First time salesman Trevor says his award was a classic team effort

Trevor Sawyer was “shocked and elated” to win a sales award after his first year as an Area Development Manager for Lanes Group – and puts his success down to a great team effort.

He was winner of the Northern Regional Sales Performance Award 2014 at the Lanes Group National Sales Conference.

Trevor said: “When my name was read out, I was shocked, I really was, but I was elated at the same time. I have to say that, in my view, the whole depot won the award. It was a classic case of a team effort.”

Trevor became Area Development Manager for Lanes in Newcastle in April 2013.

He said: “Previous to that, I had managed a grants scheme for One NorthEast, the regional development agency, helping people prepare to set up their own businesses.

“I had no sales experience, but the management team at Lanes trusted my ability and determination to succeed, and I like to think that this award is one sign that I am repaying their trust.”

He said every member of the team at Lanes Newcastle has been very supportive and generous with their time, as he quickly set about learning the ropes.

Trevor added: “I got out on site, seeing what the teams did, spent as much time as possible with everyone in the depot, taking their advice and seeing how I could best support their work.”

The best way, he realised, was getting in new businesses. He said: “The buzz from getting in new work is great.

“I am a firm believer that no matter what the size of the job, and no matter what the type and size of the client, we have to offer the same high quality service to everyone.

“Only by doing a first job well, can you expect to get repeat business. It’s about attention to detail and quality delivery. At Lanes, that means having the resources and the drive to go the extra mile.

“So when a customer calls at 10pm on Friday and says they need a jet vac tanker in the hour, I can be confidence in knowing that two calls later, I can get back to the client and say it’ll be with you in 45 minutes.

“It’s good to know you have that level of commitment and resource behind you. That’s why any award I win is really an award for the whole team.”