Liverpool-based Palace Chemicals Ltd has appointed a new Area Sales Manager – who is looking forward to working with the company to achieve its ambitious 2020 growth targets.
Lee Akram is the company’s new Area Sales Manager for South Wales and the South West of England. For the 38-year-old, it’s a great opportunity to get stuck into spearheading growth for the leading tile adhesive and building product manufacturer in the South Wales & South West areas.
Lee, who is originally from Wolverhampton but lives in Cardiff, has over seven years worth of sales experience, working within the industry. Before embarking into a sales position, Lee was involved in a more physical role. Lee said: “I’m a floor-layer by trade. I was in the floor-laying trade for 17 years, but I decided to get ‘off my knees’ and get involved in sales and utilise the skills I’ve learned over the years.”
Regarding his new role, Lee said: “I’m delighted to get this opportunity. I’ve known about Palace for most of my career, having used the products – and the business has been one of my competitors in the past. I’m really excited to join the team.”
After working as a floor-layer – regularly using Palace’s products – Lee went to work for a flooring distributor to get some sales experience on his CV. He worked for Warminster-based Jaymart Rubber & Plastics in a similar role.
The hard-working dad-of-three has spent his first week learning the ropes at Palace, in what he describes as a “hectic” and “exciting” few days. He is looking forward to the future and the challenge of covering the Southwest area for Palace, which is celebrating over 40 years in business.
Lee said: “I’m looking forward to it – I’ve got a lot of contacts in the area anyway, so it’s not as daunting as starting with a clean piece of paper, Palace also has a well-established customer base and I am looking forward to developing these relationships. I can’t wait to start promoting the brand and get Palace even more exposure.”
Simon Clough, Sales Director at Palace Chemicals, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lee to the team. His ‘hands-on’ experience of using our products literally ‘on the ground’ and subsequent seven years’ experience in sales will serve him in good stead to help drive our company forward.”
For more information on Palace Chemicals and its range of building products, call 0151 4866101 or email sales@palacechemicals.co.uk