How do you feel going into another business year?
I feel optimistic about going into a new business year, the start of 2022 has been very busy and Hype That PR hit January 2022 with a number of growth stories for clients which has been great to see, despite a very turbulent time. It has been inspiring and reassuring to see that there are a high number of SMEs who have been able to adapt and redirect their business strategy, unfortunately this isn’t the case for all with many elements out of their control. However, it is important that those that have seen growth and adaptability shine the spotlight on their successes as it’s a great achievement. I know a number of businesses I speak to at times feel slightly reluctant to shout about their success at a time when it’s been so difficult for many industries, but if it’s done in the right way it is key, as these growth stories encourage confidence, inspire new business start-ups, collaborations and further business growth in the region which is vital for getting back to business.
What are you currently working on?
I’m fortunate to work across a number of industries so a number of projects are bubbling at the moment from books to electric tractors – variety is definitely the spice of life at the moment! A number of my clients have transferred onto retainer so it’s great to be working more closely with these businesses to announce new projects and join them on their growth trajectory. They all have so many exciting projects on the horizon so I look forward to announcing these soon!
What was your proudest achievement last year?
Supporting a host of clients to continually raise their brand awareness and profile in a turbulent business market and working closely with them to become a key part of their business. As such I was delighted to join the team at The Office Rocks as their Head of PR following working with the team in 2021, it’s great to be part of such an energetic high growth business in my home city of Sunderland.
At the last count my clients picked up eight awards in 2021 between them from award-winning gins, to social impact awards through to hitting the top 50 bestsellers book list so it’s been a delight to see their growth and for them to receive the recognition they deserve. A very poignant moment of 2021 was when I returned to the Sunderland Empire to support and lead the re-opening PR campaign, this really was an awe-inspiring moment with amazing support and coverage across the region with astounding stats, the energy on opening night was immense and it’s great to be back with the team part time in my B2B development role re-connecting with businesses across the region again.
What will you do differently in 2022?
It’s great to see the return of in person and networking events so I’m looking forward to more of these in 2022. However, the change in working patterns and options is something I’d actually like to maintain, like remote working at the gorgeous SIX Roker, plus the efficiency of virtual meetings when appropriate, although in-person is great for building rapport, virtual are very efficient for quick catch ups so these will continue to be part of 2022 for me.
What are your personal aspirations and resolutions?
I need to find time to read more but work and homelife is so busy these last few months and a luxury at the moment, so that’s on my list! I started refreshing my Italian with virtual group sessions in lockdown with Durham based Italian with Anna, it’s bitesize and manageable so I want to invest more time into this with the hope of putting to good use on a (belated) summer road trip to Italy – all being well.
Fitness has been so important to me throughout lockdown, like many and kept me motivated, I even miss a 6am bootcamp now if I can’t make it so plan to keep on track with these with SR Functional Fitness.
What social events are you most looking forward to?
I managed to snap up tickets to Diary of a CEO Live with Steven Bartlett, Social Chain founder and BBC’s newest Dragon so I’m looking forward to catching his inspirational business podcast when it hits the stage.
Super excited for a very belated Birthday gift and the re-scheduled The Killers gig in Middlesbrough plus family time with the iconic film adaption of the magical Bedknobs and Broomsticks at Sunderland Empire this Easter. In three words, 2022 will be… A new year!