Northern Insight talks to Samuel Marriott-Dowding about how his year has gone.
What did you set out to achieve this year?
This has been an incredibly exciting year for Marriott Communications.
I started this year off knowing that I wanted to refine the agency branding, and most importantly our value propositions. We began the year with the launch of our new logo, messaging, website, and new communications services.
Through these changes and developments we were able to attract new high-value clients and grow our presence and influence nationally and internationally.
Has everything gone according to plan?
For once, yes!
I learned a lot in 2023, and mostly through making mistakes. As an entrepreneur I will no doubt always make a mistake somewhere along the way, but I always ensure that I never make the same mistake twice.
I started this year knowing where I wanted Marriott Communications to go; I wanted to grow our client base, build my own public profile, and expand further internationally – and we did!
That’s not to say that there has not been hiccups or challenges along the way, but it has meant I now have more experience to be able to adapt and overcome more efficiently.
What are you most proud of this year?
Receiving a lot of industry recognition and commendations has been really special this year, and has validated the fact that I am on the right path both in life and as an agency owner.
I have been shortlisted for several awards including North East Marketing Awards’ Marketer of the Year, Prolific North’s Marketer of the Year, and Insider Media’s Young PR, Marketing and Media Professional of the Year.
I am also incredibly proud to share that Marriott Communications won PR Agency of the Year in Corporate Vision’s Global Business Awards 2024.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
“Every no is a blessing in disguise, because it leaves the door open for opportunities that are even greater than what you missed out on”
What has been the most enjoyable deal you’ve been involved with?
I had the incredible privilege of consulting with The United Nations this year – which was just such an exciting, yet surreal experience.
What has been the most enjoyable event you have been to?
I had the pleasure of being a keynote speaker at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) North East Business Bootcamp at Wynyard Hall – presenting “The Purpose of PR” keynote to dozens of North East businesses and business leaders.
It was such a special day to see so many North East businesses come together, learn from each other, and most importantly, support each other.
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
I have learned the importance of a healthy work/life balance!
I can’t possibly be the best agency owner I can be without taking the time to nurture my own personal interests and hobbies, travelling, or spending quality time with friends and family.
There is more to life than work, and it’s time we celebrated creating these boundaries for ourselves, rather than the idea of having to hustle and grind 24/7.
Describe 2024 in three words?
Rebirth. Growth. Focus.
What are your aims for 2025?
Growth, growth, growth.
I am aiming to explore new opportunities both nationally and internationally, continue to build my personal brand and public profile, and for the first time, I am looking to form partnerships with other creative agencies to tackle those really big contracts!
marriottcommunications.com