Gavin will prove he's a natural born seller

3:20pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

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A slick former Western Telegraph advertising employee has his sights set on becoming Britain’s top salesman in a cut-throat new reality TV show.

Thirty-two-year-old Gavin Davies is one of eight smooth-talking wannabes battling it out in Natural Born Sellers, a series being touted as ITV’s answer to The Apprentice.

"I’m a bit like a cat where I always land on my feet. It’s nothing to do with my abilities or skills, it just sort of happens, it’s weird."

Former Western Telegraph advertising employee, Gavin Davies

The show publicity says: “They are pushy, they are ambitious and they think they can sell anything to anyone — whatever it takes and whatever the cost.”

But for Merlins Bridge selling-star Gavin, who also worked at Friday Ad, in Pembroke Dock, the competition was almost over before the ink was dry on the first contracts.

The team had to sell furniture over the August bank holiday with each salesperson given a £6,000 target.

Each hit their target, but mistakes in processing paperwork left Gavin in the bottom two sellers and facing elimination.

That week’s Top Dog, Essex car salesman Danny had to choose between firing Gavin or top London estate agent Nick.

Gavin defended himself by saying: “I can sell anything, it was a cock-up with the paperwork and I will check and double check everything from now on and I will be top dog next week, mark my words.”

That seemed to strike a chord with Danny who booted Nick off the show, allowing Gavin to look forward to the next glamorous task – selling double glazing in Wakefield.

Gavin said: “I lack confidence sometimes, but I suppose I’m a bit like a cat where I always land on my feet.

“It’s nothing to do with my abilities or skills, it just sort of happens, it’s weird.

“I don’t consider myself successful — maybe lucky. Just in the right place at the right time.”

Asked what his tip for selling was, he said: “Don’t try and be someone you’re not.

“Know your product. People buy people most of the time, so by putting on a front that isn’t you, they will soon see through it and you will lose your customer.”

Natural Born Sellers is on ITV1 Thursdays at 9pm.