WearTalk
My greatest achievement is … my sons , Adam and Lewis , now in their 30s – eek ! Helping to get DBG through 2020 will also be up there .
When I was at school , I wanted to be … working in an office , and I did from the age of 15 , on a YTS scheme at Flymo in Newton Aycliffe . That led on to five years – from post room to sales office – before I moved south to Bristol .
The best career decision I ever made was … joining Durham Business Group ( DBG ) 10 years ago ! I was an active member of Durham Business Club ( DBC ) at the time while working for Young Enterprise , and I ’ m thankful to Christine Yule and the board of directors for giving me the opportunity of my dream job . Five years later , Christine passed me the reins as CEO upon her retirement . It left very big shoes to fill , but I like to think I ’ m growing into them - even though I am a size three !
What has been the biggest change in your time at Durham Business Group ? There have been a few . When I joined the organisation , we were still operating as a training provider , based in Chester-le-Street . The board , rightly , made the decision to sell the training operation in 2012 , shortly before we relocated to Portland House in Belmont , where we took over and grew Durham Office Services as a way of supporting our core Durham Business Club . Also , our events have evolved hugely , from introducing popular breakfast meetings and later launching The Executive Group , which have both been a great success .
How have you faced the challenges of Covid-19 and being denied meetings with members ? I could never have imagined a world without our face-to-face events . Thankfully I have a great support
PICTURES BY TOM BANKS
network , and couldn ’ t have got through this year without the DBG staff and board . In particular , our vice-chairman Graham Soult set up the Business Club on a virtual platform called Remo . co , and has dragged me into the virtual world , where we now host two events each month . These have been very well received , and have successfully recreated the warmth and value of all our usual events , but in a new online format . In particular , we ’ ve continued to answer calls and organise mail for clients throughout , and are heartened that we ’ ve seen 60 new Durham Office Services clients over the past six months , with many new start-ups choosing to register their office with us .
The best part of my job is … networking , and organising events , which sadly has been in the virtual world since March . I cannot wait to bring everyone together again – 2021 will be the 40th anniversary of DBG , and we ’ re already planning the awards dinner and other special events , making up for lost time .
The biggest downside of my working life is … not enough hours in the week !
If I could change one thing about my organisation ... as ever , it would always be lovely to have more income to invest in the business ! As anyone who runs a not-forprofit organisation will tell you , it ’ s hard work .
Four words to describe me are … work hard , play hard .
My business mantra is … love what you do , do it with passion , and focus on your strengths and those of your team .
The biggest frustration I encounter in Durham is … one area we could do better in is tapping into sources of external funding – such as from the government or local authorities – to help us deliver our important work in championing and supporting North- East business .
My favourite local charity is … Durham Cathedral is such a special place to me . We ’ re proud , as DBG , to be a corporate partner , and are lucky to hold DBC events and our annual Christmas Executive Club lunch there . I ’ ve even spent a night sleeping in the cathedral cloisters for the CEO Sleepout charity . St Cuthbert ’ s Hospice is also close to my heart – for me to have put on my running shoes and complete the Durham City 5k run , it would have to be !
When I ’ m not working , I like to spend my time … shopping with my lovely mam and sister , enjoying our new home , along with my partner Malcolm and our cat Doris , discovering great new places , dining out , and enjoying a bottle of fizz with fabulous friends . Or relaxing at Ramside spa - but you won ’ t find me in the gym .
My guilty pleasures are … shopping , wine and listening to ABBA .
The best holiday I ever had was … I ’ ve had some wonderful cruises , and my last was a journey to India with my sister , but my favourite holiday would have to be a family holiday to Florida with Malcolm and my sons who were teenagers at the time . Who doesn ’ t love the magic of Disney ?
Not many people know this about me , but … I was married at 18 and by the age of 21 I was on my third mortgage and home move , from Newton Aycliffe to Bristol .
In retirement , I ’ ll spend my time … I would love to think I will still be living life to the full , with my wonderful friends and family , and planning the next cruise .
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