We sat down with Natasha, our Senior Business Development Manager today to discuss how her first year with the APECS Team has been and how she's utilised her previous industry knowledge to help the company grow.
Hi Natasha, how is your day going?
Great, thank you! We have lots going on at the moment in preparation for 2020...watch this space!
When did you join APECS?
I joined in January 2019, so it’s nearly my one year work-anniversary and what a year it’s been!
What were you doing before you joined APECS?
I was an Area Sales Manager for Aldridge Security covering the London area and before that I did the North and Midlands for them. Previous to joining Aldridge Security, I worked in the new business department at Duffells, so I’ve had lots of experience within the lock and door hardware industry over the past few years.
This isn’t your first role within the industry then?
Nope, this is my third role, but it is my first time working for a manufacturer rather than a wholesaler so it has brought lots of exciting new challenges and it’s given me a chance to see a different side of the industry.
What do you do at APECS?
I drive sales within the UK through lead generation and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients.
I spend a large amount of my time coming up with different ideas and campaigns to help APECS grow and develop as a company. I also spend time on the road heading out to meetings to discuss the APECS product range with potential clients.
What has changed since you’ve been with APECS?
Quite a lot in my eyes. I believe our name within the industry has grown a lot over the past year. We have a number of very exciting projects going on behind the scenes and we also recently won Hardware Company of the Year at the inaugural National Locksmith Awards.
What is something you are particularly proud of from your time with APECS so far?
Being part of the APECS War on Plastic. I think it is very important that we try and do our bit and help as a company. We are leading the way within the lock and hardware industry in terms of moving towards a sustainable business model and reducing our impact on the environment and it feels great to be a part of something that is helping the world.
Another thing is being nominated for three different awards this year. APECS finished as runners up in the Hardware Company of the Year category at the National Fenestration Awards. Our KM 3* Sold Secure Diamond Grade AP cylinder was also shortlisted as Product of the Year at the National Locksmith Awards and as previously mentioned, we won the Hardware Company of the Year award at the National Locksmith Awards. It is great to see all of the hard work that has gone into promoting and growing the brand over the past year come to fruition!
What do you like most about working at APECS?
Watching the company grow and go from strength to strength. I am very proud to be a part of it and see the company evolve. We’ve got a great team in place and Nik is also a great boss.
What are your plans for APECS in 2020?
We have some big plans for the next year! We’re going to be opening our own APECS Key Centre as well as having our network of APECS Prime Centres around the country. We will also be exhibiting at the FIT Show 2020 and this will be a first for APECS. The show will give us a great chance to continue to grow as a company and increase brand awareness within the industry.
If you’d like to learn about any of the projects and initiatives discussed in this interview or if you have a sales enquiry, don’t hesitate to contact Natasha by email at natasha@apecs.co.uk or by phone on 02073499888.
