Teenager taken under B&Q director’s wing

A teenager from Ringwood is enjoying some top-level mentoring at one of the country’s biggest companies.

Mark Buckley, 18, is one of nine people who has been selected to form B&Q’s first-ever youth board.

They were set a sustainability-themed business challenge after they were chosen in the autumn and they have now reported back on their work. Designed to mirror B&Q’s real-life board, each member has been ‘twinned’ with a board member and has begun a mentoring process.

Mark is being mentored by B&Q’s commercial director, Véronique Laury-Deroubaix.

He said: “Meeting the commercial director Véronique was a really great day.

“We chatted about our backgrounds and how she landed at her job as a Director at B&Q.

“It was fascinating to hear her story, and how she manages and works with her department.

“As a successful businesswoman, I’m sure she will share her advice and knowledge with me, which will be really beneficial towards the challenge and my career in the future.

“I hope to get as much as I can from the experience and aim to give a lot of energy and time towards the challenge.

“After our meeting, I stayed at the head office for the range review. This gave me a really good insight into the product selection process and a behind-the-scenes look into the business. I am sure Véronique will be a great support and look forward to working with her over this year.”

The culmination of the youth board’s work and their ideas will be presented to B&Q’s entire board and Dame Ellen MacArthur in July 2012.

Ms Laury-Deroubaix added: “At a time when it seems our young people are apprehensive of their future, both in terms of not having a voice and job prospects, the development of our youth board feels particularly rewarding.

“Young people have a huge amount to offer in terms of a current viewpoint and creative ideas so it is commercially viable to listen to them.

“From a sustainability point of view, our youth board can help us look with new eyes at the business challenges we are facing and we hope this initiative will help instill an environmental sensitivity in the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Follow the project at diy.com/youthboard

Source : Steven Smith – Business Dorset
www.businessdorset.co.uk/news/businessnews/9480964.Ringwood_teen_taken_under_B_Q_director___s_wing/