Hardscape is a leading UK supplier of high-quality hard landscaping materials for public realm, commercial, and urban regeneration projects. As one of their valued Sales Managers, Vicky Sharrocks oversees client relationships, supports designers and contractors, and helps deliver tailored material solutions that bring ambitious landscape schemes to life. But what does her daily life tend to look like?

My day starts…

Like most people, my mornings are pretty busy. It’s all about getting everyone out of the house on time and making sure we’ve all had something to eat before the day begins! Once that chaos settles, it’s a quick coffee, a scan through my emails, and then I’m ready to go.

I’m usually found…

All over the place! Some days I’m based at our Bolton factory, catching up with the team or checking through materials in the warehouse. Other days I’m out visiting merchants, contractors, or clients. My role covers both Hardscape Surfaces and Hardscape Warehouse, so there’s a real mix of office time, site visits, and customer meetings. That variety is what I enjoy most — no two days are ever the same.

My typical day involves…

A bit of everything, really. I could be organising stock, helping customers find the right product, or putting together displays and samples. I also spend time following up with merchants to make sure they’ve got what they need and supporting with any training. It’s a busy role but very people-focused, which suits me perfectly.

The thing that surprises me most about my job…

How much goes on behind the scenes before any stone even reaches a project. From selecting the right material to managing logistics and ensuring quality — there’s a lot of coordination involved. People often see the finished product and don’t realise the amount of teamwork that happens to get it there.

When I was younger I wanted to be…

Something creative, though I’m not sure I knew exactly what! I always liked the idea of working with people and doing something hands-on — so I think I’ve found the right balance here.

Something you might not know about me…

I’m a big football fan. Most weekends involve some sort of match — whether it’s watching a game or standing on the sidelines cheering family on. It’s a big part of our family life and a great way to switch off from work.

My most memorable moment at work…

There have been a few! The standout ones for me are the schemes I’ve watched come to life — seeing a project progress from drawings and discussions to a completed space is always special. The day I got my promotion into my current role was another big highlight; it felt like a real milestone and a reflection of how far I’d come. And I can’t forget the summer socials the group organises as part of our AGM — they’re always great fun and a nice reminder that while we all work hard, there’s a really strong team spirit across the company. Hardscape has a great work ethic, and it’s genuinely a brilliant place to be.

If I could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career in the stone industry…

Get involved and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The stone industry is full of knowledgeable, passionate people who are always willing to share what they know. It’s an industry that rewards hard work and genuine interest — and there’s always something new to learn.