Claire Parry - Managing Director of Week2Week Serviced Apartments the accommodation experts for extended stays, projects, relocation, and business travel.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Although I was heavily into Art and Design, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do other than gain some life experience. I worked as a Saturday girl in a hairdressers from the age of 14, which I hated, earning the paltry sum of £12 a day (a lot back then for hairdressing juniors!). I also had a spell in hospitality including roles at Chillingham Castle. I had grown up around my mum Janet Jackson who ran a small guest house where from the age of seven I helped out with the day-to-day responsibilities. I also experienced lots of different office environments within the corporate market specialising in management and operations.
Describe your current role.
My mum set up the business initially with her own properties before moving into managing properties. We offer a wide range of short-stay property which offer the perfect mix of cleanliness and intimacy you would expect from a hotel but with the added space and comfort you would expect from your own home. I fully took over the reins in 2013.
What can people expect when dealing with Week2Week?
Consistency, integrity and quality of service are our core values and at the heart of everything we do. We are very people centric and take a genuine interest in every booking we take making sure everything is accountable and genuine. We offer all clients, property owners and guests, authenticity in a demanding world.
What has been your proudest achievement?
I get to work with brilliant people every day!
From modest and humble beginnings our longevity is something that I am delighted with. Along the way we have gone from being a very paper-based business and modernised into something completely different.
I am also extremely proud that we have been regularly shortlisted for a global relocate award.
How has your industry changed?
Our industry is extremely fast-paced and in the office we often describe it as a Tardis where time speeds up. The landscape is very different to precovid times due to traveller behaviour changing in addition to Brexit and its’ impact on the UK. We are seeing more extended and long-term stays required.
This is mainly due to the process corporate clients must go through to justify physical travel and why it cannot just be done via a video call. Whilst there is still uncertainty, we continue to see higher demand for serviced accommodation, and we continue to adapt as the business dictates.
What are you currently working on?
A number of things including a strategy for the new financial year and also creating a new role within the business. We are also aiming for more portfolio growth and to improve the business travel side of the business.
We are also looking forward to doing more sponsorship with the Entrepreneurs Forum and remaining active members of the North East Chamber of Commerce and the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative.
Tell us about your team.
Our core team of four is amazing as is our extended team of around 40 people who we work with on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Just keep going and don’t get complacent.
What was been your biggest challenge?
Juggling work and home life is an ongoing challenge. I’m definitely still a work in progress!
Who are your heroes and mentors?
My late mum for her insight and acumen and my husband and sons who inspire me every day!
How do you like to unwind?
I like nothing better than putting my wellies on and going outdoors with my family and dogs. We also love to visit our static caravan in Northumberland – our home from home! I also enjoy a good crime drama.
For further information visit www.week2week.co.uk