MARKETING
Dynamic duo – writers Sarah Walker ( right ) and Sarah Dale have launched SASS media to fill a gap in the media market .
SMOOTH OPERATORS
Everyone needs a touch of SASS in business !
SASS – lively , spirited , bold . That ’ s what Sarah Walker and Sarah Dale represent with their new public relations and communications business SASS media .
Although the pair have been close friends for 16 years , it was only in May that the seed of SASS was planted , when a catch-up tea led to a business proposition .
Having worked together as journalists at The Gazette , they both later moved into different roles – Sarah W going into public relations for the NHS and Sarah D retraining as a teaching assistant and emotional wellbeing practitioner for children .
Two years ago , having spotted a gap in the market to promote small businesses in our region , Sarah W set up her own successful freelance business , Sarah Walker Writing Services .
She said : “ I was contacted by a company called UK Pods Ltd to write up some case studies for them and look at potential press and publicity around their groundbreaking product for NHS mental health services – and I also began writing for Tees Business .
“ I realised that lots of other SMEs could benefit from having PR and copywriting support that could be stepped up and down as and when needed and Sarah Walker Writing Services grew from there , with clients ranging from NHS Trusts to
The Gaming Hideaway in Thornaby and Bishop Auckland , property developers and a publisher .”
It was a catch-up over food and drinks in May that sparked the idea for the Middlesbrough-based duo to go into business together .
Within the week , Sarah and Sarah had a business name and had started work preparing to pitch for an 18-month contract with an education trust .
With Sarah W ’ s experience in PR and Sarah D ’ s in education , the writers put together a winning presentation .
They were thrilled to be awarded the contract with Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust which started on September 1 - coinciding with the official launch date for SASS media .
Since then , the pair have secured a wealth of new clients as well as keeping on SWWS clients .
“ We both love writing , it ’ s what we were born to do ,” said Sarah D .
“ We are both firm believers that if something feels right , then go for it . We sometimes have to pinch ourselves when we look back on how quickly it has snowballed but it just backs up what we thought initially – SASS media was the right move for both of us .
“ Our clients know we will work hard for them and we love what we do - our warmth and passion , as well as our keen
For more information visit sassmedialtd . co . uk
eye for detail , are our key strengths .”
The Sarahs met over the business and features desk at The Gazette in 2006 . Two husbands and three sons later , they remain firm friends who share the same values and goals .
“ Sarah and I have both worked in mental health roles – Sarah as a peer supporter for new mums and I supporting primary schoolchildren ’ s mental health – and having a work / life balance is extremely important to us ,” said Sarah D .
“ In fact , we start the working week with a walk around Stewart Park in Middlesbrough to discuss our plans for the week . Being outdoors and walking are both so good for the body and mind and it was a no-brainer to have our Monday meetings in the park .
“ Having said that , we are also both night owls who can be found messaging late at night to each other as it ’ s our prime time to be buzzing with ideas !”
Sarah W said : “ It ’ s so nice to have a business partner rather than dealing with the demands of running a business on your own .
“ The fact we have shared values around work / life balance as well as both being hardworking , experienced writers who will go above and beyond for our clients is fantastic .
“ We are excited about what the future holds for SASS !”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 59