SO magazine meets three key players in our local business community who are dynamic, driven and determined to make a difference in their particular field of expertise
Whether it’s going the extra mile for clients, ensuring their services stand out from the crowd or helping to create a work environment that’s positive and transparent these three young entrepreneurs are definitely impacting each of their professional landscapes in the varying worlds of law, communications and hospitality.
Read on to discover what motivates them and why they believe they have what it takes to be the best in their line of business…
Lauren Bowen, Events Co-ordinator and Host at Salomons Estate tells SO magazine all about her job and why she is so happy to be working in the hospitality industry
Tell us about the business and your role within it…
I am an Events Co-ordinator and Wedding Host at Salomons Estate, a stunning Victorian mansion house located just outside Tunbridge Wells. It is set in 36 acres of picturesque gardens, woodlands and lakes and offers a fantastic venue for weddings, events, and conferences. My main role is to ensure that events and weddings run smoothly and that the guests are happy.
“Helping bring people’s ideas and thoughts to life is a great feeling”
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the last 12 months?
Moving from a remote working at home job role, to a busy, fast paced events role in the hospitality industry has been something I have had to adapt to over the past year. Reminding myself of what it’s like to be in a busy office again has been great, but a shock to the system at the beginning!
What gives you the biggest buzz at work?
Being part of someone’s event or wedding and helping bring their ideas and thoughts to life is always a great feeling. In particular helping plan a couple’s big day from start to end and seeing how happy they are on the day always gives me a buzz.
What attracted you to the industry you work in?
I have always wanted to be part of the events industry as I love meeting new people and sharing new experiences. Doing something different every day and being part of a great and supportive team within a busy industry is always what I wanted to be a part of. Planning my own wedding over the past year has also sparked my love of the wedding industry.
What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?
I think you need to be passionate about the industry you work in and be willing to learn and adapt to your surroundings. Working in a collaborative team is also important to help grow and be successful.
Describe yourself in four words.
Friendly, passionate, reliable and approachable.
Private Client Solicitor Bidem Dudak from Warners reveals why she loves a challenge and what drives her professional ambition…
“I really enjoy working in a team of highly skilled professionals”
“I am a solicitor in the Private Client department at Warners Solicitors. I deal with a range of private client matters including wills, powers of attorney and administration of estates.
Established in 1785, Warners Solicitors is a highly regarded firm representing both business entities and private individuals throughout Kent and the South East of England, working from our two modern offices in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. We regularly appear in the leading legal directories such as Chambers UK and the Legal 500 and are recognised for our excellent client service.
“I believe the attributes that are the most important to be successful in business are ambition, confidence, the ability to learn from mistakes, persistence and hard work!”
Personally speaking I really enjoy working in a team of highly skilled professionals and striving together to solve complex issues of law. And in terms of the biggest buzz of my job it’s being able to help people through what is often the most difficult period of their life, whilst still carrying out very technical and complex work.
If I had to describe myself in four words I would say they would be the following: personable, empathetic, reliable and meticulous.
The biggest challenge I have faced over the last 12 months? I would have to say it’s been planning my wedding! Balancing this with a full-time job has been overwhelming at times…”
Charlie Jones is an Account Manager at Sharp Minds Communications. Here he tells SO magazine what he loves about his job
Tell us about the business and your role within it…
I’ve worked as an Account Manager with Sharp Minds Communications, a PR, Consultancy and Marketing intelligence agency based in Tunbridge Wells, since March 2021. We’re firmly embedded in Kent and the South East, helping businesses from every sector establish themselves at the forefront of their markets with brand development and communications that demonstrate the unique value they bring.
“Seeing the difference I can make for our clients is a big buzz”
Can you expand a little on what your day to day job involves?
In my role, I work directly with our clients as their go-to person for content and PR, providing strategic advice and knowledge. This includes ensuring they have around-the-clock support and building their confidence that projects and initiatives will become a working reality with a positive impact. It’s been a great experience and has given me the tools and space to hone my own professional skills.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?
It’s too simple an answer to say ‘dealing with the ways things have shifted post-Covid’! So instead I’ll say it constantly varies – whether it’s organising important launch events, getting hold of the people who matter (and are not always available at their offices) or getting my clients heard in an exponentially growing business market – there’s always a new obstacle to overcome.
We are a small agency — but we’ve quickly grown over the last year with a great selection of new and talented team members. Having more skilled, hands on deck has allowed us to achieve greater results normally expected of a bigger, more established agency, but has also required increasingly creative ways to go about it.
What gives you the biggest buzz at work?
Seeing the difference I can make for our clients in real-time. We work with businesses that are innovating in their fields and deserve recognition for the work that they do. One of my clients can now proudly boast a turnover increase of 400% in the two years we have worked with them; another had their new book launch reviewed in The Sunday Times! It’s a pleasure to be a part of their success.
What attracted you to the industry you work in?
I have an equal love of writing and learning. I originally trained as a journalist, as it’s a field that constantly brings you into contact with experts and their knowledge of diverse and niche topics. You’re never bored – there’s always something new!
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Continuing to develop and grow my skills, building wider relationships in the industry and helping even more brands flourish as market leaders.
What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?
Patience, honesty, determination – and a great marketing team!
Describe yourself in four words…
Driven, curious, resourceful, cat-bound.
