LYNN SANDERSON Sales and Marketing Manager, Ellingham Hall.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
When I was young, I wanted to become a lawyer, however during my studies at college and university, I soon realised it wasn’t for me. I’ve always been creative and wanted a role which suited my skills and personality, and I started my career in the weddings industry, working for a leading events company. After seven years doing a job I loved, I decided to change sectors to broaden my experience, however in 2018 I joined the team at Ellingham Hall and its fantastic to be back, doing what I love.
Tell us about your current role?
My current role is Sales and Marketing Manager, which involves looking after all marketing activities to continue to grow brand awareness and deliver sales growth at Ellingham Hall. However, the role is evolving and I’m currently working alongside management on the strategic plans for the launch of our new venues.
What are your forthcoming plans for the business?
It’s a very exciting time for our business as we head for significant growth, with the launch of our new portfolio brand ‘Unveiled Venues’. As well as running our award-winning exclusive venue Ellingham Hall, we are preparing to launch another luxury wedding venue; Lemmington Hall in January 2023. The Highlander pub just outside Ponteland, which we acquired earlier this year is currently undergoing renovation and will be launching in summer 2023.
What is your proudest business achievement?
It has to be helping smaller businesses to grow and succeed to become award-winning in their own categories. I’ve worked with a few businesses and achieved awards at both regional and national level. I was central to the launch of an educational brand, taking it from market entrant to win best small supplier within the education industry within three years. At Ellingham, I joined to help drive sales for corporate and private events, and within 12 months we won Best Independent Venue at the CHS National Awards. However, my focus now is ensuring continued success of our two-night wedding experience.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Having worked in the wedding industry on-off for 17 years, I’ve seen significant changes within the last few years. The increase in the number of wedding venues within the North East, offering a wide choice for couples, which is fantastic for the region and helps to keep us on our toes. The way we communicate with couples has changed especially since the pandemic, with many planning meetings taking place over zoom rather than face to face. Social media has dramatically changed the way we engage with our couples and plays a huge part in couples decision making when selecting venues to view.
Tell us about the team you work with?
I’m incredibly lucky to work with a fantastic bunch who all are talented, hardworking individuals and we blend well together as a work family. Our team are extremely passionate about providing the very best experience for our couples and will pull together to ensure nothing is compromised.
Last year, we were crowned ‘Events Team of the Year’ for the North East & Yorkshire, at The Wedding Industry Awards and we’re delighted to have been shortlisted as a regional finalist, in the same category, for a second year. This is a great boost for the team and reflects the fantastic feedback we are receiving from our couples.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
I’ve been lucky in both my private and work life, to have had some great mentors. When I was young, I remember my dance teacher saying to us, ‘there’s no such word as can’t’ and those words certainly stuck with me. I worked with a couple of mentors in my previous role who always advocated to look at the bigger picture and not to sweat the small stuff and to always try and put yourself in the shoes of the customer. Two great pieces of advice that certainly plays a huge part in the decisions I make in my current role.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has most definitely been becoming a mum, to my two lovely boys. As any career minded person will know, the work-life balance becomes a huge juggling act when trying to be the best parent possible and delivering results for your employer. I’m so pleased to work for a family-owned business, who are fully supportive and understanding of the challenges faced by parents and offer flexible working hours. How do you like to unwind outside of work?
Currently I don’t get much time to unwind as I’m always running around after my children, however spending time with family is very important to me, as I’ve been told by many to enjoy it while it lasts, because they grow up so fast!
