Gillian Finch is the national sales manager for Carpenter UK's consumer division. Carpenter is one of the world’s largest foam producers. In the UK Carpenter manufactures a variety of innovative foam products, from luxury pillows and toppers for consumer markets to underlay for both domestic and contract markets. Carpenter UK also makes Fireseal, an acoustic foam used in the construction industry.
How did you enter the trade?
After studying economics at Birmingham University, I joined Carpenter as a management trainee.
Who was your inspiration?
Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop. She was a creative and successful businesswoman who fought for ethical standards and fair trade.
What was your career high point?
Developing our consumer ‘sleep better’ brand into a multi-million-pound business in eight years – and being nominated for a Women in Furnishings Award in 2011 was pretty great too!
… and low point?
I was sorry to see the end of our consumer sponge business in the early 2000s.
… and the turning point?
When I was asked to help develop a consumer bedding brand from scratch and present the concept to major high street retailers. At the time memory foam was a new and niche product and nobody knew quite how to market and sell it. The consumer team worked extremely hard to create a memory foam range and develop eye-catching packaging, imparting their knowledge and expertise in the retail outlets.
Describe a typical working day
One day I could be developing a new product, the next styling a photo shoot or presenting a new concept to the retailer – there’s plenty of variety, and two days are never the same.
If you had to start over, you’d probably pursue which career?
I’d be a ski instructor or a professional golfer. I love being outdoors and enjoying sport.
What date on the business calendar do you most look forward to?
Exhibitions and award dinners are always good fun.
What is the most important issue affecting your business right now?
The ever-changing high street, and customers’ expectations, needing everything the next day. It places huge demands on our business.
What company do you most look up to?
John Lewis – as well as selling a variety of quality and innovative products, the company ethos projects enthusiasm and customer care. The partners are well trained and polished, and take a real pride in what they do.
What would you most like to change about yourself?
Where shall I start?! I am a perfectionist, and get frustrated when things are not right or are disorganised.
What do you enjoy most about working in the trade?
I love the innovation and design, but I also like meeting the variety of characters, young and old. It’s a close-knit industry, and one where you can form good partnerships. The consumer division has a great team in a rewarding and challenging environment, with its own individual characters.
Leave us with an industry anecdote please!
I have had many interesting and funny things happen to me over the years, from colleagues taking my hand luggage through security and being stopped, to climbing over fences in Frankfurt to get to a taxi, to putting exhibition equipment on the wrong vehicle, to watching colleagues walk past cameras in the Houses of Parliament while on the phone to their wives asking whether they’d spotted them on BBC News!
