9 minute read
Vicky Grammatikopoulou
BUSINESS : Vie Aesthetics
WEBSITE : vie-aesthetics.com
Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?
A I think my inspiration is rooted in my background in teacher education and in my passion to make a di erence in peoples' lives helping them achieve their goals, raise their confidence and get their mojo back. I did set out promoting a positive body image and love connecting and building relationships – with clients, sta and the community.
Q What do you think makes your business di erent from the competition?
A We are CQC regulated and o er bespoke, tailored and highly personalised treatment plans by highly specialised medics. Among over 27 awards, we were named "Best Aesthetic Practice Globally" for 20/21 and our results, customer service and safety record are constantly praised by our clients in over 2,500 verified 5-star reviews.
Q What’s new for 2023?
A We have set up a 360-degree medical private menopause service, which includes blood screening and diagnostics, medical weight management, HRT prescription, nutritional coaching, intimate health procedures and life coaching. I feel very strong about supporting and empowering women through this exciting phase of their lives.
Q Describe a typical working day for you?
A A good morning routine sets me for the day: a gratitude journal, a morning walk, a 5-minute meditation and goal setting. I am usually in one of our clinics in Essex, London or Germany 9-5 and no day is the same, really. I go swimming after work, dancing or meet friends. I find cooking dinner very therapeutic and I can't always resist a bit of Netflix binge-watching.
Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?
A Our local area is so beautiful. I never miss an opportunity to catch fresh air and have a nice meal or tea by the seafront in Southend and Leigh-onSea; we are so lucky to be so close to the water. I love walking my dog in Hockley Woods regularly too.
Q Where do you see yourself in five years?
A I hope to continue living my motto: "Celebrating the beauty of life", living in the present moment, surrounded by loved ones and having more time to travel.
Tracey Hatch
BUSINESS : Raspberry Interiors
WEBSITE : raspberryinteriordesign.co.uk
Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?
A I believe the decision to run my own business came from a desire to not feel restricted in life. I watched my Grandmother relish running her own printing company, I grew up hearing her talking passionately about how her work was such a pleasure “why would you want to work for someone else?” She was a great influence on me.
Q What do you think makes your business di erent from the competition?
A Raspberry Interiors has three generations working within it. We have me, the wise one in her 50s with years of experience, we have Abby (my daughter) in her 30s who keeps ideas fresh and vibrant, and we have Laila in her 20s who brings in all her technical skills and energy. That’s why our designs are a good mixture of us all, a great mix of old and new.
Q What’s new for 2023?
A We moved to The Barn in Ingatestone April last year and renovated one section, which is now our working studio. Clients love coming to us to go through designs, it’s such an inspiring place. This is the year we want to break into the next section of the barn and create a beautiful showroom, showcasing more of our work.
Q Describe a typical working day for you?
A I have always been an early riser so I get to work around 7am. I treasure those first few hours of uninterrupted quietness. It's rare for me to be at my desk for a whole day. I am often found on a building site directing trades, or sitting at a clients dining table going over their designs, popping into a tile shop or flooring showroom to pick samples. To keep the business flourishing I try to tackle three areas of business every day. One thing from the past like profit and loss, one thing from the now like putting designs together ready for a presentation, and one thing from the future, such as speaking to architects about future projects we could be involved in.
Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?
A Since moving to Ingatestone we are lucky to have The Star on our doorstep. Lovely, warm atmosphere and great food.
Q What do you always make time for away from work?
A Like my Grandmother, I actually feel work is my home, it’s the place I want to be even on a Sunday. Having a fairly large extended family there’s normally something going on. When my daughters were growing up I used to always be the one throwing parties and entertaining, but not so much these past years. Life takes you through di erent phases doesn’t it – I have always loved every phase, just like I love right now.
Rachel Addison
BUSINESS : Benems (Carpet, Flooring, Fireplaces and Homewares) WEBSITE : benems.co.uk
Q What originally inspired you to launch your business?
A Well Benems is an anagram of my children’s names (Emma & Ben), and they were very much my primary focus as I began, and that was over 30 years ago. I wanted to build a business that would support us all. Also, I take great pride in the home – I think we all do, and with good reason. I wanted to play a part in helping others make their home the best it can be.
Q What do you think makes your business di erent?
A I like to think our customer service is second to none; from the moment you come through the door and we discuss your vision, be it for the home or the workplace, and then onwards to selecting what will realise that vision through to fitting it all. It’s why people return time after time. Well, that and the fact we can’t be beaten on price. Our team are most certainly the dream team, and customers’ testimonies and referrals support this so we all care.
Q What’s new for 2023?
A New stock, new suppliers, and an expansion on our homeware goods; it’s great when someone comes in for a carpet and is able to add a cushion or candle they weren’t expecting. Plus, I love finding those quality pieces that are perhaps a little di erent.
Q Describe a typical working day for you?
A I’m up with the lark, and rising at this time gives me some rare quietness. This is usually when I look at any possible changes/additions on our website and also doing my social media, as there’s little chance once I’ve arrived at work. So then it’s into the o ce bright and breezy, and away we go until closing. There’s no denying it can be exhausting at times because we’re a small sta and extremely busy, but I really can’t complain about that, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?
A It has been said I'm a social butterfly – work hard, play hard at times, at several local restaurants, or for that extra treat we head into London to catch a show or some amazing singers, together with a lovely meal. Such events also provide me with the opportunity to catch up with friends.
Q What do you always make time for away from work?
A Family. I do think of work as family too, but I’m never happier than being with my son and daughter, along with my grandsons who thankfully live close by. My sister and brother come to visit regularly too. The other thing, although a much rarer occurrence, is to take a holiday in the sun.
Daisy Pegrum
BUSINESS : Haslers
WEBSITE : haslers.com
Q What originally inspired you to work for your business?
A I was inspired to work for Haslers to support my growth and join an ever growing firm. I knew Haslers were a training firm and could o er the support and time needed to develop and use my skills I had already gained. I also saw how others had been promoted from within. This allowed me to see a long term future at Haslers. Haslers also o er a big feel firm with the hands on approach of a smaller firm, with a huge variety of clients to support.
Q What do you think makes your business di erent from the competition?
A Haslers allows clients to manage all elements of their businesses under one roof. This gives clients the chance to focus on what really matters: their business. We take the worry away from the day to day finance function. Haslers o ers hands on support and cares about the businesses we work with. We tailor our work to the needs of our clients and appreciate there is not a one size fits all approach.
Q What’s new for 2023?
A New for 2023 are changes to VAT reporting and penalty structures, which will mean clients who have not required support with their VAT returns before will require our help. This may result in complete changes to record keeping systems and software which we will help implement and manage. We will also continue to navigate new budgets and economic uncertainty with our clients to ensure each business is trading as e ectively and e ciently as possible.
Q Describe a typical working day for you?
A A normal day involves preparing, reviewing and discussing client management accounts, year end accounts, VAT returns and dealing with correspondence from clients and other parties such as HMRC. Other days may include visiting clients at their premises, attending board meetings or assisting with the implementation of accounting software and systems. During my day I help to oversee and support the Haslers accounts team.
Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?
A I enjoy visiting local restaurants and shops to catch up with friends. I also enjoy walks in Epping Forest with my one-year-old cocker spaniel, whose personal favourite spot in the local area is any muddy puddle he can find.
Q What do you always make time for away from work?
A Time for family is most important outside of work.
Charlotte Fuller
BUSINESS : Haslers Marketing WEBSITE : haslers.com
Q Tell us about the business you work for today?
A I am lead marketing consultant for Haslers Marketing. We help businesses with a whole host of marketing activities and tools, helping clients to communicate e ectively with their customers and potential clients along with improving their brand awareness.
Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?
A One is walking through the beautiful countryside where I live with my children (Dorris aged 9 and Herbert aged 5). I also enjoy popping to the local pub with my husband for a cheeky glass of wine. I also really enjoy crafting.
Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?
A Since Covid lockdowns, which meant working from home a lot more, I have had to be conscious of ensuring that I have downtime away from the laptop as it's easy for time to slip away. I now make sure that when the children finish school I am present in their lives.
Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?
Rachael Higgins
BUSINESS : John Fowler Solicitors
WEBSITE : johnfowlers.co.uk
Q What originally inspired you to work for your business?
A I studied Law at university and loved the fast paced dynamic industry. Before I graduated I started working at the firm part time to gain experience and then continued once I graduated and completed my training. I loved the fact that the business I work for was a long standing reputable firm which had been in the city centre for years and had a great reputation.
Q What do you think makes your business di erent?
A The firm I work for is an established business dating back to the early 1900s. It provides a friendly and personal approach and we have various o ces in Essex. I believe that villages/towns prefer a local solicitor and friendly firm.
Q What’s new for 2023?
A John Fowlers LLP turns 100 years old at the end of this year. I’m sure this will bring much excitement within the firm. Stay tuned.
Q Describe a typical working day for you?
A On a typical working day I get to the o ce at 7.30am, review my emails and prepare the day ahead. I schedule work and dictate for my secretary and then deal with incoming emails, post and correspondence from other party solicitors. I also prepare for any conveyancing completions for the week or any appointments with clients.
Q Out of work, where in the local area do you like to visit?
A I like to visit Chelmsford, which is about 20 minutes or so from the o ce. It has a great variety of shops, restaurants and bars which is nice to visit on the weekend. As it is a university town they also always have markets on or events!
Q What do you always make time for away from work?
A I always make time to exercise either at home or at the gym after work. It is great for mental wellbeing and allows me to switch o after a busy day at work. It is important to have a good work/life balance so I tend to start work earlier to allow myself time in the evening for a HIIT class!
A I live in Henham, which is very rural. I love that I live in the countryside. We stick our wellies on at the weekend, walk over the field to the local pub, and then walk back taking in the beautiful scenery.
Q If you could go back in time and o er yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
A Have confidence in yourself and know your worth. If you work hard and put in the e ort anything is possible.
