A Halesowen woman has scooped a national award just one year after starting her career in house sales in the South Midlands.

Ellis St Romaine has been named as the Persimmon Homes Sales Trainee of the Year, beating off competition from the 31 other regional teams.

The 23-year-old, who goes by Ellie, graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in interior architecture before beginning her career as sales trainee with Persimmon Homes South Midlands in November 2019 and earning the accolade just 12 months later.

Ellie, of Halesowen, said: “I have always had a passion for sales and property, having worked in retail when I was at university, and this opportunity at Persimmon Homes seemed the perfect match of the two. It was a real chance to bring those interests together and learn and I absolutely love the job.”

Ellie’s manager Amanda Rogers, who is head of sales at Persimmon Homes South Midlands based in Studley, said: “Ellie was a quieter member of the team who took her time to really make an effort with her learning and training when she started. She gained in confidence every week and with every task she completed she began to find her feet and excel at her role with the customers.

“She has blossomed during her time here and is now a well-regarded member of the team who is always happy to help with any task supporting colleagues and customers alike. I look forward to seeing Ellie grow her skills even more as she moves to her own site."

Ellie, who has now been promoted to sales advisor, added: “You have to be very people orientated and understanding too, buying a home is such a big thing. I always enjoy going through the finishing touches options with customers and using some skills from my degree – I like to have an input!

“I 100 per cent love my job and can’t wait to get on to my first solo development and continuing to build my career with Persimmon.” Russell Griffin, director in charge of Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “We are thrilled that a member of our team has won such an accolade and hope that it encourages more young people to join the business.

“Persimmon Homes manages a robust trainee and apprentice programme and we feel it is important to reward those youngsters who have got off to a flying start and our winner Ellie is a perfect example of this.”

The Achievers award programme was launched by Persimmon Homes to showcase employees who have gone above and beyond to succeed in their role.

For more information about careers opportunities with Persimmon Homes visit www.persimmonjobs.com.