I joined Aggregate Industries in August 2003 having graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. In my time to date with the company I have faced numerous enjoyable challenges providing me with a wide range of experience.

On my first day with Aggregate Industries I was sent to one of the company's largest factory sites to gain an overview of the Bradstone and Charcon divisions, two of the Building Materials businesses. The next few days were spent working in IT on the helpdesk, answering calls and troubleshooting.

I was then seconded to the Southwest. Reporting to the Business Development Manager for Bardon Aggregates, I worked on a new glass recycling initiative and was given responsibility for selling the idea to local businesses by approaching large volume glass consumers. Prior to this project I was completely unaware of the wide range of products that can be recycled as aggregate supplements.

My formal induction began as soon as I returned to Aggregate Industries' Head Office. This took the form of an intensive four- week tour of the various operations within the company, from Duntilland near Edinburgh, all the way down to Par in Cornwall. The scope and diversity of Aggregate Industries is something that still amazes me.

The first project assignment I received was at Hulland Ward in Derbyshire. This involved analysing Charcon's forecasting and planning methods. During my time with the division, I visited factories and met with commercial managers. Having studied the planning systems I was asked to draw up a list of recommendations, which I presented at the factory managers' meeting. It was very satisfying to know that my ideas were taken on board and in some cases were actually implemented during my placement.

At the end of my first placement I successfully applied for the position of Commercial Analyst with Bardon Aggregates and began this new role in January 2004. Though there were many new things to learn about the company and the industry, I always had extensive support through training and great managers. I was responsible for the monthly reports that were issued to all of the general managers and to the Regional Director for the Midlands. My business acumen developed tremendously as a result.

In August 2004 I began my next role as Trainee Asphalt Plant Manager at our Greenwich depot. I was fortunate to get a broad range of production and management experience. There were numerous challenges and a very different working environment. I had to adapt quickly and learn new skills, all of which have enabled me to enhance my professional development. After 6 months working on the asphalt plant I returned to the Midlands region to take up the role of Asphalt Customer Service Advisor. This was a good transition from production to internal support. My customer service focus was greatly enhanced during the 11 months at Croft. It was during this time that I was able to reflect on a wealth of experience to decide the next step.

External sales is where I am now, Specification Manager for the West Midlands Region of Charcon Hard Landscaping. It is an amazing role, one that I am now planning to develop over the coming years. Budgets, KPIs and results all have to be monitored alongside developing customer relations and gaining specifications. Opportunities arise from even the most unlikely situations and no day is ever the same.

I was attracted to Aggregate Industries for the prospect of responsibility at an early stage. I have not been disappointed in the slightest and look forward to the future with enthusiasm.