BUSINESS
KENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONT .
Louise King - Benenden Hospital www . benendenhospital . org . uk
Leader of marketing and business development at Benenden Hospital , Louise King has worked in many industries , from publishing , events , retail , energy , and now healthcare , there really isn ’ t an industry Louise hasn ’ t worked for . But it seems that a hospital setting is where she truly belongs , as since joining Benenden Hospital ’ s marketing department she has managed to transform the division into a ‘ content driven digital first team with proven success ’ – more than doubling the hospital ' s private patients on a significantly reduced cost since she joined the team . When we asked Louise who encouraged her to become this powerhouse marketing mogul , she explained that she had a mentor who was fiercely passionate and driven , instilling Louise with the confidence to pursue her chosen career . It also seems that Benenden Hospital itself has been a huge source of encouragement for Louise thanks to hospital director Jane Abbott , and the empowering atmosphere created by all who work there . When asked how Louise would encourage young women to get into marketing , she explained that the industry is a lot more than just adverts , a lot of the work is data driven as well as being creative , making this the perfect career choice for those who feel they ’ d thrive in a varied role .
Lisa Payne - The Flower Locker lisapayne90 . wixsite . com / theflowerlocker
Entrepreneur Lisa Payne is the owner of The Flower Locker Florist based in Wye , a business she envisioned , founded and now runs from her very own living room . Having had a long and varied career in the healthcare industry prior to becoming a business owner , Lisa decided that during the darkness and confusion of the first lockdown she wanted to start bringing some light and happiness back into people ' s lives by providing them with beautiful blooms for those special occasions , or simply just because . Thanks to some supportive friends and family members , along with some dedicated long-term clients - like The Kings Head in Wye - Lisa was able to make her dream come true , and now the events industry is slowly regaining its legs , she is even beginning to take orders for weddings , funerals , and of course everything in-between . When we asked Lisa what her proudest moment as a female business owner was she said ; ‘ The fact I receive orders and requests , and am able to fulfil the reason why someone is wanting their interpretation of a floral design for a loved one , is an ongoing and ever evolving pleasure and hope it will just keep building from here on in .’
Jo Parker - Abbey Funeral Services www . abbeyfs . co . uk
Jo Parker started working at her family ' s business ; Abbey Funeral Services , in 1993 after finding herself without a job due to the first recession . 30 years later , and after learning the ins and outs of everything from the administrative work to fitting out coffins , she has taken the reins from her parents by becoming managing director of the company , and has been taking the business from strength to strength . Following in her inspirational mum ' s footsteps , Jo ’ s hard work and dedication to the families that use Abbey Funeral Services has earned the respect of the older generation , while also encouraging young women to step up to an industry that benefits from a feminine touch . When we spoke to Jo she commented that she had some large shoes to fill thanks to her industrious parents , who founded Abbey Funeral Services in 1983 , but it seems that Jo is already living up to the family name by becoming the 3rd member of her family to become President of the National Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors . She also currently sits on their National Trade Association executive committee and has done so for the past 8 years , she has also been directly involved in Pace4Life , a company that aims to recycle and reuse pacemakers in the 3rd world - quite the work ethic !
176