Clearview National August 2017 - Issue 189 | Page 34

WOMENININDUSTRY
Be
Prepared
The fast-paced progress
at Hallmark Panels in the
first half of this year has
seen the launch of several
key initiatives, such as
the online door builder
and double rebate door
brochure, signalling a
new era for the company
and its commitment to
reaffirming its position
as a major player.
» » DRIVING THE STRATEGY
forward and coordinating operations is newly
appointed Managing Director, Lorraine Snell.
Since her appointment in April, Lorraine’s feet
haven’t touched the ground. Clearview caught
up with her to find out her plans for the role
and what it takes to make it to board level.
Like many, Lorraine’s path to success was not
a conventional one. But from an early age she
recognised her own desire and ability to lead
and develop people. “At school, I wanted to be
a teacher,” she says. Lorraine admits she didn’t
necessarily achieve her full potential at school.
But wisely, she attended secretarial college and
went on to gain a Pitman’s qualification.
The Hull docklands provided Lorraine with
an employment opportunity and during her
13 years with an international supplier to
agriculture, working alongside the transport
manager, she successfully completed a course as
part of the Youth Training Scheme (YTS).
By this time, Lorraine had her eye on the
prize and found her passion, drive, energy and
flare was taking her up through the ranks.
Then, a close family member put Lorraine
onto an opportunity at Hallmark Panels. “I
have now been involved with the company
for over 15 years,” explains Lorraine. “I have
worked my way up through a variety of roles,
including Group Business Manager and Group
Administration Manager, until I was invited to
join the board earlier this year.”
34 » AUG 2017 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
Lorraine is the first to admit that it has
been a massive learning curve but puts her
success down to being passionate about
delivering customer service and developing
people, putting this to good use to grow the
Hallmark Panels business and strengthen the
workforce.
‘You might not always
get it right first time, but
be patient and as long as
you keep trying your best
you’ll get there in the end’
“I’m keen to let potential customers know
that we are here and investing heavily in our
people, both new and existing,” Lorraine
continues. “Our 5-year strategy is to adapt
to the ever-changing marketplace and grow
the business through increased visibility and
by providing the products and support our
customers need.
“Fortunately, I am lucky to be part of a very
talented group of people and have the full
backing of a Chairman that believes and trusts
in both me and the rest of the team to bring
to market his forward-thinking ideas that have
managed to keep Hallmark in a strong position
for over 30 years.
“We are an extremely innovative company
and have so many products such as the
bespoke fully manufactured made in house
aluminium panel that the team and I can
develop opportunities for. Furthermore, I see
this as a chance to lift our profile and capitalise
on the unique position we are in due to the
numerous engineering capabilities we have
within the business.”
So, what are Lorraine’s top tips for someone
looking to pursue a similar career? She says:
“The most important thing for anyone is to be
prepared. In my days as a sales rep I made sure
I had the answers ready for anything I might be
asked. And if I didn’t, I made sure I followed it
up quickly. I developed an instant trust with my
customers.
“You’ve got to believe in yourself. You might
not always get it right first time, but be patient
and as long as you keep trying your best you’ll
get there in the end.”