As the nationwide distributor of insulation and interior building products to the UK construction industry, CCF has an abundance of fantastic job opportunities. As one of Travis Perkins plc’s businesses, there’s a strong focus on career development throughout CCF, and with branches all over the country, we need the right people to help us deliver the high levels of customer service we’re known for. Rion Davison, Branch Manager at CCF Stevenage, is a prime example of this. He spoke to us about his journey:
“I moved to London without a job!”
After leaving school, Rion embarked on a short career in catering before changing tack and moving into warehousing. Eventually he felt like a change and decided to take the plunge and move to London – without a job lined up. He joined an agency which placed him in a warehouse, continuing to build his skills before being made redundant. His next step, in 2013, was a significant one: applying for a role at CCF East London. Since joining the Travis Perkins family, he hasn’t looked back.
Learn more about what a warehouse job is like through one of our colleagues, Peter Fillery, Warehouse Assistant and Driver.
“I’ve worked my way up through the business and into different roles”
After proving himself in the warehouse, Rion progressed to a trade counter role and then on to general sales. He then spent a year in a sales office manager role before being promoted to Assistant Branch Manager at CCF Wandsworth. The next step was a move to Stevenage to become Branch Manager, a role he will remain in until January 2020 when he’ll become Branch Manager of CCF Enfield, a new flagship store that presents a prime opportunity for both the business and Rion.
“I’ve been supported at every step as I’ve moved through the business”
Experiencing so many different roles at CCF, Rion says he’s had the chance to meet people from all over the business – and be supported by them. From regional managers and directors to his own team members, he says there’s always people around to ask questions and provide guidance.
“You’re only as good as your team”
Firmly entrenched in his branch manager role, Rion believes that a big part of his job is enabling and empowering his staff. He says it’s important to know your team individually in order to get the best out of them.
“Every day is different at CCF”
Rion’s key duties include making commercial decisions that benefit the business, building strong customer relationships and ensuring CCF maintains its market leader position. Day-to-day, this involves managing the team, making sure heads of department are on track and trying to be more of a mentor and leader to his team than a manager. He enjoys leading the operation and putting ideas and process in place to benefit the whole business, as well as interacting with customers and his team.
“CCF has a real family feel to it and our branches maintain that feel”
Everyone at CCF is working towards the same goal, says Rion, which makes it a welcoming and positive place to work. He also points to the ever-changing nature of the work and rapport between team members and customers, as well as the commitment to Travis Perkins’ cornerstones, which everyone from warehouse staff to senior directors uphold.
“I love being challenged”
Enfield will be the next big challenge for Rion, with a bigger depot and an entirely new set up to oversee. The site layout will be different and there will be a new team to develop and lead, an exciting prospect for Rion. He says he learns something new everyday even now after being in his role for a year, with an open, collaborative work environment that encourages asking questions and supporting each other.
“When I got the job at CCF, for the first time in my life I got excited about my career”
CCF enabled Rion to focus on work and his career in a different way than he had before, with opportunities to grow and develop thanks to Travis Perkins’ focus on investing in people. In addition to putting in plenty of hard work himself, the support from managers and team members throughout the business has helped him to continue progressing. In addition, he says there are great training programmes that help to encourage people with new ideas and initiatives to take the next step and keep pushing the business forward.
“I’d love to become Regional Director one day”
Rion is continuing to look to the future and find new ways to progress, with the Enfield branch being the next step. Eventually he’d like to oversee a regional group of branches and says Travis Perkins’ focus on development and progression – as well as his own efforts and determination - makes this dream a possibility.
Inspired by Rion’s story? We might have the perfect role for you to launch – or develop – your career. View our latest roles here to find out more.
