[New] Patrons

Q What do you get from it?

My team and I really enjoy meeting new businesses and understanding their ambitions, the chamber events are a perfect platform for this. Personally, I find the Women in Leadership events truly inspiring –we have such amazing women leaders in Hertfordshire! I started my role nearly 2 years ago when in lockdown, so joining the Chamber has really helped me raise my profile, and increase Barclays’ visibility across Hertfordshire through all of the fantastic events.

Q How has it helped you network?

Along with my Barclays colleagues Micky Kosowycz and Melanie Williams, we look after businesses from start up to public float and are all very proud of the number of successful businesses in Hertfordshire and passionate about how we can support them on their journey. Briege, Mary and the Chamber think and act very commercially and are excellent in putting the right people in front of each other to build on successes.

Q What advice would you give someone starting out in business?

Surround yourself with good people whether that is your team or advisors or shareholders or financial service providers – the most successful leaders are the ones that have a successful team around them! Make sure they know and share your vision in a way that they can buy in to. Be agile and finally, being a banker, I would have to say stay close to your numbers and “Cash is King!”

Q What is the biggest challenge in your business life?

As a female leader I would have to say imposter syndrome! Many of us have it and we just learn to deal with it better the more experienced we become! I have been fortunate enough in my career to have a number of male allies who have and continue to support me on my career journey. Without them my imposter syndrome would definitely have got the better of me!

Our clients are telling us that their outlook is generally positive for the future. Appreciating that there is some uncertainty around the macro environment with supply chains, cost inflation, rising interest rates, and staff churn etc.They have reacted to this quickly and decisively and have planned, adapted and budgeted accordingly. After the nervousness of the last couple of years they are starting to invest again to build their businesses as they see opportunities for growth in the future.