Industry Voices: George Lloyd

In a snapshot from the January 2025 issue of Dealer Support, George Lloyd of United shares highlights from his career journey and leadership insights

CREDIT: You can read the full article here:  Dealer Support

In this instalment of Industry Voices, George Lloyd from United – recipient of the 2024 BOSS Apprentice of the Year Award – reflects on the value of gaining a well-rounded understanding of the business from the ground up.

George shares how hands-on experience across different departments has shaped his leadership style, the importance of listening as a key skill, and why the workplace supplies industry offers more opportunity and excitement than people often realise.

“I’ve been with United for thirteen years now. Over the years I’ve done a bit of everything, from going out in the vans to spending time in the warehouse. Getting that wide range of experience has really helped as I’ve moved into my current role dealing with internal accounts. I’ve taken on more responsibilities and leadership of the team, and having that grounding is vital. Good managers and leaders need to get out into the different areas of the business to see what’s going on and understand how different elements work, how long things take.

! When you’re younger, you think you know it all. Then you start to realise that even years later, you still don’t know everything. What I think it does is it teaches you how to listen. That’s probably the most important skill to learn.

I’m going to be a bit controversial here, but there’s a saying that it’s always the less attractive businesses that do the best. This is a much more exciting industry than people might think. There’s lots of opportunities for people who are willing to put the hard work in. People will always need what we do – everything they use from pens to the chair they sit on, that comes from us. You’ve got to be willing to get your head down and work hard! United runs something called the United Academy which offers training and apprenticeships in a way that’s supportive and helps you meet your professional goals.”