Meet Alex: Driving Growth Across Northern England and Scotland

Getting to know Lauralu’s Area Sales Manager for Northern England and Scotland. 

Alex has been Lauralu’s Area Sales Manager for Northern England and Scotland for just over a year, but his journey into the temporary building sector began well before joining the company.

From Steel Buildings to Modular Solutions

Alex’s route into construction wasn’t conventional – and that’s exactly what shaped his approach. With a strong background in customer-facing sales, he developed an instinct for understanding what clients actually need, not just what they ask for.

In 2019, he joined Hanson Steel Buildings, a family-run business supplying steel sheds and garages across the UK. It quickly became clear he had an eye for commercial opportunity, and within months, his role expanded. Over the next five years, Alex worked closely with businesses investing in permanent steel structures, many requiring concrete foundations. That experience gave him a clear perspective on the realities of long-term building commitments – and why flexibility matters just as much as scale.

It was his social media presence that eventually caught Lauralu’s attention, leading to his current role managing sales across the North of England and Scotland.

A Region with Untapped Potential

“It’s interesting to see the variations between the North and the South,” Alex explains. His territory presents unique opportunities, with significant potential for growth that requires careful development and understanding of local market dynamics.

One notable regional characteristic? Northern clients tend to know exactly what they want. Alex has noticed a clear preference in Yorkshire for purchasing rather than renting. However, for many businesses, rental can be a more practical and flexible option, as it avoids tying up capital and allows organisations to respond quickly to changing space requirements.

Explore more reasons why renting should be on your radar for flexible, cost-effective space solutions.

What keeps the role engaging is the sheer variety. “Being able to meet so many requirements and have such a vast range of projects and clients” means no two days are the same.

Balancing Admin and Client Relationships

A typical day for Alex can vary dramatically – from spending an entire day on administrative follow-up and proposals to travelling to sites and meeting customers face-to-face. Regardless of the task at hand, he prioritises staying in touch with clients to build long-term relationships.

The most rewarding moments? “Getting the signed order,” Alex says, followed closely by seeing the finished product. “I’ve gone through each step, so seeing the vision brought to life and the customer reaction, especially when it comes at an unexpected time”, makes the effort worthwhile.

A Standout Project: Working Around the Clock

When asked about a highlight project, Alex immediately recalls working with Timber Group’s Woodlands operation, where Lauralu supplied two canopies to cover their existing yard. The challenge? UK weather and a client that operates 24/7.

“We need it yesterday, and we’ll use it while you’re installing,” was essentially the brief. The installation required careful coordination, with Woodlands beginning to use the first canopy whilst Lauralu’s team moved across to install the second. It was a logistical puzzle that showcased both the flexibility of temporary structures and the team’s ability to work around client operations.