Merial Territory Managers have taken the first three places at the U.K.’s most prestigious sales awards.  They beat off competition from household names such as Virgin, npower and DHL.  In the eyes of the judges it was their ability to listen, ask questions and then develop insightful business proposals that set them apart.

Said Merial National Sales Training Manager, Tony Jones: “At Merial we believe our responsive, well-trained Territory Managers are a great resource for vets. A resource that we are only too happy to see practices use to the fullest extent.  We expect our people to do their utmost to find out what a practice’s needsreally are and then work to deliver the requirements.”

The Judging for the British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards took place at Ashridge Business School, with the awards presented at the Lancaster Hotel in London on 27th May. Merial’s Andi Collins was named Sales Professional of the Year (companies over 50 employees), while her colleagues Emma McAnally and Stephen Booth came second and third respectively.  Over 100 entries were submitted, with the Merial contingent making up a quarter of the final short list. 

The judges clearly recognised the quality of the Merial candidates and their training and also the value this brings to veterinary customers.  Andi’s commendation said:  “Her questioning was very strong, undertaking a fact-find in a relaxed manner which gained empathy and importantly she did not try and propose a solution until she had completed her questioning, to gain a full background of the situation in hand.”

“I am delighted for Andi, Emma and Stephen,” said Nigel Slater, Head of Companion Animal Sales at Merial, “these awards are also a huge endorsement of the training investment we make here at Merial.  An investment that independent surveys show is highly regarded by successful veterinary practices.”

About Merial
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,600 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2009 sales were $2.6 billion. Merial is the Animal Health subsidiary of sanofi-aventis.