DCG Success Stories

Business Administration apprentice Carys Hughes has joined Derby-based commercial property specialists BB&J Commercial and is already an integral part of the team.

Carys, aged 16, joined the Derby-based commercial property consultants in August and is on a level 3 apprenticeship delivered in partnership with Derby College Group.

She is one of several apprentices to be offered a placement at BB&J, with workplace assessment provided via the College, in recent years.

Carys knew from a young age that she wanted to work in business – and that she preferred to find an apprenticeship than stay on at school.

With experience gained while volunteering at a dog rescue centre and as head librarian at school, she is enjoying building on her strong administrative, organisational and communication skills.

Carys said: “I’m the sort of person who works best when I’m doing something, so I knew an apprenticeship would be a much better option for me.

I like everything about working at BB&J, but the best part is the people. I’m motivated and love to support my colleagues in any way I can – I like a challenge and I’m a quick learner.

It’s good to be learning new things too. I’ve just started to learn audio typing and I’m finding it very interesting.”

To meet demand for its property services, BB&J has continued to expand despite the impact of the pandemic.

In the past year, the company has made six additions to the team, creating  new roles across the agency, marketing and business administration sides of its business.

The firm also recently relocated to newly refurbished offices on The Wyvern and rebranded.

Amey Hellen, BB&J Commercial’s Digital Communications and Marketing Co-Ordinator, said she and the team were very pleased with Carys’s progress.

Amey said: “The commercial property market is very busy so Carys has joined us just at the right time. She’s been so helpful and has moulded easily into the team.”