David Waine has recently been appointed to the role of Sales Director of our Special Profiles business. Find out more about David...
Tell us about your background, how many years have you been with the business?
I've been with the industry since 1995. I originally joined British Steel Distribution after university and worked at the Leeds Hot Rolled Processing Centre.
Over the years, I have held various roles across the product lines. In 2012, we transitioned to Sector Teams where I worked in the Lifting and Excavating Sector looking after all products we could sell to Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.
Most recently, my primary focus has been looking after the Skinningrove Earthmoving and Mining customers along with some other product lines.
What other experience do you bring to the role?
Since 2018, I have been a Board Member of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and sit alongside representatives from the main UK Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) producers. The board is responsible for governing how the association runs and is the voice of the UK industry as recognised by our Government.
I'm also a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion – the Export Champion Programme is an initiative launched by Department for International Trade to encourage businesses to export and think globally in order to achieve their growth ambitions. Champions assist and offer advice to companies in the region that are looking to establish export growth. We have regular sessions with Graham Stuart, Minister for Export, to learn more about the Government’s export strategy, hear updates on progress and participate in Q&A sessions.
What are the biggest challenges for the Special Profiles business?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for Special Profiles due to the specialist nature of the products. Many of our products are bespoke designs to OEM specifications therefore, if our customers' businesses are impacted, we feel the effects too. As things return to normal, business will pick up again and we are optimistic about rising to our sales challenge. We've developed strategies to yield significant growth in key sectors and expand our reach in Asia with the support of Jingye.
What is your vision for Special Profiles?
Special Profiles is a unique business with an equally unique product and service offering. We need to continue to promote British Steel as a global leader in the production of special profile products. We have unrivalled capability and flexibility to produce some of the most complex profiles in the market. We have the trust of global OEMs to be their supplier of choice and will nurture these relationships as well as develop new ones. Jingye’s commitment to British Steel and the promise of future investment will further help us position ourselves in key markets, improve our product quality and service offering. It will also enable us to expand our product range and develop strong relationships with new customers.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Like many businesses, we’re certainly facing unprecedented challenges in the current times, but we have a very strong and committed team. I'm looking forward to using my industry experience to work with my team to support our customers' needs. We're keen to support our customers now and in the future and I'm confident we can meet the market challenges we face together.
Being part of a strong team is critical, and it's great to know I'm part of such a team. There is much to look forward to, particularly as we explore innovative new offerings in the coming months and years.
What are your interests outside of work?
Apart from operating Dad’s taxi, as a family we love the Lake District in the UK and try to get over there as much as possible. It’s great to just unplug, take a break, filling my time with family and savouring the great outdoors.
Find out more about our Special Profiles business and our wide range of high-quality products.