At Beesley and Fildes, careers don’t follow a straight line – they grow, evolve, and take shape through real opportunities. For Mark, that journey began in the yard back in 2009 and has since grown into a leadership role supporting teams across the business. His story shows what’s possible when hard work meets a company that truly invests in it’s people.
What role did you first step into when you joined Beesley and Fildes?
My career at Beesley and Fildes started in 2009 when I worked on the yard.
Where did your interest in sales and leadership begin?
With sales, I loved being able to build strong, long-lasting relationships with customers and be involved in the full order process from start to finish – from quoting and negotiating to placing the order and making sure it was delivered on time. When it comes to leadership, I’ve always enjoyed helping and supporting people, so being able to do that every day makes me feel like I’m genuinely making a difference.
What made you decide an apprenticeship was the right next step?
I wanted to take the apprenticeship because I knew that even picking up a few new skills would help me grow as a manager. It would support my own progression, but more importantly, it would help me be better for the team.
What did you hope the apprenticeship would help you achieve?
I enrolled completely open-minded, without expecting anything specific, and was surprised by how much i was able to learn and take away from it
In what ways did the apprenticeship change the way you think about leadership?
The apprenticeship helped me become much more methodical in how I approach situations. Being able to apply different techniques depending on the scenario has made tasks that once felt difficult far easier and far more thought-through.
How has your approach to supporting branches and sales teams evolved since completing the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship has made me better at finding solutions and approaching challenges with a positive attitude. This mindset has a knock-on effect – when I stay positive, it helps branches and sales teams stay positive too.
How did the team around you support your apprenticeship journey?
James was a huge support throughout my apprenticeship. He ensured I had the time I needed for my assignments and guided me through different subjects. Any time I had a question or felt unsure, he was right there to help.
Why is it important to you that Beesley and Fildes invests in internal development?
It’s really important to me. I’m someone who’s always trying to be better, so knowing the company supports internal growth keeps me driven. It reassures me that there’s always space to progress into the roles I’ve worked hard for.
What part of the apprenticeship journey took you by surprise?
What surprised me the most was just how closely the subjects linked to my role. I didn’t realise how much of the programme would apply to what i do everyday.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a management apprenticeship, what would it be?
I’d tell them to carve out time during the working day to stay on track with their tasks. Falling behind makes everything feel harder, so keeping up makes the whole apprenticeship more manageable
What advice would you give to someone starting in the business, who wants to progress into sales or leadership?
Take on all the advice you’re given, especially from senior members of staff. Don’t shy away from taking on tasks and showing that you’re willing – it demonstrates commitment
Mark shows how powerful internal development can be when someone is willing to put the work in. His apprenticeship has strengthened his confidence, sharpened his skills and opened new doors for the future. He’s proud of how far he’s come and excited to continue growing within a business that truly invests in it’s people.