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Member Profile: Kerry Bate, Polka Dot Events Management Ltd
MEMBER PROFILE
NAME: Kerry Bate COMPANY: Polka Dot Events Management Ltd JOB TITLE: Events manager
WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO?
We plan, host and execute events, catering for all budgets and all size events. Not only do we plan our own events we work with our clients to bring their vision to life, removing all the stress leaving them to enjoy their event.
HOW DID IT ALL START?
It started in 2018 after a family bereavement and re-evaluating how short life is to not be doing something you are truly passionate about and love.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Kettering Business Awards was my very first event that I organised through Polka Dot Events. Even though I had a lot of support, I worked my magic to bring it to life –it was a huge success, exceeded all expectations and truly kickstarted the Polka Dot Portfolio.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
The thousand things going around my head that I need and want to do and the bright ideas I always have in the middle of the night.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST IN YOUR JOB?
The amazing relationships I’ve built up with people I didn’t know less than two years ago. The small business community really is supportive.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN – AND DID IT WORK?
Leaving an employed job to start alone. It’s been a challenge –even more so during the pandemic –but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every day is a learning day and makes me stronger.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT?
Making mistakes is ok. Follow your instinct and don’t second guess yourself –go for things as it’s a great way to learn.
WHICH BUSINESS PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
I admire and respect any business person who takes the step to do it alone. It’s not easy, it can be lonely, it pushes you to your limits, so my full admiration and respect to all that try.
WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS IS YOUR ORGANISATION WORKING ON?
After over a year of being on hold, we have four events coming up from July onwards and I’m really excited to be getting back to planning them.
WHAT MADE YOUR ORGANISATION JOIN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER?
I joined the Chamber to be part of a supportive business community. I’ve made some great connections through the Chamber who have been a strength throughout the pandemic.
Visit: www.polkadotevents.co.uk Call: 01536 860710 Email: info@polkadotevents.co.uk
LANDOWNER JOINS THE GBC
Courteenhall Farms has recently become a member of the Good Business Charter (GBC) which recognises and encourages good practice across all areas of business.
Courteenhall Farms’ managing partner, Johnny Wake, has been following the career of entrepreneur and GBC founder Julian Richer for many years, and in 2020 the arable operation embarked on the GBC selfaccreditation process.
Johnny said: “There are 10 components to commit to, which include paying suppliers on time, maintaining employee well-being and demonstrating environmental responsibility. While we were mindful of many of these already, having to prove we were adhering to them put us in a position where we needed to implement policies and ideas that had previously hovered on our to do list.”
The list of GBC members is diverse, but Courteenhall Farms is the first landowner to join. Landowners are in a unique position of being able to look forward beyond 50 years and Courteenhall Farms wanted to apply the same long-term thinking to its business practices.
Johnny added: “Our core values include sustainability, innovation and high standards, and we can only achieve these if we commit to the people that are instrumental in getting us there: our team members, suppliers and customers.
“The GBC is encouraging and forward thinking in assisting businesses of all shapes and sizes to become members and we look forward to the benefits of being part of their community.”
To find out more about Courteenhall Farms visit www.courteenhall.co.uk or to learn about GBC go to www.goodbusinesscharter.com
Johnny Wake
