Meet the Sales Team helping merchants build success across the UK

Behind every successful build delivered with wienerberger products is a combination of quality solutions, trusted relationships, expert advice and dedicated people who understand customers' day-to-day needs throughout the construction process.

In a recent conversation with members of our Sales team, Andy Willis, Regional Sales Manager (North), and Josh Gear, Area Sales Manager (South), wienerberger UK & Ireland, share how they work closely with merchants across our bricks and roof tile solutions, providing the support, expertise and partnerships that help projects succeed. Their stories demonstrate how understanding the industry from the customer's perspective helps merchants meet today's goals while building for what's next.

Supporting merchants and their customers

Having spent his entire career within the merchant sector before joining wienerberger more than seven years ago, Andy brings a unique perspective to every conversation. For him, supporting customers starts with understanding their world.

"As a Regional Sales Manager, I support and lead a team of seven Area Sales Managers, and together we cover all merchant customers from north of the M25 up to the Scottish Borders, including Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Hampshire.

My team works closely with a wide range of customers, from small independent merchants to large national merchant groups, on all brick-related matters, from stock requirements to project specifications. Having an in-depth understanding of how these merchants operate and how their customers engage with them has helped shape and develop my role. 

As a team, we are responsible for selling between 130 and 140 million bricks every year across our UK-manufactured and imported product ranges. We currently offer approximately 250 different brick types, enabling us to support a wide variety of projects and customer requirements. We are always on the road, visiting customers to identify the right products for their needs, ensuring they can deliver what's required on site for their own customers."

Andy believes that building strong relationships with merchants remains one of the biggest opportunities for growth across the industry.

”Providing continuous support and developing strong relationships with merchants is key, as they rely on us to provide them with the highest-quality products regardless of fluctuating industry trends. This is what sets wienerberger apart. Our people are knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with. We also have support from a wide range of departments, from technical and marketing teams through to customer support, which makes a real difference for our customers."

Supporting the future of the industry

Aside from his role as Regional Sales Manager, Andy is also a STEM Ambassador for wienerberger, helping to support the next generation of talent while contributing to efforts to close the skills gap in the manufacturing industry.

"There is a real shortage of young people entering construction, and it's important that teenagers understand there are many opportunities available to them beyond university. As a STEM Ambassador, I've spent time visiting schools and speaking to students about careers in construction and manufacturing.

While talking about bricks might not always sound like the most exciting subject to some people, it's rewarding to see young people engage with the industry, ask questions and leave with a better understanding of the opportunities available to them. These sessions are always enjoyable, and I believe both the students and I learn something from the experience."

Bringing a fresh perspective

Further south, Josh Gear is building his own portfolio of merchants as Area Sales Manager for wienerberger's Sandtoft roof tile brand. Having joined the business in July 2025 after spending 12 years at a family-run builders' merchant, Josh has quickly established himself as a trusted point of contact for customers across his region.

"I see different customers every day, from housebuilders to contractors and merchants. I get to understand their business needs, secure new opportunities and ensure they receive the best possible service. One of the most memorable experiences since joining the business has been getting to know the team and meeting new people. I've been able to work with some amazing colleagues and merchant partners, and I'm continuing to grow within the business."

Like Andy, Josh's merchant background has proved invaluable in understanding customer challenges. 

"A skill I've carried over from my merchant days is understanding what customers are going through. I can relate to them very easily, I understand the challenges they face, and that helps me support them in the best way possible."

Coming from a family-run business, Josh says his experience at wienerberger has exceeded his expectations.

"I was worried about joining a large company because I thought it wouldn't have that family feel. But I can honestly say that wienerberger feels like family. People not only care about each other, they also care about the work they do, their customers and the products that come out of the factories, from bricks and roof tiles to solar products."

Josh also shares his thoughts for people considering a career in the industry. 

"Not many people leave school wanting to work in construction. However, once you're involved and willing to work hard, there are a lot of benefits and work satisfaction, particularly with a company like wienerberger."

Building for what's next

"So far, my wienerberger story has been mind-blowing. I didn't realise how big the organisation was until I started. Now my goal for the next year is to build a strong reputation within my sales area and be a reliable source of support that customers can always rely on."

Whether it's helping merchants identify the right products, supporting customers through changing market conditions, or encouraging the next generation to explore careers in construction, Andy and Josh’s common goal is to contribute being trusted partners to customers who are building for what’s next.