10/08/2021

Following his recent appointment as President of The Concrete Society, Sika’s National Key Account Manager Nick Dawson, tells us all about his new title and responsibilities at the not-for-profit membership organisation.

What is The Concrete Society?

The Concrete Society is a member-based body, with no affiliation to trade or corporate organisations.

Proud to be recognised as independent, The Society has built on its technical base to become a leading provider of information serving the needs of clients, architects, engineers, specifiers, suppliers, contractors and users of concrete, with emphasis on quality and competitiveness.

Established in 1966, the society currently has 11 regional committees across the UK and more than 700 members, including large corporates such as Sika, to small firms, academic institutions and individual memberships. This translates into approximately 2,750 nominees who The Society corresponds with regularly.*

Owned by The Concrete Society, taken at The Concrete Society AGM
Image: Photo: Owned by The Concrete Society, taken at The Concrete Society AGM

How and when did you first get involved in The Concrete Society?

As someone who was, and still is, passionate about the industry and concrete in particular – as well as seeking opportunities to attend free, technical groups and events – joining the society was a no-brainer.

As of 2021, I’ve been a member of The Concrete Society for more than 25 years and in May 2018, I became chairman of my local committee in the Yorkshire region. In March 2019, I was approached by head office as a suitable candidate for President of The Society.


How did you feel when you were asked to become President?

Anyone who knows anything about The Concrete Society is aware of how important the president’s role is, so naturally I had a feeling of trepidation at the thought of taking on such a big, national position – but mostly, I was excited and honoured.

Fortunately, the transition to become President at The Concrete Society is a well thought out, organised system that includes an initial two-year period where the future president shadows the current president – so they can get a feel for the position.

Now my two years is up, it’s finally time for me to take the reins!


What does the role entail?

The President is the most senior member of council and in alignment with council, oversees the governance of The Society.

The main duties involve chairing meetings of council, supporting the Managing Director and encouraging membership, as well as representing The Society in its external dealings and attending other Concrete Society meetings or committees as required.


What do you hope to gain in your time as president of The Concrete Society?

I would like to improve communications of the group, specifically between head office and our regions, to ensure members have access to the very latest news.

Like those who came before me, I’m also interested in growing our membership to increase our income as a group, which will support us in giving back to regions up and down the country.


How did you begin your career in concrete?

I originally started my career by working in the steel industry in 1976 and entered the world of concrete in 1982 as a QC technician.

It was in November 2000 that I started my career at Sika, which was an established name with an impressive product portfolio I was more than familiar with.

More than 21 years later – here I still am!


What do your daily duties involve?

As a National Key Account Manager, I work with Sika’s biggest accounts.

My role is to help with the day-to-day business and work with all levels of directors and managers within these accounts to develop new or maintain existing relationships.

I work alongside two Product Development Managers to help grow the accounts and ensure they are in the prime position for tenure.


What’s your favourite part of working at Sika?

At Sika, you are always made to feel like you are part of a bigger family. The business is incredibly inclusive and always keen to grow and progress employees, such as myself, who’s worked his way up from the position of area sales manager.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work across a variety of roles and have even had the pleasure of working with global colleagues. We’re always ready to cheer each other on and provide help when needed – something we call the ‘Sika Spirit’!

 

To find out more about Sika and its services, visit https://sikaconcrete.co.uk, call Sika concrete on 0800 292 2572 or email concrete@uk.sika.com.

*Information taken from The Concrete Society website http://www.concrete.org.uk/aboutus.asp