19th May 2020
Next up in our Q&A series with our newest recruits, we welcome Yasmin Taylor, who joins us as Buying Assistant, and has a great family history in the industry!
Hello, thank you!
I have really enjoyed my first few months, as I am back doing what I enjoy most. The team are great and have encouraged and helped me where necessary. A couple of times I have questioned myself (which I am pretty certain is normal in a new company!) but have persevered and my confidence and independence is growing day by day.
My role is Buying Assistant. This includes assisting the lead buyer with placing orders, liaising with Contracts Managers/Site Managers to ensure materials are on site in time (and on budget), and preparing O&M manuals post project completion. I work alongside Simon and think we make a great team. We are always looking at ways to make improvements and maintain an efficient working environment.
Having left school, I completed an apprenticeship at West Berkshire Council. I felt this was definitely the right move for me, as I enjoy learning hands-on as opposed to through full time study.
The contract was for a year, in which I completed my NVQ level 3 in Business Studies. During that period I was nominated for Apprentice of the year by several other employees/teams.
At the end of that apprenticeship, I decide to apply for a few positions, one of which was within the council (which I secured), but after an interview with a local company close to home, I decided to opt for that position. It seemed challenging and would add another string to my bow, in regard to learning purchasing. I worked there for 3 years, before deciding that I wanted to progress further and learn alternative skills.
I was then employed by a local company as a Customer Service Representative. I felt I grew quickly within that position and always had a positive rapport with customers and work colleagues. The company was large and spread throughout Europe and China. We worked closely with our neighbouring offices and I enjoyed my time there, but I knew quite quickly that I was happier in procurement/buying, which is when I decided to pursue a position back in that field. I think this stems from my background as both my parents and grandfather have worked in this sector for most of their careers.
We have all dealt with major changes over the last few months. For me, I have been able to carry on working (from home) which I have found straightforward. All calls forward to my mobile, a laptop was supplied for me to be able to continue working (very much appreciated!) and things have pretty much carried on as ‘normal’ as they can be.
I would say everyone has adapted to the situation well, we have kept in constant contact, making sure that everything runs as it should daily and I feel we have built up a strong working relationship through these very challenging times.
For me, it’s relying on other sectors to be able to fulfil my role. Some suppliers have had to temporarily close, whilst others are operating with a skeleton staff, meaning that not everything we need to complete projects has been so readily available. At times this has been challenging, but everyone is in the same boat so to speak and their understanding has been amazing.
From the minute I walked into my interview, I loved the fact that S&C Slatter was an independent family run business, thriving in a very competitive market. Knowing the Buying Assistant role would give me the opportunity to get back to buying/purchasing was a massive bonus and the people I work alongside have been most welcoming, it really is a great place to work.
Having purchased our first home in May last year, we have spent a lot of time revamping and modernising the property. We are finally at the end and now have more free time to enjoy bike rides, movies, socialising with friends (well, we did!) and have just purchased our first dog, a Springer Spaniel, uh oh!! We will train him as a gundog to enjoy partaking in our local family shoots and long walks through the countryside.
Thanks Yas, we know you and Simon are busy ensuring the team have what they need on site, so thanks for taking the time to do this Q&A with us – welcome to the team!
With £3m of wholly owned and operated specialist equipment, we’re ready to deploy our teams on site, with our procurement department ensuring we have the materials and additional equipment we need to deliver your project to the highest possible standards.
If you’re considering a sports construction project and want to ensure maximum quality with minimal risk, get in touch with our team on 01635 345 21 or email info@sandcslatter.com.
