Promotions Company Magazine Q3 2025 by promotions-company

The

LOOKING BACK IN WONDER

SYSTEMS FOR GROWTH

Our contributors

Francis Davies Chief Editor

Fran is Chief Operations Officer for Mantra Marketing working wtith people and companies to help the business become more efficient and profitable.

Kevin Nash

Sub-editor

Kevin is the General Manager at the Promotions Company ,working with colleagues and their teams to help them achieve their goals

Ellie Ford Editor / Author

Ellie runs Flossy Notes from her Cornish base in Bude. She works with small businesses on their marketing objectives, covering services such as social media management, content creation, and a host of copywrting projects

Alex Rae

Art Director / Designer

Alex is an accomplished designer, and visual artist specialising in brand communications.

Welcome

TO ISSUE #23 2025

We weren’t kidding when we said we hit the ground running in January; now halfway through 2025, we have recently expanded our organisation into seven cities, with nine new business owners taking the reins and running their own businesses. It’s been a phenomenal year so far and we couldn’t be prouder of those who have stepped up, worked hard for themselves and are challenging themselves daily.

When you’ve got your head down to focus, time flies, but it’s important to acknowledge the journey you’ve been on so far and the steps you’ve taken to get there, revel in it! Our team values are based on supporting one another, so although you’ll see a ton of encouragement and praise for the incredible achievements and milestones people make, you’ll rarely catch an individual blowing their own trumpet. We’ll always do it for them though at any chance we get, it’s our absolute pleasure.

A massive well done and congratulations to the following:

• Ryan Beebee and Jeanne Pangilinan with Resolute Marketing in Chelmsford

• Emily Gara with Electra Marketing in Plymouth

• Arnas Galiusas with Element Promotions in Norwich

• Bilal Hussein with Acquisitions & Promotions in Leicester

• Sam Hatherfield with Adway Marketing in Bristol

• Sahr Nanoh and N’kia Carroll with 433 Marketing in Birmingham

Lippett to The Promotions Company in Birmingham and Grace Robson to Adway Marketing in Bristol. We’ve had some fantastic feedback for all of these individuals stating how impactful, innovative and inspired they’re proving themselves to be.

The summer of 2025 is set to be record-breaking for us with not only sales growth but events, new locations and networks building, and with our 25th anniversary in May, there’s been lots of celebration all around.

“This magazine is always a pleasure for me to be a part of as it allows me the opportunity to give thanks to those who are making a difference daily, but also informs me as to who I want to be spending my time with in the upcoming months.” - James Buckley, CEO, Mantra Marketing

We are welly-deep in festival season now, so we thought we’d add some musical treats for you in this edition. You’ll find recommendations, pinpoint moments and nostalgia throughout, as well as a special feature for our 25th anniversary, ‘Desert Island Discs’ style!

Five countries - fifty citiesfive years

We’d like to welcome some new faces to the magazine too. Introducing Zilan Karagoz who’s working with Jay, Alivia George who’s working with Arnas, Anmol Hayer who has joined Bilal and the team in Leicester and Remy Harman, Macey Breaks and Lewis Munro who have all joined RedSeven Marketing in various administrative and supporting roles. We’ve also, most recently welcomed Teagan

Future Owners Academy

Lydiard Park - 03/05/2025

The Future Owners Meeting is a big deal in our corporate calendar, it’s an exciting day for everyone involved. Those invited are being recognised as individuals that, if they continue on their current trajectory, will expand the business into new cities and countries. It’s an encouraging nod to their hard work, but also an incredibly beneficial workshop for their next level development.

These events vary in format but always focus on education, support and networking. The most recent one was on the 3rd of May in the Luxborough Suite at Lydiard Park, a beautiful, historic estate on the western edge of Swindon. Guest speakers Mazhab Anis, Mike Warren and Marley Kaye gave

insightful topics on maintaining personal standards while leading others, developing depth within your team and how to reach the next stage within the business. As well as the unique and valuable opportunity to sit with Mike Blane for a Q&A session.

Attendees, as always, came away with actionable tips and strategies to implement within their teams, and a ton of inspiration for their next steps. We wonder who will be attending the next one…

”These meetings represent to me an opportunity to network with the best in the industry, strengthen my skills, develop my mentality and help me to be 1% better every day”

ROYAL

Ascot

Few events on the social calendar command as much prestige as Royal Ascot. It’s a celebration of excellence in racing, hospitality, and, undeniably, style.

For us, it’s a day to enjoy ourselves while surrounded by sporting elation (have you ever placed a bet on a winning horse and been there as it crosses the finish line? The euphoria - Wow!), British history and, of course, fashion are in abundance as we’re suited and booted, programmes in one hand and a glass of fizz in the other. Perfection.

The shock win this year was Ascending, ridden by W J Lee, in the Ascot Stakes race later on in

the day. 20-1 were the odds - that’s a nice little bonus for a fantastic day spent with the team.

So, who do you think came out on top with winning slips this year? And who was gracious with their beginner’s luck?...

Did you know Royal Ascot boasts the most cumulative prize money? The total prize money available stands at £10 million!

Making memories outside of the office with our closest working partners is a brilliant way to spend a Tuesday in our eyes, whether you win or not!

THE OWNERS MEETING The Lowry, Manchester

My goodness we love this event. It happens three times a year and blows us away each time. A chance for business owners to congregate in one space, connect the dots between names and faces, and hear directly from the horse’s mouth the current company performances that have been making the rounds.

Business is never linear; there are ups, downs, halts and inevitable hurdles to jump within any given period so there’s no point in denying the effects they can each have. As a network, we want to share our recent learnings, discuss how we overcome chal-

lenges and enlighten others as to what we’ve done to turn things around.

“Sharing our insight and experience is how we grow, no gatekeeping necessary.”

The most recent Owners Meeting in June was held at The Lowry in Manchester. Keynote speakers were Muhammed Ahmed and Mazhab Anis with special guest Dan Cross from Australia. Some of the topics covered were ‘What’s worked for me in the last 12 months’, ‘How to speak to people effectively’ and ‘Getting off to a great start’.

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE Manchester Convention Centre

What. A. Day.

The National Conference is our in your face, shout it from the rooftops, well done YOU event of the year whereby we give everybody the kudos they deserve. From sales results, to team development and promotions within the business, everybody gets their achievements celebrated.

In particular, it was time to shine for:

Abdul Baig with his ‘Marketing Company Rising Star Award’

Rob Cotterell and Matt Nicholson with their Chairman’s Club Awards

Asma Brahimi & Mohammad Ahmed, who won the ‘Marketing Company of the Year’ award, an incredible achievement as they won ‘New Marketing Company of the Year’ in 2024, meaning they have continued their momentum at the top

Lyna Nacereddine and Gemma Newbery, who were recognised as ‘Support Team Members of the Year’

Well done to everyone who picked up awards and accolades, and thank you for making our business such a joy to be a part of.

A moment for the music!

If we could choose any song to represent the party that ensued, it would be “On top of the world” by Imagine Dragons. On repeat, please!

N Looking Back With Nina Collis

ina Collis has been a part of our organisation since 2011. That’s 14 years of delving into sales, marketing, recruitment, business development and team management divisions. She has worked with three Business owners directly, many Assistant Owners and countless brand ambassadors in their respective careers, as well as managing her own support staff team. Recruitment consultants, event coordinators, business administrators, social media managers and apprentices have all benefited from working alongside the dynamic, inspired and go-getting woman

she is. 14 years in any industry leaves you with lessons learned and well-earned perspective, let alone a wealth of experience, so we took the opportunity to tap into Nina’s brain for a moment! We’ve managed to get a grasp on her journey to where she is now, what’s changed within the industry and, more importantly, what wisdom she’s willing to share with those just starting out in their careers.

Nina! 14 years, 2 children, and 2 cities later, here you are. When you joined the business, what was your initial vision for your career trajectory, if there was one?

I always knew I wanted to build something, being able to look back and see what I’d achieved was important to me, so when I was first introduced to the company, I thought business ownership was exciting. I was naturally a leader during education, I enjoyed bossing people about and loved those types of roles.

How has that vision evolved over time?

I started in the sales team, where I did well and managed to build a team to a substantial level, but I found certain aspects quite challenging. I have a degree in Biochemistry which means I’m very analytical by nature. I was trying to lead a team with a diverse range of personalities, but I was focusing too much on the numbers. Statistics are good for measuring elements but they never tell the full story.

I lost faith in myself somewhat as I wasn’t progressing the way I thought I would, so I decided to move my role on to something else. I worked for a recruitment agency temporarily while I was figuring out my next steps, and because I’d done sales previously, they instantly threw me in at the deep end without any particular training. They offered me a permanent role, but it just so happened that my partner, Rob Cotterell, had opened his own marketing office in Swindon and

needed someone to help him run it. Why not build something together? So we took the plunge, working and living with your partner can be risky, but it’s been 11 years now and no complaints...!

Yourself and Rob have now built the RedSeven Marketing business to an organisation of 4 Offices in 4 cities, lots must have changed since day one in Swindon.

What factors influenced the pace at which you have grown the team?

With the level of experience I now have, it’s clear that I’m competent, but the limiting factor has been time. If I wanted to grow, I needed to relinquish some responsibility and replace myself within the team. It’s been challenging, I was admittedly too controlling at times. It’s tough because you don’t want to see your team members find something hard or do something wrong, it’s similar to parenting!

“Since becoming a Mum, my coaching style has definitely softened, sometimes you’ve just got to let them poop on the floor!”

Looking back, I probably gave too much support when I should have let them make their own mistakes. They would have then learned and improved, just like I did. There’s been great people I’ve let slip through the net, which is a shame, but you can’t buy experience, nor can you fast-track it.

My patience hasn’t always been the best either. I’d be looking back at myself when I first started with rose-tinted glasses, when in actual fact, if I could watch how I performed, I wasn’t as great as I thought.

Have you made any mistakes within recruitment, and what did you learn from them?

Oh absolutely. I’d say there have been two.

1) We’ve made rash decisions when we needed to fill a role quickly, but that only leads to a stressful training period where you’re not able to give that person the time or patience for effective skill development. Now, we’re more strategic and plan for growth earlier. We’re sure to find the right people and have them fully trained when the time comes to needing them at full speed. The answer is never “we’ll just work harder” because there are only 24 hours in a day. You have to prepare for growth.

“Even with the rise of social media, I don’t think people are any more clued up on the gravity of certain social issues."

"I’m very analytical by nature. I was trying to lead a team with a diverse range of personalities, but I was focusing too much on the numbers. Statistics are good for measuring elements but they never tell the full story."

“Training new people costs more time and money in the long run, so do it properly the first time”

2) Not letting go of the wrong people sooner. I always want to believe they’ll do well, but even if you like them, they might not be right for your business. You’ve got to pull the plaster off sooner because otherwise you’ll end up spending more money and time in the long run, and having to recruit all over again. If they’re going to fail, let them do it quickly and have the metrics available so you can see if they’re a great fit for the business sooner rather than later i.e. attitude, work ethic, asking questions and developing their knowledge.

What steps have you taken to ensure the team culture remained steady, or intentionally evolved, as the team grew?

Team culture is vital for longevity in business, especially in a sales environment, and for us, the values we hold dear are supporting and celebrating one another, being a friendly face in the morning and being team-oriented.

If values aren’t being met, you have to address it quickly, and if the behaviours don’t change, unfortunately, you have to let them go. It’s best for everyone involved. It’s particularly hard when it’s someone who has been with the team for a while, perhaps they’ve even been a top performer. The changes aren’t as noticeable, but you have to ask yourself, have their values dwindled? How are they treating others? Are they still willing to learn?

One poor attitude will affect five other team members, it infiltrates the entire office and before you know it, the business is underperforming because the environment has changed. When you’re working in it, it’s not as recognisable, but the boiling frog analogy explains it well. If you place a frog into cold water and gradually heat it up, it

doesn’t realise it’s being slowly boiled. But if you were to put it straight into boiling water, it would jump straight out. That’s what can happen to new people who join the company if the environment is off.

How do you ensure new team members are effectively onboarded and integrated well?

I have a clear coaching programme and set precise expectations for what we’re looking for. We have one-on-ones at least once a week during the first period together and for however long they’re needed at that frequency. It’s a chance for them to let me know how they’re doing and vice versa. I can offer advice, nip any challenges in the bud and gauge whether their performance is going in the right direction.

“Training new people costs more time and money in the long run, so do it properly the first time”

I feel really confident with the team I’ve built now; the talent and the culture are right. I have a lot of faith in them, the trust is there, and the next step is to create further depth by building their responsibilities and capabilities. I can’t continue to have the same level of direct involvement with each person on this growing team, so I’m now building a core team that can implement what I do for others.

Lewis, for instance, is our event coordinator, a role that I’ve never done as we’ve recently diversified into event marketing. He’s brilliant, he’s taking ownership of his role by creating booklets to help others, coaching and training new people and networking.

"I always knew I wanted to build something, being able to look back and see what I’d achieved was important to me, so when I was first introduced to the company, I thought business ownership was exciting"

What systems or processes have been crucial for you to manage a larger team effectively?

One-on-ones have been phenomenal for our business and my development as a manager. Paired with statistics and analytics, I’m able to block out physical time with each member of my team to gain context for their current performance. I’m able to hear what they have to say, implement changes and offer actionable advice while being empathetic.

Numbers aren’t everything, I’ve learned that the hard way, but if you don’t know what the numbers are, you won’t be able to recognise the symptoms, so it’s important to work with both.

I’m now conscious to consider the overall picture, taking into account work ethic, attitudes, behaviours in and around the office, and any personal circumstances they may wish to share with me.

What is it you’re aiming for next within your career, and what steps are you taking to make that happen?

I want to get to a point where the RedSeven office in Bristol can run perfectly well without me being there, because as we grow as an

organisation, I’ll be working with business owners and staff members in different locations. We need to know that the RedSeven base won’t stall if I’m focusing my time elsewhere.

What would you do differently if you had to start from scratch and grow the team again?

That’s tricky because if it were any different, I wouldn’t have gained the necessary experience I have now, but if I had to choose, I would say I would have let people make more mistakes. I just would have made sure I was there to support them afterwards.

We can’t believe it’s been 14 years since Nina Collis walked into our business for the first time. What a privilege it’s been to work alongside her and watch, not only the business, but her career blossom. Having now worked through the initial kinks of leading and managing a team, Nina’s on a roll!

A moment for the music!

“Ain’t no stoppin’ us now” McFadden & Whitehead

HOW DEEP IS YourCareer

Entrepreneurship is no longer reserved for those inventing products and services to change the world or how we behave in society. We’re carving out vocational lifestyles that align with our core values, our wants and wishes for our families and futures

Career journeys are often described as pathways, one long road to an end goal, but let’s view them differently for a moment. What if we saw our careers, the place we spend the majority of our waking hours, as a book full of blank pages, a roundabout with plenty of avenues or a scavenger hunt? Because what is the benefit of having one final destination when you can learn, gather and gain from visiting many along the way? Surely the end goal is to look back on life with gratitude at the depth of life experienced.

The ambition doesn’t always have to be becoming “Top Dog”. It could be becoming as well-rounded and skilled as possible. It could be travelling far and wide. It could be getting to work with an eclectic mix of people from different circumstances, cultures and stories.

As a nation, we are waking up to the possibilities of ‘work’; what it could be and what it doesn’t have to be, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see it unfold.

Entrepreneurship is no longer reserved for those inventing products and services to change the world or how we behave in society. We’re carving out vocational lifestyles that align with our core values, our wants and wishes for our families and futures. Good for us!

With all the chaos surrounding us in a 2025 society, there’s also a lot of certainty as to what we’re no longer willing to settle for. Dead-end jobs, unequal relationships, toxic friendships and a lack of living come to mind. We’re each living one life that’s ours to evolve as we please, so maybe life isn’t about ticking off manipulated milestones, but built up of opportunities to say “yes”, experiences beyond the norm and life lessons our future selves will thank us for.

Isn’t it exciting to think about what might be in our toolkit when we retire: skills, knowledge and lots of stories, hopefully! So, are you currently settling or wasting your own time? Or are you ‘bedding in’ to blossom soon? Either way, do it with a mentality that encourages you to grasp every teachable moment and opportunity that shows itself.

A moment for the music!

“Titanium”

David Guetta featuring Sia

You can’t help but feel empowered when listening to this song, it could definitely be a good choice for your soundtrack when getting ready each morning!

BEING PROCESS-ORIENTED

With Matt Nicholson

W Over Goal Oriented

e work hard to hit goals, targets and track numbers within our work, seeing success and progress frequently; can we implement a similar mentality to our personal lives? KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), bridge personal development with professional success, so it makes sense that they’d do the same for our personal achievements.

Matt Nicholson, Managing Director of Monument Promotions, has always likened running a business to managing a sports team. He sees many similarities in the mentality of athletes on the pitch and those on the sales field, as well as between the ‘coaches’.

We knew Matt would be the perfect person to speak to regarding tackling both team and individual goals; the hows and whys of bringing home the trophy.

When we asked Matt why KPIs are so important, he said,

“For me, it’s a measuring tool, a way of measuring progress and success. You need to know where you’re starting, where you want to go, and have some sort of way of tracking how you’re progressing and if you are at all.”

Without KPI’s, or mini goals as some may prefer to call them, the end goal can be overwhelming. We need those stepping stones to take small leaps, focusing on particular actions as opposed to the final result. Matt’s a big fan of using tools

to aid your success, one of which is WHOOP, a wearable health and fitness coach that tracks a wide range of metrics related to recovery, cardiovascular strain, sleep, and healthspan.

He applauds the app for giving wearers a solid focus, for example sleep metrics, to work with as opposed to simply ‘winging it’ and wondering why they aren’t seeing results.

“When you track something, you bring it to the forefront. There’s something to be said for having that focus, ‘Where focus goes, energy flows’.”

Something Matt was keen to highlight, though, was the obsessive nature of tracking. For many, having a plan to stick to is a comfort, especially for those who are low in confidence regarding the goal. A diet plan may remove hard work from the equation, but what it doesn’t account for is personal circumstance, injury or hormonal balance. He urged people to use their intuition, as the data may tell you one thing, but a ‘sense check’ will put some perspective on it.

“You can’t get too attached to the KPI’s; the feedback mechanisms are what mean the world. Someone recognising your progress without being prompted? That’s the biggest motivator”

The importance of KPIs for Life

When we set our minds to a target at work, we tend to hit it. It may take longer than originally thought, but business goals do tend to be actualised. So, why is it that our personal goals so often fall by the wayside?

“When you track something, you bring it to the forefront. There’s something to be said for having that focus, ‘Where focus goes, energy flows’.”

“You’ve got to start at the end and work backwards. Whatever you want to achieve, find out what the KPIs would be to get there and focus on those. Start small, don’t try to flip everything on its head on day one, focus on one or two achievable KPIs and build from there.”

We’d like to put it to you that perhaps the reason personal goals may not have the same success rate, is that the process of hitting that goal hasn’t been applied. Many goals are simply statements: “I’d like to travel to 30 countries before I’m 30”, “I’d like to read a new book every month” or “I’d like to build my savings”. But where’s the plan to get there, where’s the step by step?

We asked Matt for his advice for those wanting to implement more structure towards their goals. He said,

“You’ve got to start at the end and work backwards. Whatever you want to achieve, find out what the KPIs would be to get there and focus on those. Start small, don’t try to flip everything on its head on day one, focus on one or two achievable KPIs and build from there.”

As an example, if you want to travel more, map out the next one or two years.

• Where do you want to go?

• How much is that trip going to cost?

• How much do you then need to be saving each month?

Look at your budget and find the areas that could allow that to happen.

Set up a savings pot through your online banking, select ‘round-ups’ so your bank puts aside extra change with every purchase Reach that financial sum you aimed for and book that flight!

We’re fortunate enough nowadays to have the tools to motivate and track our behaviours at our fingertips. With the likes of MyFitnessPal, Plum, Strides, and, as mentioned, WHOOP, we can easily formulate systems for achieving our goals.

So, what’s your next focus? What are you going to achieve and how are you going to do it?

A moment for the music!

“Don’t stop believing” - Journey

The title and artist made it impossible for Matt to not choose this song. Incredible things can happen if you continue to believe.

SYSTEMS FOR Success

WITH PHIL REID

“We’re not looking for finished articles, we are each a forever work-in-progress, so we need to ensure we’re facilitating those opportunities for growth for everyone”

Each day we make movements for our future selves, intentionally or not. The choices we make daily

can shape how we perform and who we are tomorrow; how we fuel our bodies, how we choose to unwind, the information and media we choose to absorb.

When we have a goal, we’re intentional with our actions, for example, when we’re looking for a job, we know there are several tasks to tick off to find one. We need to edit our CV, update our LinkedIn profile, research job openings, audit our personal online brand, and ‘put the feelers’ out there to those within our current network.

Once you land the job, however, can you honestly say you’re as intentional each day? The initial onboarding phase can be a steep learning curve for sure, but when you’re well and truly initiated are you as focused on the next goal?

As The Promotions Company Organisation has grown, Phil Reid and Kevin Nash have noticed areas where they could be offering career development and skill enhancement for team members at various stages within their careers.

“We’re not looking for finished articles, we are each a forever work-in-progress, so we need to ensure we’re facilitating those opportunities for growth for everyone”

When speaking about entry-level sales roles, Phil has seen a noticeable change in the motivations of candidates, explaining that money is no longer always the number one priority. Development, education and all the trimmings that come with success are what tip the scales. Candidates want to know that their futures have scope for curation in a way that means something to them; will they become more capable, confident, free and

“The thing that stops people in their careers is stagnation, not knowing the answer to questions put in front of them. What we’re doing here is facilitating growth; from the day someone starts, they’re constantly being educated with something new and progressing toward their next step”

valuable as individuals in the workplace and society?

Breaking it down, these are the areas being focused on for each stage of the business:

Brand Ambassador: How to work with clients, represent them well and spread awareness for their subscription-based services

Leader: How to manage your mind, be a great example, and start to coach and mentor others

Team Leader: How to plan, delegate and have critical conversations

Assistant Owners: How to manage parts of the business, for example, the recruitment, vetting, payroll, accountancy, profit and loss, and client territory

New Owner: How to manage your time as a business owner, how to run the backend of the business while being the face of the company

Understanding the relationship between skill level and progression made it obvious that there was space for structured, intentional learning. Phil and the team wanted team members to be able to enhance their careers with opportunities for networking, education and next-level insight, so they set about creating academies for each stage.

“We were running the Future Owners Academy for about 10 months, but were running out of topics to deliver as we were repeating the same messages to the same people. They had acquired those skills and were now sitting in the same meetings, along with newer people. That’s when we decided to create the ‘Road to Ownership’ Academy, it was clear they were ready for the next level of education”

“Say we’ve got a leader in the office with one brand ambassador on their team, who wants to become a promoting leader, I can’t advise him well enough on what to do because that was me 19 years ago! What I can do is find seven people across the country who are promoting leaders right now”.

Currently, and there’s more to come, there are four academies set up for the team; ‘New Leaders’, ‘Future Owners’, ‘Road to Ownership’ and ‘New Owner Support’. With the original members of the ‘Road to Ownership’ Academy all promoting themselves out of it, and now being supported through new ownership, the next academy to be formed will be the ‘Promoting Owners Group’.

These academies offer weekly conference calls with guest speakers, regular in-person meetings, and trips to visit others who are fantastic examples of what they themselves are trying to achieve.

Mentorship is a large part of Phil’s role as the Organisational Head, but not in the sense you might presume. He knows he has a lot to offer when it comes to business mentorship, but for those in the earlier stages of their sales and marketing career, he is well aware he’s not the most relevant person to speak to anymore.

“I’m not naive enough to think the best examples of everything, for every group, are congregating in my office in Bristol; they’re all over the UK. My role is to find those people, travel with my team and create those connections. Once they’ve stood and worked alongside them and built a relationship, they’re then confident to continue that relationship effectively from afar.”

Top Tip!

Have you heard of the ‘Group of 5’? Phil’s top tip for ambitious team members who want to progress quickly yet sustainably is to be hyper aware of who it is you surround yourself with. Who you spend your time with will determine where you will be in the next month, 12 months, 5 years, etc. These people need to have the same values and

standards as you. If your daily conversations are “I can’t wait for today”, “I’m so excited for x, y or z” and “Let me tell you about the book I’m reading!”, it’s hard to not be motivated and have a positive mindset.

With an ever-growing organisation spanning the country, the team are fortunate to have an abundance of incredible examples to point to, not forgetting the wider network to call upon too. Phil is loving his current role as ‘Treasure Hunter’, searching for the best people to put in front of his team. He’s got one ear to the ground for information that’s never static; people do great things and make headway all of the time, it’s his job to sniff them out and organise a visit.

Step by step, introduction by introduction, skill by skill, The Promotions Company Organisation are facilitating development, progression, personal growth and sales success. It starts with ambition, it always starts with ambition.

A moment for the music!

“Lucky Man” The Verve

It appears Phil feels a lot of gratitude for his career journey so far, but is it luck or hard work and perseverance?

HAVING A STRATEGY FOR YOUR FUTURE

with Asma Brahimi

We’re continually hearing of the success coming from the Legion Marketing Group; the expansion, the individual results in various cities, the standards they’re keeping while growing, and the timing with which they’ve been able to do so. It’s fascinating to watch.

These success stories do not go unnoticed, nor are they possible without thorough planning, forethought and strategy. All businesses plan for the future using their respective methods and we couldn’t wait any longer to find out how Asma and Ahmed are performing year on year with such momentum!

We spoke with Asma Brahimi regarding her approach to structured success and her mindset towards systems. She wanted to offer her insight into the following areas: Why future strategy matters, the power of daily strategy and how strategy creates freedom.

“Success doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design. In a fast-paced sales and marketing environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. Hitting targets, chasing bonuses, driving performance, it can all feel like a race. But without a clear strategy, you’re aimlessly sprinting toward an unknown finish line”

Why Future Strategy Matters

If you want long-term growth, whether that’s opening more locations, developing new

leaders, or improving sales performance, you have to create space to think beyond today.

Having a strategy for your future includes:

• Knowing where you’re going

• Understanding what it’ll take to get there

Identifying who you need to become in the process

• Spotting the next group of people emerging as future leaders

It means setting long-term goals for your team, your company, and yourself, and not making decisions based on what’s easy right now, but what will create the biggest long-term wins.

“Every expansion we’ve made has started with a strategy day; a full day to step back and analyse the business. We assess where we are, where we want to go, and what needs to change or improve in order to hit the goal. These aren’t just meetings, they’re blueprints for what comes next.”

The Power of Daily Strategy

While vision sets the direction, daily strategy builds consistency. You can have the biggest goals in the world, but without daily structure, you’ll drift offcourse.

A strong daily strategy for the Legion Marketing Group includes:

* Morning Huddles: A 20–30 minute sitdown with the recruitment team to map out the day, review pipelines, and flag anything that needs attention

* Performance Reviews: Are team members on track with targets? What’s working? Who needs extra coaching or support?

* 1-on-1 Conversations: Regular check-ins with key individuals to guide, challenge, or support where needed

* End-of-day Catch-Up: A 30-minute call with the sales team to debrief the day, highlight wins or areas for improvement, and align on the next day’s plan of action. Don’t shortchange yourself by cutting corners with this, you need to all be on the same page to offer the correct guidance to each team member

Strategy Creates Freedom

The most powerful part of having a strategy is the clarity and control it gives you.

You’ll stop reacting and start leading, you’ll stop guessing and start making calculated moves, and you’ll teach your team to do the same, building a culture of ownership, not just sales activity.

Whether it’s through a monthly strategy day or your daily rhythm, one thing is clear: the more intentional your planning, the more consistent your progress will be.

So take time to zoom out, think bigger and act with purpose, because success doesn’t just arrive, you build it.

She never disappoints, does she! What fantastic, actionable tactics to implement in your business. Thanks Asma!

A moment for the music!

“Unstoppable” Sia

We think it’s clear to see that Asma isn’t slowing down any time soon, her song choice says it all!

Choosing People, Always Ahmed, featuring, Jay,

Arnas, Abdul & Bilal

“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best”Epictetus

To know Muhammad (known to us as Ahmed), is to love the energy he brings to any and all rooms. It can’t be faked, it can’t be forced, here he is every day with a contagious energy that encourages those around him to choose perspective over pessimism.

At 23, Ahmed has awarded himself quite the

success by honing in on what makes him great; his natural ability to work with people. Having previously only worked as a security guard, he had no prior experience of sales, team building or even working closely with other people, but it quickly became clear that he loved doing just that.

“My personal achievements are great, but giving opportunities and seeing people change their lives is what really excites me. I see their incomes rise as they progress, a direct reflection of the work they’ve put in and the impact I’ve been able to have”

There are many examples of those Ahmed has supported, none more so than the four individuals who are now running their own sales and marketing offices within The Legion Marketing Organisation. We spoke with each of them to gain insight into what working with Ahmed is like and how it’s benefited their careers.

First up, first impressions! Something that’s hard to get right but even harder to forget. Would you be pleased with the following descriptions of you? “Super high energy but not obnoxious”, “he made me feel at home” and “incredibly driven”. You would, wouldn’t you, but for Arnas, he couldn’t quite believe that the young man in front of him, only two months older than himself, was running this business and setting his sights on bigger goals soon. He says, “He was trying to be something, maybe it was a bit of a jealousy thing from my end. He was young, try-hard, but as I progressed through my first week, I saw more to him. There was intuition, strategy and professionalism to everything he did.”

Having worked with Ahmed for a substantial amount of time now, these four now business owners in their own right, have lots of insight into the mentorship they’ve been granted. They each regaled stories of partnership that have shaped their journeys so far.

“Ahmed is very open, honest and transparent with me, no matter what it is we’re dealing with. I see some business relationships dwindle as soon as they get promoted, but I don’t really

“Ahmed is very open, honest and transparent with me, no matter what it is we’re dealing with. I see some business relationships dwindle as soon as they get promoted"

- Abdul Baig

understand that; we’ve got a cheat code in a promoting owner; they’ve been through what we’re going through in the exact same business, why would we not utilise that asset? I am a bit of a pest sometimes, to be honest, but it’s never been mentioned by Ahmed!”

- Abdul Baig

“Ahmed checks in on me every morning and night, making sure I’m planned and on top of things. That was my biggest issue when I worked in his office, so it could definitely be my downfall as an office owner. He knows my weaknesses and plans around them with me, helping me stay organised. We have an inside joke because I used to oversleep a lot, so sometimes I’ll get a text that just says “Just make sure you wake up…”

- Arnas Galiusas

“When I joined the company, a week in, he invited me to the Summer Ball even though all the tickets had been allocated. I remember him going out of his way to make sure I was there and I’m so grateful he did because it was a real eye-opener about the industry, I didn’t realise the scope for a career until I went there”.

- Jay Anis

“When I first started, there were a lot of gaps in my skillset. I could do sales and relate to people, but he’s been incredible at helping me mature into a more businessminded person. He encourages me to be my authentic self, he’s big on that, but he also guides me through all the areas I haven’t previously touched upon in jobs or life, such as leadership, administration and the backend of the business.”

- Bilal Hussein

Giving opportunities and seeing people change their lives is what really excites me - Muhammed Ahmed

Ahmed checks in on me every morning and night, making sure I’m planned and on top of things.

-

Abdul Baig -

"The way you run a sales office, you’re a coach. You will have your own philosophies and ways in which you run things, everybody is different, but my style is that I choose to put an arm around people"

- Muhammed Ahmed

It’s not often you come across someone who can be so genuinely invested in the people they work with, choosing to spend their time and effort with them in multiple ways for the sake of their development. It’s not something you can fake, not for any prolonged period of time anyway, and when asked where he believed this character trait came from, Ahmed’s answer surprised us. He noted his Dad as someone who instilled a work ethic in him from an early age, but it’s Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s Football Club Manager from 20152024, who influenced his leadership style.

“The way you run a sales office, you’re a coach. You will have your own philosophies and ways in which you run things, everybody is different, but my style is that I choose to put an arm around people, always smiling and guiding my team with support. I would watch Klopp as a teenager every Saturday manage his team in the same manner. He built something that will last in Liverpool’s history, he will be remembered.”

A moment for the music!

When we asked Ahmed for his ‘Moment for the music’ song, the one that epitomises his way of working, he gave us “All the way up” by Fat Joe and Remy Ma. We thought it might have been “You’ll never walk alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers!

We also asked Abdul, Arnas, Bilal and Jay for theirs.

Abdul chose “Ambition” by Wale featuring Meek Mill and Rick Ross Arnas chose “Hot blood” by Kaleo Bilal chose “Hustlin” by Rick Ross Jay chose “Started from the bottom” by Drake

FROM SWINDON TO THE OCEAN CITY W with Emily Gara

e recently saw some organisationwide feedback for Emily Gara and Daisy Crouch.

Incredibly heartwarming, impactful feedback from a gentleman who felt not only heard but understood by both individuals. That interaction had such an impact on his day that he felt compelled to write to the client they were representing directly, Alzheimer’s UK, and pass on his commendation.

This day in question was Daisy’s first ever day on site working directly with the general public. Together they set the standard for how we interact with those we come into contact with and how we represent ourselves for the clients.

Although it was Daisy’s first experience of event marketing, it definitely wasn’t Emily’s, and with her recent move to ‘The Ocean City’ (Plymouth) to open her own office, we wanted some insight into having what it takes to work with people so closely.

We asked Emily how she manages to show such care and consideration to everyone she meets, considering the sheer amount of people she works with daily. She explained:

“I think for me, it’s understanding that you never know what any single person is going through. Recently, my own Nan’s health hasn’t been great, so I can appreciate that I’m under more pressure than usual as I go home and care for her in the evening. To be able to show care and grace to everyone is

really important. It could be the worst, it could be the best day of their life, but if I can be a positive and polite interaction for them that day, that’s really impactful.”

It’s one thing to show courtesy to passers by or customers with whom you have relatively brief interactions with, but to be relentless in your kindness toward those you work alongside, takes it up a notch.

With Emily, there’s a non-negotiable warmth for her team. She understands that how you’re greeted as you walk in through the office doors, whether on day 1 or day 1001, can determine the day you’re about to have. With positive light and politeness, you’re encouraging the individual to feel comfortable, welcomed, and part of the team. You could be the most highly skilled person in the room, but if you’re not listening to your team, they sure are taking note of your character.

“People don’t care how much you know, until you show them how much you care.”

- Teddy Roosevelt

With such unwavering team spirit, we hoped there would also be some boundaries in place for Emily to switch off and allow herself to be respected. We were pleasantly surprised,

“I set such a strong tone from day one with regards to setting expectations, what they can expect from me and what I expect from them, I don’t really feel anyone ever oversteps.”

"To be able to show care and grace to everyone is really important. It could be the worst, it could be the best day of their life, but if I can be a positive and polite interaction for them that day, that’s really impactful"

She was clear in saying that if anyone needed her personally, at any time of day, she would be there, but she has, after some time, found the balance for not being overfamiliar. Emily likened the dilemma to that of a party,

‘If you run your business like a party, it may seem fun, energetic and a positive place to be, but boundaries get crossed, and parties don’t last forever!”

Taking the jump from Assistant Owner to running your very own sales and marketing office is quite remarkable. The daunting, yet incredibly exciting prospect of branching out solo is enough to make anyone twitchy! It’s day one of a new business adventure, and for Emily, there have been moments where Imposter Syndrome has shown its unwanted face.

Some days she finds herself feeling scared, but then her positive mindset kicks in and she’ll say to herself, “No Em, you deserve this! You’ve worked really hard to get here”.

We love that, what a brilliant example of well-earned self-assurance, because you do deserve it Emily, and you have worked extremely hard.

The ‘Ocean City’ has called Miss Gara, and what a wonderful part of the world to be adventuring into. Sea views on your morning walk to the office, team nights that involve paddleboarding and fish & chips, and both Devon and Cornwall on your doorstep.

Emily, we can’t wait to see you and the Electra Marketing team flourish in Plymouth, good luck and enjoy!

A moment for the music!

“The Climb” Miley Cyrus

The climb, the process, the journey, however you want to label it, Emily is making moves upwards!

Learning to Pivot with Floyd Marriott

Since we last met, the HydraSales Group has undergone a significant evolution with new roles, divisions, and a fresh set of clients. Floyd Marriott and the team have transitioned back into the charitable sector. They’re no strangers to reinvention and are proving once again their strength in adapting and shifting business landscapes.

When a company chooses to diversify, either through desire or necessity, it’s a valuable moment to reassess strategy, goals, and culture. Floyd and the team are fast becoming experts in navigating change, so we caught up with him to understand how he’s mastering the art of the pivot.

Floyd, you’re someone who has experienced a variety of changes throughout your career, could you lay out what the journey has looked like so far?

My journey’s been a real blend, from highpressure sales to public sector partnerships, and now a return to charities, though this time with a much sharper, business-oriented lens. Each chapter has forced me to build new marketing muscles and rethink what leadership looks like.

How do you approach an upcoming diversification?

I take a step back to understand the ‘why’ behind the change. Then I work with my team to map out what success should look like going forward, what gaps we need to close, and where we’ll need to stretch.

What has helped you ‘learn to pivot’ effectively?

A mix of curiosity and necessity, but also surrounding myself with sharp thinkers, those who are quick to investigate solutions and ideas. I need people who challenge assumptions and help me stay grounded.

What was the inspiration behind the move this time?

It was partly instinct and partly market pressure. The charity sector has been asking for a more agile, sales-savvy approach to partnerships and outreach, and we knew we had the tools to deliver that.

"My journey’s been a real blend, from high-pressure sales to public sector partnerships, and now a return to charities, though this time with a much sharper, business-oriented lens. Each chapter has forced me to build new marketing muscles and rethink what leadership looks like"

How did you go about preparing for this particular diversification?

We spent time speaking directly with organisations in the sector, attending events, and analysing the pain points they were experiencing. Then we developed solutions we could confidently stand behind.

What has been the biggest challenge during the transition phase?

Letting go of what was familiar is always tricky; some systems, language, and even team mindsets have to shift. Although it’s not always smooth sailing, it’s always worth it once you clear those hurdles.

How has your team responded?

Incredibly well. There’s always an adjustment period, but because we’ve built a culture that welcomes feedback and collaboration, everyone’s been willing and keen to evolve with the business.

What’s the long-term vision going forward?

We’re building a more flexible, cross-sector model, one where HydraSales can thrive in both commercial and impact-driven spaces without losing its edge. We want to be known for versatility and results.

In hindsight, would you do anything differently?

I might have brought certain partners into the conversation earlier. Collaboration fuels faster alignment, and we’ve learned that the hard way at times.

If someone is about to undertake a career pivot themselves, what would your top 3 tips be to make it a successful one?

Don’t panic, plan: Even big changes start with small steps.

Ask better questions: Talk to people already in the space you’re moving into.

Stay true to your core values: Let those guide the pivot, not just profit or pressure.

An honest and insightful conversation with someone well-versed in evolving landscapes, Floyd has left us with lots to consider for any future business moves. We wish you all the best within the non-profit sector, HydraSales, we look forward to seeing how you make an impact!

A moment for the music!

“Rise”

Katy Perry

In business, and life, when you’re in the middle of a pivot or change of direction, you can either let it stop you in your tracks or rise to the occasion. Looks like we’re rising here!

YOUR CAREER Your Discovery

WITH MACEY BREAKS

Macey Breaks is not new to the Mentorprise organisation, she’s worked with the team in multiple capacities for

over two years, starting in sales and making her way into recruitment and business development. From the moment Macey introduced herself to the team, it was obvious she had a lot to give to both the business but also her career, the enthusiasm and hunger to build her skillset was palpable.

She’s been able to stretch and strengthen her career and is now working alongside Nina Collis and Remi Harman for RedSeven Marketing; a hybrid of working from home and in the office, with plans to work permanently alongside Jemma Randell in London soon.

As she’s proving herself to be such an asset to those she works with, we wanted to gain some understanding as to how she came to find herself within the high spirited field of recruitment.

We asked how she believed she ended up in the industry, to which she said,

“I can chat, chat, chat. Throughout school, I was passionate about public speaking and journalism, and this role allows me to help people with their careers, direct them on their journeys and develop them as individuals. I get to speak with hundreds of people, learn about them and help them, it’s perfect for me.”

Something you may not know about Macey, is her involvement in extracurriculars from a young age. She describes how she pitched the school to potential pupils and parents at open days from the age of 12, she held talks at the cathedral to Bishops for religious pilgrimages, and she worked with the Telegraph and both Cambridge and Oxford University, writing and speaking on social aspects. She’s clearly someone who goes above and beyond for society and those around her.

Recruitment isn’t for everybody; there are targets, candidates and clients can let you down, but it’s also extremely rewarding when you get it right. Macey understood the preconceived notion of recruiters sitting

at their desks with headsets on, working toward numbers as opposed to working with people, but she’s found the truth to be entirely different at RedSeven Marketing. Her favourite part of the role is getting to know so many people while helping them find their next career move, then subsequently, as she’s recruiting in-house, getting to watch them learn and succeed.

Your personal brand is more important than ever when job hunting; we’re sure we don’t need to tell you the necessity of screening your words when posting online! Everything from who you interact with to the pages you follow and what you share, builds a digital picture of who you are in real life. A platform Macey is enjoying for its vocational currency is LinkedIn.

“I’m grateful my parents were on my case about how I present myself. Personally I’m trying to build my LinkedIn profile as it’s a great community where people are having valuable and insightful conversations on topics that matter. Debates, industry news, solutions to society-wide issues, it’s a space where I’m learning but also building relationships.”

One of the positives of working within a field like recruitment is the target-driven nature of success, you can’t help but absorb that mentality into your personal goals too. Not one for staying stagnant, Macey always has her eye on the next step, whether it’s skillsbased, personal welfare or a 5-year plan for her career. We were so pleased to hear she’s undertaking a degree in HR, where she’ll specialise in people management and boost her professional value once again.

Just as Macey looks for candidates who are driven, ambitious, eager to learn and determined for their future, we too are seeing these exact qualities in Macey herself. What a joy it’s been to watch her career unfold. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s next!

A moment for the music!

“I can” Chronixx

“The lyrics have always resonated with me and my journey. It speaks of gratitude and remembering you are blessed, capable and worthy of success. Put in the effort and trust in the process that things will work out”

RADICAL Candor

Radical Candor’, the business leadership book for better bosses. Have you read it? You should. It’s on our recommended reading list in this edition as it’s helped many business leaders to understand their leadership styles and capabilities.

Explaining the concept simply, ‘Radical Candor’ believes that in order to be a good leader, and you could argue parent, you have to care personally at the same time as challenging directly. Without this balance, you can behave in ways that are detrimental to the relationship you’re trying to build.

If you challenge without caring, it’s ‘Obnoxious Aggression’.

If you care without challenging, it’s ‘Ruinous Empathy’.

If you do neither, it’s ‘Manipulative Insincerity’.

While reading this book, it became glaringly obvious that the CEO of our organisation, James Buckley, has it nailed. Even with over 30 offices around the world, and an on-the-go schedule like you wouldn’t believe, James manages to be personable with everyone he comes into contact with. He listens, he remembers what you say, and he speaks to you on a level. We like that.

We asked James for his thoughts on the notion of ‘Radical Candor’, here’s what he had to say.

Hi James! Thanks for speaking with us. For someone with such stature in the business, you have the unique ability to still be approachable.

Why is that important for you?

If you want to see people at their best, for themselves and the company, you have to treat them the right way. It’s important to recognise when they need an arm around them, when they need a stern word of encouragement, and when they just need some support. If you get behind people in a way that benefits them, you build their confidence, self-

belief and self-worth, which will no doubt help them hit their goals.

I want to know the people I work with properly; I want to know how they work best and what’s important to them. If one person succeeds, we all succeed in many ways, so it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

With an ever-growing schedule, how do you manage to do that?

I travel a lot, I’m in three or four different offices each week, and I can’t see myself ever wanting to change that, it’s what I like to do. I get to meet new people, I get to see initiatives with my own eyes, and I get to speak directly to those who are standing out within the organisation, and that excites me. These are the people who will be stepping up and expanding the business into new locations, so I want to be involved in their journey.

How do you manage your boundaries?

To be honest, I haven’t needed to implement any boundaries. There are people that take the initiative to pick up the phone and call me to ask for advice or book a visit, and there are people who don’t. I want to invest my time with those whose actions speak louder than their words, the ones that make the effort, those people excite me.

Next time you’re about to have a conversation with a team member, think about the way in which you address an issue at hand. If you’re being direct while showing empathy for their circumstances, you may be on to a winner. If one is outbalancing the other, perhaps you need an adjustment.

Radical, huh?

A moment for the music!

“Lean on”

Major Lazer DJ Snake

“Blow a kiss, fire a gun, we need someone to lean on!” Getting to the point with care and consideration at the core, that’s the key.

Desert Island Discs for our 25th Anniversary

James Buckley

It had to be done, didn’t it! It’s been 25 years since the inception of the Mantra Marketing Organisation, and what better way to honour the occasion than a ‘Desert Island Discs’ themed feature with the CEO, James Buckley.

James was excited to delve into the musical discovery of his career, so much so that it has reignited his love of music, reintroducing pockets of time throughout the day to press play.

Let’s get into it!

Beautiful Day

First up, he wanted to highlight the first week of trading as ‘Mantra Marketing’ by throwing it back to the number one song that week, ‘Beautiful Day’ by U2. A day that solidified all the hard work to that point and earmarked the beginning of something great.

You've Got The Love

Candi Staton

Anyone who works in sales will have a song, or indeed a playlist of tunes that pump them up. Motivating mood boosters that spark something within you from that very first beat. For James, this song is “You’ve got the love” by Candi Staton.

It brings him back to one day in particular, his personal best day in the sales field. Working in Leicester, it was a red-hot summer's day, and he was in a fantastic mood because he was replaying this song over and over again. Give it a listen and see how it affects your results today.

Your Love

Frankie Knuckles

If you’ve ever spent a day in one of our offices, you’ll know the excitement around the morning meeting; the energy, the jubilation for others when they succeed, and the friendly competition. Our meetings call out for a theme tune, and for the original Mantra Marketing office, it was “Your Love” by Frankie Knuckles. What an anthem!

We want to encourage you to start writing down the songs that mean the most to you too, the moments that embody your life and memory. You’ll kick yourself if you can’t quite remember the artist for the day you passed your driving test or the moment you decided to book that flight across the world. Songs come and go, but memory milestones should stick with you forever. Give them a soundtrack!

Thanks for the sneak peek into your Spotify, James. We hope you’re getting to enjoy these songs all over again now.

Playlist

With three children, there could be a lot of Disney and Taylor Swift pumping out of the speakers in the Buckley household, but check this out for some cool kids…

Each of James’ children has their song with their Dad. His eldest, Ava Grace, 16, has been getting into music over the last couple of years and chooses “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac for their Father-Daughter soundtrack.

Unfinished Symphony

Massive Attack Stars Simply Red

As a business owner with big goals and ambition to boot, James would be in the office each morning before anybody else. He’d give himself a good 45 minutes to an hour to get in the right headspace, have his morning coffee, ensure he knew how the day was planned out and get prepped and organised. To accompany his early morning focus, he’d play his favourite songs in the board room so it would wake up the space and put him in the best mood possible for his team.

There was a playlist of great songs from Massive Attack, The Rolling Stones and Jamiroquai, but what was the song that always hit the right note?

Life isn’t all highlights and laughter, there are unfortunately times of hardship to endure too. One of the most poignant songs for James is the one they chose to play when leaving the church for his Mum’s funeral. A tough choice for the family and one that always brings James back to thoughts of his Mum. A good reminder to appreciate life’s highs, the pockets of joy and massive milestones as and when they come.

Delilah, 7, loves “Lullaby” by The Core, and Jack, 6, loves nothing more than dancing it out to “Backbone” by Stormzy!

Ava Grace

Delilah

Jack

THE TENERIFE

Rand

ARt The 5* Gran Meliá Hotel - What a treat for the team!

Four days of soaking up the sun, luxury, Tenerife delights and some invaluable time with those in our network. A resort that reflects all the natural beauty of the island and boasts the longest infinity pool in Europe, it’s an oasis of peace located on the beachfront, with varied dining options and a 2000 m2 spa.

Our stay will begin with welcome drinks for the team and an evening to catch up with everyone, then a meeting on the Friday about expansion and finances, followed by a glitz & glam gala dinner. Saturday and Sunday are ours to explore

and relax!

This is quite the trip for our team, those that receive their official invitation have well and truly earned it. They have been recognised by those watching as having a significant impact on the business and the teams they work with. Sales results are, of course, important, but a person’s ability to support, coach and lead others in a way that’s aligned with their values is far-reaching.

They will board the plane home having built stronger relationships with their network, relaxed with like-minded peers and been thoroughly spoiled!

Wishing everyone a fabulous time!

BST Hyde Park

27TH JUNE - 13TH JULY

Big names, multiple dates, iconic location. The British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, London, is hosting eight mega stars, over three weekends, along with special guests and supporting acts throughout the day.

The headliners range from Olivia Rodrigues, Zach Bryan and Noah Kahn, to Sabrina Carpenter, Neil Young and Stevie Wonder. And who doesn’t love a bit of Dermot Kennedy while soaking up the sun with your friends?

Big Feastival

22ND - 24TH AUGUST

“The best things in life - Food, music and the beautiful countryside”

Set on an idyllic Cotswolds farm, the Big Feastival brings together music from world-renowned artists, Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities in an action-packed weekend.

Big names include Nelly Furtado, Travis and Faithless, as well as Sophie Ellis Bextor, Rizzle Kicks, Mabel and The Wombats.

Books and Podcasts

Radical Candor

“Kick ass at work without losing your humanity”

This bestselling leadership book gives readers practical frameworks for providing feedback whilst building strong relationships within the workplace. It provides you with the tools to lead your team with both empathy and the honesty they deserve.

By: Kim Scott

High Output Management

Recommended by Nina Collis for its insightful take on training new staff, this book is written by the "guy who drove the growth phase" of Silicon Valley.

It’s a practical handbook for how to run and build a company; how to navigate real-life business scenarios and revolutionise the way we work.

By: Andrew Grove

The Savage Truth

One for the recruiters among us! With a career spanning 40 years, Greg shares his learnings in scaling a start-up, recruitment, building a personal brand, performance management and the attitudes that shape success. He is one of LinkedIn’s ‘Top voices’, so well worth a read.

“Create an environment where feedback is cultural not personal.“

By: Greg Savage

If you’re not listening, you’re losing. Podcasts are incredibly convenient for entertainment purposes but also to widen our learning, and the spectrum of topics is so vast there’s something for every mood.

Podcasts

The Mel Robbins Podacst

Mel Robbins

We’re sure you’ve heard of her “Let them” theory, the life-changing tool that millions can’t stop talking about? Well, Mel’s podcast is full of life advice, guidance and principles to live by that will open your mind to how life should be and alter the relationships you choose to nurture.

The Diary of a CEO

Steven Bartlett

We don’t know about you, but we’re forever seeing reels of Steven Bartlett’s podcast on our feeds, and they’re all bite-sized goldust. This podcast has the simple mission of “providing an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories and untold dimensions of the world’s most influential people, experts and thinkers.”

MONEY RAISED FOR CHARITIES

2025

Office List

UK

Mantra Marketing Group

James Buckley / Francis Davies www.mantramarketinggroup.com

RedSeven Marketing

Robert Cotterell Bristol www.redsevenmarketing.co.uk

RedSeven Marketing

Dale Trinder Nottingham www.redsevenmarketing.co.uk

Monument Promotions

Matt Nicholson Swindon www.monumentpromotions.co.uk

Redline Promotions

Chance Cowie Manchester www.redlinepromotions.co.uk

The Promotions Company

Phil Reid Bristol www.promotions-company.co.uk

The Promotions Company

Sahr Nanoh Birmingham www.promotions-company.co.uk

Resolute Marketing

Ryan Beebee Chelmsford www.promotions-company.co.uk

Choice Marketing Abdul Baig Colchester www.choice-marketinggroup.com

Eternal Sales Group

Toby Linford Birmingham www.eternalsalesgroup.com

Hydra Sales

Floyd Marriott London www.hydrasalesgroup.com

Adway Marketing

Sam Haberfield Bristol www.adwaymarketing.co.uk

Adway Marketing

Vik Verma & Magda Zaworska Birmingham www.adwaymarketing.co.uk

Legion Marketing Group

Muhammad Ahmed / Asma Brahimi Hackney www.legionmarketing.co.uk

Acquisitions & Promotions

Bilal Hussein Leicester website coming soon

Element Promotions

Arnas Galiusas Norwich website coming soon

Accede Marketing

Mazhab Anis Leeds website coming soon

Electra Marketing

Emily Gara Plymouth website coming soon

“Start Before You're Ready"