What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I am the director and owner of Golborne Events. I set up my company in 2011 to provide event solutions and freelance support to corporate clients and private individuals. We specialise in corporate events, Christmas parties, venue finding, weddings and private celebrations. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to deliver some fantastic events and work with such amazing venues and suppliers. We are currently working on a corporate dinner at the Tower of London, an incentive trip to St Tropez, a summer ball at the Natural History Museum, 18th and 21st birthday parties, wedding receptions and Christmas parties for more than 1,000 guests.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing you learnt there?
My first job was working for my mum. Our family home, Golborne Manor, which is the inspiration behind my company, is a boutique bed and breakfast in Cheshire. I grew up around checking guests in, making beds and serving breakfasts, and as a result I learnt about the importance of hospitality at a very early age.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
After university I worked for a couple of small event companies. I found that working for a smaller agency enabled me to gain valuable, hands-on experience. The roles were much more varied and you had the opportunity to take on more responsibility.
I then settled at RPM and for three years I worked my way up the account team and managed high-profile campaigns and live events for BSkyB, Bacardi Martini and Diageo. Following RPM I moved client side to head up the events team at Grant Thornton UK. Moving into professional services took some adapting to, especially the wardrobe change from jeans to suits. However I loved the challenge of proving myself to the partners of the firm; gaining their trust to try out new ideas and creating memorable and rewarding events for their clients.
It also provided me with a more rounded experience of the events industry and now that I am back on the agency side it helps me understand the internal pressures and processes corporate clients can face. Whilst at Grant Thornton I saw an opportunity to convert my parents’ home, Golborne Manor, into a marquee wedding reception venue. This then gave me the confidence and inspiration to hand my notice in and establish my own events business.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
Yes, I think it has been a natural progression from where I started to where I have got to now. I believe it was always in my blood to set up on my own as both my parents run their own businesses. It is hard work and I feel like I have a huge amount of weight on my shoulders at times, but at the same time it is so rewarding. I live for making my clients happy through the events we deliver and I thrive on the independence and creativity running your own business provides.
Would you do anything differently?
I wish I had been a little firmer with some of my clients from the early years of my career, but that comes with confidence and experience and learning how and when it is appropriate to push back.
Who has inspired you along the way?
My mum had definitely been an inspiration to me, she is incredibly hard working and always has a lovely smile on her face. At RPM, there were two very inspiring ladies who taught me a lot. Alex Webb, who managed a huge team to deliver a free festival of more than 30 events in one weekend for BSkyB, and Claire Drese, who is now the first female to become a board member at RPM.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
I don’t have one particular memory that stands out. I used to enjoy getting to the interview stage as I find it is easier to sell yourself face to face than on paper. These days pitching for work feels like an interview and I really appreciate the opportunity of having a meeting in person as it is important in establishing those first steps of building a working relationship together.
Is there a piece of career advice you've ever been told that has stuck with you?
I have often been advised about the importance of networking. I discovered how meaningful this piece of advice was when I met someone on a train whilst travelling up to Newcastle for a wedding and as a result she has now become one of our biggest clients.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Keep working hard, put the long hours in now and be more confident in your abilities.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
I love good food and wine with friends and family. I also run which helps me de-stress and take my mind of work.
Want to share your career story with us as part of the ? Email news editor Samantha Edwards to feature in a future How I Got Here.
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