Career Story: Breaking Boundaries and Building Connections
Breaking Boundaries and Building Connections: Insights from Natalie Ashcroft
Natalie Ashcroft is an HR Business Partner (HRBP) & Group Wellbeing Ambassador with an impressive 21 years of service at the Travis Perkins Group. A graduate of the 2013 Management Development Programme (MDP) cohort, Natalie’s career journey perfectly illustrates how the programme can open doors to entirely new professional paths within the business.
Natalie shares how the programme fosters lifelong connections, how she balanced a major career milestone with pregnancy, and why the power of the wider Group is a secret weapon for career mobility.
Connections That Stand the Test of Time
While the business knowledge gained on the programme is vast, Natalie found that the relationships forged during her cohort were the most enduring and beneficial aspect of the experience.
"For me, this programme was about strengthening connections within the Group. There are still people I speak to now through going on this programme together."
Proof That Anything Is Possible (Even at 8 Months Pregnant!)
When looking back at her single biggest takeaway from her 13 years since completing the programme, Natalie points to her own unconventional career trajectory as proof that there are no limits to growth at Travis Perkins.
She also recalls a legendary moment from her final presentation that proves her incredible determination:
"I think that anything is possible to achieve in this business. I've gone from an Assistant Branch Manager on the programme in 2013, to having my own branch, and then moving into a HRBP role. I actually did my MDP eight months pregnant—I remember taking my hospital notes to my final presentation in case I went into labour!"
Unlocking Group-Wide Talent Mobility
Reflecting on how the programme can best serve future leaders, Natalie emphasizes the importance of looking beyond individual brands to leverage the full scale of the Travis Perkins footprint.
The Power of the Group: Natalie strongly believes that the scope of Travis Perkins as a collective Group absolutely needs to be highlighted in the programme.
Fluid Career Paths: Embracing the wider Group allows for true talent mobility, giving individuals the opportunity to learn vastly more than they would by staying within a single business unit.
A Launchpad for Unforgettable Memories
For anyone standing on the fence about applying for the Manager Trainee Programme, Natalie's endorsement is filled with energy and encouragement.
Sign Up to Posts Alert
Building better communities
Our businesses span the trade, home improvement and DIY markets and our aim is to offer the best for our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities around us which helps bring our strategy to life.
Roles you may be interested in
Salary
£Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Location
Widnes
Contract Type
Permanent - Full time
Location
Widnes, Cheshire
Business
Keyline
Job Family
HGV Driver
Driver
Remote or Office based
Office based only
Description
HGV Driver - Class 2 - Widnes, Cheshire (No Weekend or Overnights!)What’s in it for you?Competitive Salary & Bonus: A competitive base salary with annual salary reviews and bonus potential up to £2,7
Reference
53002
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Location
Shrewsbury
Contract Type
Permanent - Full time
Location
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Business
Travis Perkins
Job Family
Hire
Management
Remote or Office based
Office based only
Description
Hire Manager - Shrewsbury (Lead, Motivate, Inspire)Permanent -Full timeMonday - Friday 7.30am - 5pm and every other Saturday 8am -12pmWho we areWe’re Travis Perkins Hire. With 250 locations nationwide
Reference
52989
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Location
Taunton
Contract Type
Permanent - Full time
Location
Taunton, Somerset
Business
Travis Perkins
Job Family
Hire
Driver
Remote or Office based
Office based only
Description
Hire Fitter HGV Class 2 Driver Location: Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8DB As a Hire Fitter/ HGV Class 2 Driver at Travis Perkins, you’ll play a key role in supporting our Hire Manager, ensuring full complia
Reference
52785
Expiry Date
01/01/0001