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This month in our Meet the Team series, we’re chatting to Mel Wetheridge, our UK Sales Manager. With over 25 years of experience in specification sales, Mel joined Newmor in May 2024, bringing a wealth of knowledge from the commercial interiors world. She leads our UK field sales team and loves the variety her role brings every day. We sat down with Mel to talk about her role, and her life outside of Newmor.

Let’s get to know Mel a little bit better!

Name: Mel Wetheridge

Job role: UK Sales Manager

Time at Newmor: 10 Months

What is your role at Newmor, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am responsible for managing our UK field sales team and the growth in Newmor’s specification sales market within the UK.

A typical day usually involves usually one or two meetings, liaising with other departments, analysing productivity data and customer satisfaction. Working closely with our internal customer service team, managing house accounts and projects. Reviewing our plans, sales processes, forecasts and above all being on hand to support the field sales team and our customers.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career and what led you to your current role at Newmor?

I began my specification sales career 25 years ago when I entered the commercial interior finishes side of the industry, developing Key Corporate Accounts in London. I then moved on to specialise in Hospitality and Leisure.  Over the years I have been fortunate to work on some very exciting, diverse and iconic projects, and I have met many wonderful people in the industry along the way.

I was very excited to have the opportunity to join Newmor in May 2024, having admired the company for many years beforehand. I was particularly thrilled to see the company’s successful re-brand in 2021 and the new direction in design being taken.

Newmor’s sustainable product development, and how we operate in the wider community by constantly striving to improve the social impact our actions have on our planet, particularly appealed to me personally too.

What are your favourite parts about your job?

I enjoy the variety every day brings and the consultive nature of specification sales. But my most favourite part of the role is working with the UK team; it’s incredibly rewarding as we all share the same goals!

What has been the most rewarding project or achievement during your time at Newmor?

I think its still early days to answer this question. But I do feel we have begun to further strengthen our position in the UK market and am looking forward to our continued growth in the years to come.

Pictured above, right: A birthday cake made by Mel for her son’s birthday.

Favourite:

Saying – ‘When you walk up to the opportunity’s door, don’t knock it. Kick that door in smile and introduce yourself’ by Dwayne Johnson ‘The Rock’.

I think of this quote often; it advocates a pro-active approach to life. Encouraging you to take care of your own destiny. In the world of sales, it’s a motivator in self-belief and fearlessness. To me it says you can be confident without arrogance, especially if your polite at all times. Smiling increases mood enhancing hormones, lowers blood pressure and relieves pain and stress too!

Activity – I have two, when I am not with family or volunteering for the NEWH. My most favourite activities are baking and cycling (in that order).

Baking unleashes my creative side in the kitchen, with the added benefit of a treat at the end. Its therapeutic, fun and enjoyable and I love being able to share the end results with others.

When I am not baking, I like to cycle when the weather is dry! It helps burn off some of the cake too!

Book – Entangled Life – Merlin Sheldrake.

This is a mesmerising read about the world of Fungi! But its not just for science or biology fans but is a really fascinating read for anyone who wants to delve into the profound impact fungi have on our environment, health and our natural world.  (Nathan Jones our Purchasing Manager borrowed my copy if anyone wants to try it out)!

A big thank you to Mel for chatting with us. Keep an eye out for further instalments of our Meet The Team series!