The 1840 Podcast

What is Behavioural Science?

Host: Gavin Knowles
Guest: James Ballinger
Supermarkets deliberately ensure the smell of fresh bread makes it way on to the aisles to encourage us to buy fresh bread.
James Ballinger from the Behavioural Agency takes us on this journey to briefly explains of how businesses use behavioural sciences and customer bias' to influence behaviour. 

How Do We Attract More Young People Into The Building Materials Industry

Host: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Hayley Parker & Tom Howe
Our heritage goes back all the way to 1840 with some members of staff serving over 40 years of service but how do we encourage the younger generations into this old-school, well-established industry.
Hayley and Tom are two of our youngest Branch Managers both completing the BMF diploma in merchanting which helped them progress through their career and they give their insight on what we can do to get younger people on board.

The Evolution of IT in HTBS – 1987-Today

With Paul Cornford and Jonathan Read they talk about how IT has changed since they joined the business in 1987…pre smart phones and the internet!
What challenges they faced to get PC’s in each branch and the various systems we’ve adopted between then and now. 

Landscaping, What Do Merchants & Suppliers Think of Each Other? The Impact of Social Media on Children, with Ben Jewell – Holcim

Ben Jewell joins Paul Bullivant to talk about his experiences on both sides of the merchant and supplier fence. 
And, very topically with the news at the moment, Ben also discusses social media and the adverse impact that it can have on our children.

Branch Spotlight - Wakefield

With Martyn Hughes and Steve Baxter, a Wakefield branch focus talking about what makes the branch stand out in the business.
Learning all the stories of the branch past and present!

Customer Focus with CatioKing

Paul is joined by Chris Allen, our 1st customer focused episode where he talks about his transition from his time in the Army to creating bespoke timber cat enclosures and the mental effects that had on him.
Chris also talks about the importance of social media is promoting his business.

Women in Merchanting - Part Two

Host: Alix Maude
 
Guests: Rebecca Hughes & Lauren De Meester
 
With special guest host Alix, she is joined by Rebecca Marketing Director at Talasey and Lauren De Meester, National Account Manager at Soudal. They talk about the challenges they have faced during the course of our careers, as well as how things have changed over the years, from being predominately male dominated to moving more towards a 50/50 split of women & men.

Women in Merchanting - Part One

Host: Danielle Boyle
Guests: Ashley Rice & Alice Stafford
 
With special guest host Danielle, she is joined by two Assistant Branch Managers, Ashley and Alice. The topics include what it’s like to be a female working in such a male dominated industry, the pro’s and the con’s and how do we make the industry more friendly to female staff and customers.

Branch Spotlight - Enfield

Host Paul Bullivant
Guests: Aron Ford & Adrian Kaczor
A spotlight on our Enfield Branch with Regional Director for the South and new Branch Manager. Learn about how our branches in the south differ to the north.

A day in the life - Regional Manager

Host: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Cameron Reid & Rob Bailey
Join our newest Regional Managers, Cameron Reid and Rob Bailey, as they share a day in their lives and reflect on the challenges of transitioning from Branch Manager to Regional Manager.