has been recognised within the industry.”
Anadi Dey, Group head of HR at Howarth Timber added: “We are incredibly proud of Joshua and all of his hard work throughout his career with us.
“He has taken a number of steps during this time to expand his knowledge and develop both professionally and personally, which has culminated in winning this prestigious award.
“The award is very well deserved and we look forward to watching Joshua’s career continue to grow.”
