All in the jeans

Fri, Oct 13th 2006, 11:00

Denim is an impressive fabric, invented by the French, used by the Americans for wagon covers and now by the whole world for clothing.

But for Redrow sales consultant, Helyn Niblett, 38, it was a square of denim that got her the job selling new homes at Penrhiw, in Oakdale.

At the interview stage, each of the applicants was asked to bring in an item from home and ‘sell’ it to the rest of the group.

Passionate about fabrics and interior design, Helyn turned up with a square of denim and stole the show. She said: "I started off with the story of denim, how it was invented in France and spread to America, before Levi Strauss made history by using it to make trousers for the cowboys and miners in the west.

"I went on to explain what a versatile fabric denim is by telling each person in the room how it would be perfect for them. One girl had a pet dog and I explained how denim would make the perfect bed for it to snuggle into. Another was going on holiday soon and I demonstrated that denim would be perfect as a skirt for the trip."

The Redrow panel was so impressed with Helyn’s imagination and enthusiasm they offered her a job as a trainee sales consultant. Helyn’s success doesn’t end there, though, after only three months in her new role, Helyn’s sales ability has seen her take charge as full-time sales consultant at Penrhiw.

Helyn, who has two children and recently got engaged to her partner, currently lives in Pontypridd. Outside work, she is exercising her passion for interior design and DIY with her current project, renovating her 1900s’ house.

Andy Jarrett, sales director for Redrow Homes (South Wales), said: "Helyn came through our new recruitment process with flying colours and although she is new to the housing industry, her experience of sales - principally in the fabrics business – has shone through."

The Penrhiw development where Helyn works features a good mix of three and four-bedroom semi, detached and town houses. Prices currently start from just £172,950.

The Penrhiw development is ideally situated on the outskirts of Oakdale. Blackwood and Newbridge town centers are approximately two miles away, both Cardiff and Newport are easily accessible and the M4 can be reached within 20 minutes.

For the ‘material’ facts on Penrhiw, call Helyn on 0845 676 0307 or visit the sales office, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.