Joe Norris – business development manager at Nationwide Flooring
Nationwide Flooring is a commercial flooring contractor based in Manchester, but we operate nationwide. We provide a full service, design support, specification guidance, access to major manufacturers, hygienic wall cladding and installation, so my week touches a bit of everything.
I’m a business development manager, which is a newer role for us, but because we’re a tight team of eight in the office, I also support accounts, sales and marketing alongside focusing on tenders and new work.
My alarm goes off at 6am. I bought a timer plug for my lamp beside the bed because otherwise I’d just fall back asleep. I’m not much of a breakfast person, so it’s a protein shake and a bar after the gym. Mondays are legs, just get it out of the way. I’m usually showered, changed and in the office between 8 and 8:30am.
When I get in, I set up my laptop, check emails and make a coffee, after washing out the protein shaker. Because we’re a relatively small office, everyone’s already into something. Mark will be reviewing site progress as project manager, Simon will be looking at programmes, Sue will be in the accounts, and Jane will be handling showroom and sales enquiries. It works because we all have hybrid roles and one clear point of contact per project from tender through to completion. That way, whoever is leading it knows exactly what’s happened at every stage.
Mondays are usually about reviewing live projects and tying up loose-ends from the previous week. We process subcontractor invoices, check labour allocation across the regions we cover (Manchester, Midlands, London) and make sure materials align with programme dates. Because we’re nationwide, planning is constant. We like to work two to three weeks ahead where possible, but flexibility is key.
Around lunchtime I’ll walk to Morrisons with Simon. We make a point of not talking about work. In an industry that moves quickly and can be pressured, that reset matters.
The afternoon is typically tender-focused. Following up, answering queries, refining submissions. It’s rarely just sending an email, it’s reviewing drawings, clarifying scope, making sure what we’ve priced reflects exactly what’s required. As a contractor offering full support from specification to install, we need to be confident the detail stacks up before it reaches site. That can easily take me through to the end of the day. Then it’s home, shower, dinner and TV.
Tuesday follows a similar theme: calls with suppliers, conversations with manufacturers’ reps, discussions around product suitability or alternative specifications. Because we give clients access to major manufacturers and technical support, those relationships are part of my week as well.
After work I’ll go for a run with my older sister. She’s more disciplined than I am, so she keeps me accountable.
Wednesday is usually more accounts-heavy. I’ll help process the purchase ledger, review credit control and look at overdue invoices. In contract flooring, margins can be tight and timing matters, so understanding that side of the business helps when pricing or negotiating new work. Being involved across departments gives me a clearer picture of how everything connects, from tender stage right through to final account.
Thursday and Friday are a mix of business development and coordination. Checking in with installation teams, confirming start dates, making sure subfloor preparation and finishes are aligned with the specification. Because we aim to carry one point of contact throughout, whoever is managing that project stays close to it. If questions come in, there’s always someone accountable who knows the full history.
The last Friday of the month is usually payday drinks. Nothing over the top, one or two around Salford Quays, but it’s important. We’re only eight in the office, covering project management, accounts, sales and leadership, and the dynamic works because relationships are strong. In a fast-paced environment, it’s easy to focus purely on deadlines and forget you’re working with people you rely on daily.
That’s generally my week. A mix of tenders, coordination, accounts support and supplier discussions, all tied back to making sure Nationwide Flooring delivers what we promise.
