Samuel Marriott-Dowding ACIM - Founder & CEO, Marriott Communications
What did you set out to achieve this year?
This year was all about growth and identifying new opportunities.
2022 was so up and down, I was still getting to grips of not only working within an agency but also leading one.
I knew that for 2023 I wanted to be strategic, cultivate new collaborations and ultimately grow the agency financially. So I entered into 2023 almost a little bit ruthless, I wasn’t taking no for an answer, I was strategic about who we worked with, and for the first time ever I felt comfortable enough to be able to reject potential projects and clients when I didn’t feel like they were a good ‘fit’ for the agency – either because we didn’t have a passion for their vision, or because our value wasn’t being recognised.
Ultimately this strategy worked. We developed new services, expanded to the US market in August, received industry recognition and commendations, and have consistently grown throughout the year.
Has everything went according to plan?
Of course not! Like with anything in life, when does anything ever truly ‘go to plan’?
Entrepreneurship is no different. We have had our challenges, made mistakes, and things have gone wrong – but we do what we do best: adapt, overcome, and thrive.
What are you most proud of this year?
Three things top the list.
Firstly, Marriott Communications was able to expand our Reputation Management services to a portion of the US market. A lot of people talk about the achievement of ‘cracking America’ and we are moons away from doing anything quite like that; however, to be able to expand internationally into a previously unexplored market was absolutely thrilling.
Secondly, I am incredibly proud of our growth – in terms of our financial and client growth, as well as our pro bono third sector support. As Marriott Communications financially grows we are able to offer more pro bono services to charities and organisations who not only need this support to further their work, but they also deserve access to high quality marketing and public relations services. To date we have donated over 625 hours of pro bono support across the UK, something of which I am thrilled Marriott Communications is able to offer.
Third was winning FSB North East’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year. I was shortlisted in 2022, didn’t win, but true to form I persevered, gave it another go and won! What made that achievement even more special was that I had my parents at the ceremony with me, and they were able to see me accept the award in person.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
It’s easy to say yes, but hard to say no. Learn to slow the ‘yes’ and quicken the ‘no’.
What has been the most enjoyable deal you’ve been involved with?
I have really loved working with The Eagle Bar Newcastle on their World AIDS Day Fundraising campaign for North East charity Blue Sky Trust, as well as supporting the launch of Korma – a national franchise of fusion Indian restaurants.
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
That there is nothing that I can’t achieve or overcome with the right mindset.
People doubted me when I started an agency, we are now going into our third year of business. I doubted myself when I didn’t think I could run an agency, and now we are an international award-winning Marketing and PR agency working with an incredible array of clients.
My mindset this year went from trying to prove other people wrong about me, to proving to myself that I can do anything.
Describe 2023 in three words
Grit. Determination. Creative.
What are your aims for 2024?
Developing new agency services, launching our range of Ecommerce guides, growing further internationally, and of course the exciting rebrand that we are having in January!
www.marriottcommunications.com