We're delighted to introduce Sarah Metcalfe, our Yorkshire Business Development Manager.
With more than 25 years of experience, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge, a genuine passion for people and a strong understanding of what businesses need from a trusted service partner.
While her career has taken her across a diverse range of sectors, from running a Buddhist centre to working within construction and manufacturing, one thing has remained consistent throughout.
People.
"I've always been a people person" explains Sarah. "Every role I've had has involved working with people, supporting them and bringing them together to achieve something."
Alongside her experience across multiple industries, Sarah has also worked internationally, building and managing relationships throughout Europe and South Africa. Those experiences helped shape her approach to business development and taught her the value of understanding different perspectives, cultures and ways of working.
More Than Sales
For Sarah, business development has never been about selling. It's about listening, understanding challenges and building relationships based on trust.
"I love meeting business owners and learning about their journeys, challenges and ambitions. Every conversation is different and I genuinely enjoy understanding how we can support them."
It's an approach that aligns perfectly with the Edwards Commercial Cleaning philosophy of building long-term partnerships rather than short-term transactions.
Why Edwards?
When asked what attracted her to Edwards Commercial Cleaning, Sarah points to the company's values.
"What really attracted me was the opportunity to represent a business that genuinely cares about the quality of its service and its customers."
Since joining the business, she has quickly become part of the team and has been impressed by the pride people take in their work.
"I'm only in my second month, but I've genuinely felt welcomed from day one. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and there's a real sense of pride in what people do."
That commitment to clients, quality and teamwork has reinforced her belief that she has joined a business that shares her own values.
A Passion For Yorkshire
As a proud Yorkshire lass living in Leeds, Sarah is passionate about the region she now represents.
"What I love most is the people. Yorkshire people are warm, down-to-earth, hardworking and genuine. There's a strong sense of community here and a willingness to support one another."
She is equally enthusiastic about Yorkshire's diverse business community.
From manufacturing and construction to healthcare, technology and professional services, the region continues to attract investment, talent and innovation.
"Yorkshire has a fantastic business community built on trust, relationships and a strong work ethic."
With Edwards Commercial Cleaning now operating from its Yorkshire office at The Junction in Wakefield, Sarah is looking forward to building new relationships and helping more businesses discover the benefits of working with a trusted commercial cleaning partner.
What Businesses Want
Through her conversations with organisations across the region, Sarah believes businesses are looking for something relatively simple from their suppliers. Reliability.
"I think businesses are looking for reliability above all else. They want a partner they can trust to do what they say they're going to do."
Alongside reliability comes communication, flexibility and professionalism.
Businesses want confidence that standards will be maintained and that any issues will be resolved quickly and effectively.
For Sarah, strong relationships remain the foundation of everything.
"I believe good relationships start with listening. People want to feel heard and understood, whether you're speaking to a small local business or a large organisation."
Looking Ahead
As Edwards Commercial Cleaning continues its growth across Yorkshire, Sarah is excited about what lies ahead.
"I'm looking forward to building relationships with more businesses across Yorkshire and helping them discover the difference that a trusted commercial cleaning partner can make."
When asked to sum up her approach to business development in a single sentence, her answer captures both her personality and her values perfectly:
"Build genuine relationships, listen carefully, keep your word and always treat people with kindness."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
