Blog

2020 has been a simultaneously tragic and exciting year. It’s difficult to know how to feel about it.

Amidst the chaos of businesses crumbling and evolving or being born; in between the personal lives torn apart by loss and relationships stretched to the max – this year has taught us one very obvious thing – there are so many different ways to be kind that can counteract some of the heartache.

We started this year with a lot to accomplish and at Just Williams we had BIG plans for growth. Part of this ‘masterplan’ was to keep fundraising in aid of The British Heart Foundation. But throughout lockdown and seeing so many communities pulling together for their own causes we knew we wanted to spread our wings a little more too. So, broadened our horizons and spread a little more kindness where we could.

In the last few months, we have already smashed our (twice updated!) fundraising goal for the BHF, but we have also looked a little closer to home to our local communities too. We pledged donations to The Trussell Trust after seeing the impact of hunger on families during the pandemic; knowing that their foodbanks would help support those in need. We did this by donating proceeds from our online webinars launched during lockdown so whenever someone joined our training, not only did they leave with great tips and skills – they helped to serve up a great dose of kindness too.

Similarly, we made a donation to the fabulous Billingham Synthonia Ladies Football team as well as supporting the ongoing growth and generally ‘awesomeness’ of The Girls Network by part-sponsoring their membership fees to the North East of England Chamber of Commerce and becoming Mentors on their programme. Amidst all of this we made sure we stayed in touch with our clients regularly, we sent each other thoughtful care packages to let each other know we were thinking about them. Generally, we stayed connected and that was most important of all.

Although times are difficult, we don’t know what each day will bring – what we have learned is the best thing we can do is stay connected. Connected to our businesses, to each other and to our Communities too – and that is something that will stay, long after Covid has gone.

Above: Billingham Synthonia Ladies Football team – go on girls!

We’re hiring!

Do you want to work in an exciting, fast-paced and varied business? Do you have an engaging personality and a drive for success? If so, Just Williams is the place for you!

Just Williams is growing and we are looking to recruit a new Sales Specialist. Focusing on client engagement, account management and securing success; our Specialists deal with a wide range of clients ensuring that no two days are the same.

We want an individual that is focused, driven and willing to ‘think outside of the box’ when it comes to working with our clients; we are well known for our focus on ‘Brilliant Basics, Magic Touches’ – we strive to be deliberately different, so our staff need to as well.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Creating and executing a successful sales strategy and campaign to maximise growth for the clients.
• Facilitating introductions and setting up meetings on behalf of clients, and Just Williams.
• Building rapport and meaningful relationships with potential contacts and clients.
• Networking with confidence to obtain new contacts.
• Provide exceptional service and professionalism whilst representing the clients and the Just Williams brand.
• Client account management, retention and conducting monthly management meetings.
• Event representation and management, including exhibitions.

The successful candidate will:

• Be self-aware,
• Be resilient,
• Be driven,
• Use their own initiative and work well as a team member.
• Have experience of telesales, face-to-face connecting, or customer service roles.
• Have the knowledge and drive to network with key players in relevant sectors.
• Have the knowledge and experience of setting and developing sales and marketing strategies
• Have event management experience
• Have experience of using and maintaining a CRM system
• Have the capacity to work under pressure and to deadlines to achieve and exceed set targets
• Be able to adapt and work flexibly
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills at all levels
• Be professional, presentable and engaging
• Have excellent time management skills.

Working primarily from the Just Williams office in Fusion Hive, Stockton on Tees, the successful candidate will be expected to hot desk with clients from their portfolio, if appropriate. A full driving license and own car is essential for this post.

Salary: circa £25,000 per annum – dependent on experience.
Annual Leave: 21 days, plus birthday and Bank Holidays.

Applications can be made by sending a CV with cover letter to marketing@justwilliamsltd.co.uk

Interviews will be conducted on Friday 6th December 2019.

No agencies please.

Finding and developing a strong and highly performing business development function has been and will continue to be the challenge for many businesses. In a marketplace where new business prospects are influenced more so than ever by what they see, read and hear, the importance of a strong and well-connected business development function cannot be underestimated.

At Just Williams we pride ourselves on being much more than simply a direct sales team, offering our clients and prospects a well-rounded sales development function that includes all elements of business development. From client profile development, tele-prospecting, events and networking to trade association memberships and strong regional relationships, we offer our clients the advantage of a full business development team rather than simply an individual.

With the advantage of more than one person working on your account – coupled with the relationships we hold throughout the region – the attractions of outsourcing become very clear. We work to make sure very defined business targets are established at the outset, so you know at every stage where our focus is, and at what point of the sales cycle we’re working. With campaigns that can be turned on and off to suit budgets, giving you the flexibility of a business development function that is agile and flexible the benefits of outsourcing your sales development function quickly start to outweigh the cost of an in-house function.

The argument to outsource or not will always remain, but the reality is, as businesses demand faster, quicker and high value contracts with business development functions expected to turn these opportunities around quicker than ever, then outsourcing is fast becoming a strong and value add alternative.