Mike Davies works for James Latham plc as a warehouseman.

“I’m a semi professional footballer - I train two evenings a week and play on Saturday so this job really suits me as it keeps me fit and healthy. I was working in a gym before I joined Lathams. It was a bit ‘dead-end’ and I decided I needed a job that could offer some scope for the future: this was especially the case once I became a father. I’m really pleased that I made the move.

“Before starting in the warehouse, I worked in the Timber Centre where I learned a lot about panel products and hardwoods. My interest in the products and their end uses has developed over time and I’ve been studying for the Institute of Wood Science diploma: in fact I’m about to take my final examination.

“I work as part of a team and start at 7.00am, it’s an early start but I like it. The first thing we do is load up any of our trucks that are waiting. This involves locating and selecting product from the stores and dealing with the necessary paperwork. Mine is quite a physical job and not one that would suit everybody.

“Some people may just see this job as a means to an end, but for me it is a real starting point. I would probably need some more training, but from what I’ve learned when dealing with customers in the Timber Centre and my further experience in the warehouse and yard I’ve gained a good understanding of the product and its end uses which means I could move into sales. This is a strong industry and I feel certain that I will stay in it for the foreseeable future.”