BIDBI Hires Two New Account Managers Through The RISE Graduate Programme

5th September 2022

We are pleased to introduce our new Sales Account Managers, Ben Adams and Imogen Marsden. They joined the team through the RISE Graduate Program which we’ll explain more about below.

What is the RISE Graduate Program?

RISE is a business support initiative that connects small and medium-sized businesses across the Sheffield City Region with talented graduates from the two Sheffield Universities. This innovative program provides local small businesses with the opportunity to work with talented and bright graduates. Likewise, RISE enables recent graduates to access fantastic opportunities, great career progression and the chance to make an impact in the wonderful region of Sheffield.  

We couldn’t be happier to have Ben and Imogen on board! In this blog, we will get to know better our two brand-new sales account managers.  

How was your experience with the RISE program?  How did you first find out about the position?  

Ben: I must admit, I somewhat stumbled across the RISE Graduate Programme whilst I was researching job opportunities. Once I was properly engaged with the RISE Graduate Programme, the opportunity to be a member of the BIDBI - Bag It Don't Bin It Ltd. team as a Sales Account Manager stuck out to me – I applied the same day!

Imogen: Definitely an easier and more comfortable experience than I was expecting. Everything was organised well and the RISE team were very supportive. Would recommend it to any Sheffield students who are wanting to find a job in Sheffield after graduation! I found out about the RISE program through the university of Sheffield and saw the job advertised in one of their yearly campaigns so I decided to go for it! 

How have your first few months at BIDBI been? 

Ben: Naturally, I was rather nervous about re-entering the workplace as I worked from home for my previous employer. However, these fears were immediately alleviated once I met the other members of the Sales Department! I was thoroughly trained, and I was able to start contributing to our shared goals as a result. 

Imogen: A big adjustment from life at university (getting up at 6:30 am has been the biggest adjustment for sure!) Easier in ways I hadn’t expected and more challenging in others, but overall a very positive experience. I’ve met lots of new people and developed new skills! 

Why did you apply for the Sales Account Manager position?  

Ben: I have been a staunch environmentalist for as long as I can remember. So, the opportunity to undermine the prevalence of plastic carrier bags whilst working alongside a committed and fun team was a no-brainer. Plus, I adore the city of Sheffield, so I leapt at the opportunity to work in one of the United Kingdom’s greenest cities once again.    

Imogen: I really liked the sustainable and ethical standpoint of the company and thought it seemed like an interesting place to work. Something a bit different compared to other office jobs. I am also a massive lover of tote bags myself, you literally won’t see me without one!  I liked that the job suited me in that respect and felt like it was something I could really get into. 

What has been the highlight of your new job so far? 

Ben: Previously, I never would have considered all the weird and wonderful companies/organisations that may need branded cotton tote bags. I have worked with individuals whose paths I would never have crossed otherwise. BIDBI - Bag It Don't Bin It Ltd.’s customers make the day-to-day process of being a Sales Account Manager a delight! 

Imogen: I love seeing the customer’s visions for their bags come to life. You can really tell when their passionate about getting the right products and design for their business so when everything comes together it’s a great feeling. Meeting the Bidbi team has also been a highlight, everyone is lovely and it’s a very relaxed and chilled environment to work in. 

What are you most looking forward to in your new role? 

Ben: I will be attending my first trade show on behalf of BIDBI - Bag It Don't Bin It Ltd. in the next couple of weeks and I cannot wait! The opportunity to meet potential customers face-to-face is a welcome one. Plus – let us be honest with ourselves – who does not enjoy a good road trip from time to time? 

Imogen: Trade shows are a big part of what we do and I’ll be going to my first one soon down in London which I’m looking forward to! It’ll be nice to meet new people who we could potentially work with and get some inspiration for future projects and collaborations. More generally I would say becoming a proper part of the team as I start to feel more comfortable in my role.    

What’s your favourite bag? 

Ben: Easy. The RPET Flat Tote Bag. Why? Well, for one, it was one of the first products I sold to a customer as a Sales Account Manager. However, the real reason the RPET Flat Tote Bag is my favourite bag is that it is made out of 100 recycled, post-consumer plastic – not only does the RPET Flat Tote Bag actively replace a plastic carrier bag, but it is also made out of plastic that would have ended up in the ocean or a landfill otherwise! Colour? Personally, I do not think Natural can be beaten. (https://www.bidbi.co.uk/products/223/rpet-flat-tote-bag )  
 
Imogen: I would have to say our drawstring bags! We do four sizes: mini, small, medium and large and they’re also part of our fairtrade and organic range. As I manage some fashion as well as giftware and lifestyle accounts, I’ve found these bags to be quite popular as they’re perfect for packaging fashion accessories or small gifts and are very versatile. They sell out super quick though so you’ve got to make sure you get them whilst you still can! (https://www.bidbi.co.uk/products/54/medium-drawstring-bag )  

You can contact our new sales account managers via email Ben (ben@bidbi.co.uk) & Imogen (imogen@bidbi.co.uk)