03 Nov Trade body recognises pioneering work of Chelmsford ‘Young Merchant’
The introduction of cutting edge e-commerce technology at a Chelmsford building materials supplier has been recognised with an award by national trade body, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).
Lauren Penney is Operations and Marketing Manager, at Chandler Material Supplies and was named the BMF Young Merchant Achiever 2023 at the BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards.
Former Olympic swimmer, Mark Foster, hosted the event and presented Lauren with the award which was sponsored by Mannok.
Lauren, who is a member of BMF’s Young Merchant group, has been at the forefront of creating and improving a technologically advanced e-commerce system for the business, as well as playing a key role in re-opening the business following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Having become the first ever marketing officer for the business, Lauren completed a Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with a distinction in 2022 and has recently embarked on a Diploma in Merchant Management.
Alongside her marketing role, Lauren coordinates community and charity initiatives at Chandler Material Supplies and continues to support the team across the business by helping on the trade counter or taking sales calls.
Lauren said: “I enjoy working in all aspects of the business and helping out in different areas means I still have strong relationships with colleagues and customers.
“So much has happened in the first seven years of my career. I’m only 26 but I take such pride in working for a family-run business and hope I can continue to make a difference for many years to come.
“Winning the Young Merchant Achiever Award means the world to me. I thrive on making a difference to our business and also to the wider industry.
“To be recognised by the BMF is incredible and I hope it will help me to become a role model to younger people starting out in our industry.”
Held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, the BMF’s Annual Members Conference and Awards recognises the achievements of individuals and businesses within the builders’ merchants’ industry.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “Congratulations to Lauren on the talent and hard work that is recognised with this award.
“BMF membership encompasses the entire building materials distribution industry, and our Annual Conference and Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of suppliers, service members and individuals across the sector.”
