Paul Huntley of Innovex was named the Pharma Field Experienced Representative at the gala industry awards’ ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. As he presented the award to Paul, BBC Breakfast Television presenter Dermot Murnaghan described it as “the most prestigious award of the evening”. The award recognises Paul’s outstanding contribution within the industry as well as his commitment and dedication to providing the best possible service to his clients. It also pays testament to the quality of the ongoing training Paul has received at Innovex, to the strong support networks within the company and to Innovex’s culture of encouraging people to develop their careers.
An ardent scuba diver and motor biker, Paul is married to Helen and the couple have a five-year-old son, Ethan, and a rescued, ex-racing greyhound called Buddy.They live in Plymouth, an ideal base for Paul to indulge his love of Devon, and of the sea.
A Night To Remember
The calibre of the people working at Innovex was confirmed at the Pf Awards’ night. Out of a record-breaking 500 entries to this year’s awards, Innovex had an incredible 33 finalists, six top three finalists and two outright award winners. In addition, it was the only Contract Sales Organisation to win awards that evening, underlining its position as market leader.
Paul shares the experience with us …
Before the ceremony, I hadn’t really given much thought to the possibility that I might be in with a chance of winning. I’m relatively new to the industry and although I always give 110 per cent to my career, it’s difficult to compare yourself with other people when you aren’t working directly beside them. I was thrilled to have been nominated by my Regional Business Manager, and whatever the eventual outcome, that made me feel very proud and valued. I gave the final assessment day my best shot - this involved taking part in a role-play and a business simulation.
On the night of the awards, the atmosphere was excellent. I was sitting with my colleagues having a great time when, suddenly, my picture was up on the huge screen. I realised I’d won the award! I was quite overwhelmed – I had this beaming smile on my face as I went up to collect my award. It was the proudest moment of my career, made all the better as I’d won in the face of such strong competition from big industry players.
” We had an outstanding number of nominations proving that this award was far from being a lightning strike out of a clear blue sky ”
I know I couldn't have done it without the backing of my team, in particular my Regional Business Manager who was so pleased she was in tears when I brought the award back to our table! You can’t put a value on the kind of support she gives me. Her advice and guidance mean I never feel I’m out there on my own.
That was a brilliant night, but the celebrations didn’t stop there. I was also guest of honour at the ‘Innovex Oscars’, a superb awards’ event which followed a two-day managers’ meeting at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow. In front of all the field managers and colleagues from head office, Alison Clough, the Managing Director, invited me on to the stage for a standing ovation.
The Road To Success
I joined Innovex in November 2003. I chose a Contract Sales Organisation because of the variety it offers and I chose Innovex because it’s the market leader.
Innovex doesn’t just take on graduates; it also attracts people coming from other companies and other sectors looking to develop their careers. As a sales organisation, it offers unparalleled opportunities and it was perfect for me.
The career transition was painless. I had previously worked in financial services and this had given me experience of technical sales and working to targets. Prior to this, I had set up drug and alcohol treatment programmes and this had given me insight into the NHS. I had also gained training and presentation skills whilst setting up these programmes. There was still a steep learning curve on joining pharma, but the more experienced Innovex representatives were very happy to show me the ropes.
” The energy of this company and the commitment and quality of its people are irresistible! ”
The Innovex Experience
The last two and a half years have been amazingly diverse and interesting! I’ve sold in a huge range of therapy areas from wound care to oncology, cardiology to fungal nail infections … and I’ve had the chance to work with and learn from GPs, district nurses, practice nurses, pharmacists and hospital consultants.
The training has been first class and, I have to say, this has been one of the major contributory factors to my success. Innovex invests heavily in its people and prioritises their development and welfare, which is why people who have worked for this company never lose their loyalty to it.
Nowhere else develops people as well, positioning them to win industry ‘Oscars’ of this kind.
Beyond the basic training, there are a number of courses every Innovex representative takes including a fantastic course in style and sales techniques, courses on NHS knowledge, presentation skills, business planning and much more.
Add to that the commitment of a dedicated field manager giving ‘on the job’ coaching and working with you on your own personal development plan – what more could you ask for?
There’s also a great sense of team spirit and you get loads of support – and it’s always great fun as well. Another thing about Innovex is how well they understand the importance of the individual.The company abounds with nice personal touches which make you really feel at home – such as a card from the Managing Director on your birthday, the company’s five and ten year awards and the Employee Appreciation Day. I don’t think you’d get that attention to the individual in many other places these days!
What Next?
Despite having won this industry accolade, I have absolutely no intention of resting on my laurels.
With this experience behind me, I am eager to see what I would be able to achieve as a Regional Business Manager.
I greatly enjoyed developing and supporting people in my previous career and would love to do that at Innovex.
Fast and furious change is part and parcel of the Innovex experience – the pace of change at Innovex not only accelerates and extends your individual learning and development, it also continually throws up new opportunities for enthusiastic, competent people. It’s a great place to be!
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