COLCHESTER: Laura Downing has risen from being a Saturday girl six years ago at building supplies company Kent Blaxill to becoming the new showrooms assistant manager.

In her new role Ms Downing, aged 22, will be concentrating on developing the Colchester showrooms along with manager Peter Last.

“I am lucky to be working with a very skilled team, but I hope to bring some fresh new ideas and make some positive changes,” said Laura. “I had input into our current television advert which has a contemporary feel, which reflects my style.”

Previously Ms Downing was for four years the paint and lightside buyer, a role she took on aged 17, doubling up as the paint counter supervisor at weekends.
She had become a full-time Kent Blaxill apprentice in 2006, working in several departments and studying for an NVQ in customer care.

In her own time, she has since completed an ILM level 3 Award and Level 3 Certificate, and is now working towards a diploma.

“I am enjoying my new management position and look forward to progressing my career path at Kent Blaxill,” said Ms Downing.

She is also a health and safety representative and fire marshall at Kent Blaxill, and has been involved in organising school visits to the Kent Blaxill head office and events providing careers advice for school pupils.