Leigh Cole
Director of PCP / APC
About Leigh
Leigh has 20 years’ experience in the chemicals industry, starting in customer services and moving into sales at another distributor before joining MegaChem UK. Day to day, he works between customers, the sales team, suppliers and the MD, covering stock forecasts, purchase orders and some of our marketing, with a strong focus on key account management.
How long have you worked in the chemicals industry?
Twenty years now. Customer-facing roles have been a constant throughout, first in customer services and then in sales, and that’s given me a good understanding of what customers expect from their suppliers.
What did you do before joining MegaChem UK?
I worked for another chemical distributor for six years. I spent a couple of years in the customer services department first and then moved into sales, so I’ve seen the job both ways, looking after customers day to day and then selling to them. That mix still shapes how I work now.
What does your day-to-day role involve?
It depends on the day, which keeps it interesting. I speak to customers and visit them when needed, and I work with our internal teams on things like stock forecasts and new purchase orders, along with plenty in between. I work closely with our MD and the sales team, engage with our suppliers and take on some of the marketing as well. New and varied tasks come up all the time, so I’m rarely doing the same thing two days running.
What do you specialise in?
Customer relationship management. I enjoy building new relationships and looking after existing ones, and I have a strong focus on sales and key account management. That means understanding what a business needs and what the individuals I work with need. I put a lot of emphasis on supporting and understanding my team, too, because positive, productive relationships inside MegaChem UK help us achieve shared goals with the customers we work with.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
We’re a fast-paced business, so every day is different. The variety is great, though it can be challenging at times. We have a really good team and I enjoy the day-to-day involvement with everyone. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel with the business and I’ve had some great experiences with customers, colleagues and suppliers across Europe and Asia, which I’m really grateful for.
Finally, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Travelling, live music and football, which is a big passion of mine. I travel around the country following my team. I’ve also got two boys and a dog, so family life keeps me on my toes.
What is your biggest pet hate about the industry?
Probably the complex and constantly changing regulations. They’re important, but they can be a headache and there’s always something new to keep up with. Keeping up takes a lot of time and it comes with some pretty big costs for the UK chemical market.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
UK REACH. It’s adding further complications to a market that’s already challenging.
