Sanjit Dosanjh, Norbord's National Sales Manager for UK & Ireland, on helping the builders' merchants sector through current challenges and beyond.

It's obvious, and well-documented, that the nature of lockdown, Furlough, safe distance protocol and new remote ways of working have meant that all companies must adapt and operate new practices in order to succeed in today's new world. What exactly does this mean for Norbord as a supplier to the merchant and building industry?

In essence, we are very talkative and communicative, speed of response-driven, efficient and "modern" in communications, as have our customers. In turn, our customer base is reaping the reaping the rewards of changing the way we work together.  Of course, nothing is the same as a face-to-face meeting, but we are all adapting to the new norm across the building industry - and everywhere! 

It has been challenging at times for all of us as any change is; but we have moved forward, as has the industry, and the building world is a really positive place to be. Due to the lockdown, and subsequent limitations on travel and staff levels, customers have not been on site or available for physical meetings. Yet we are talking more.

Norbord's base of merchants has reacted and we are working in tandem very well. We keep in touch with Zoom or Teams meetings - we are communicating much more, with more people in one place, and in much less time which is good for everyone.  Merchants and suppliers alike now seem easier to access and results are quicker to realise.

As the customers now order on a click-and-collect basis in the main, their online presence is crucial. In turn, we are supporting our customers with online sales and product training and, if a conversation is needed, our team is ready.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk