17 minute read

Sheila Smith on horses and the inspirational Gary Neville

Q&A

A feature in which business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. This month, Northamptonshire Business Expo organiser Sheila Smith.

What was your first job?

I’ve had a very expensive horse habit to fund for more than 50 years. As a teenager in the mid-1970s I was at work in a hairdressing salon, taking booking calls in a taxi office, cleaning, babysitting, doing whatever I had to do to give my naughty pony a life of luxury.

Quite an achievement to juggle all those little after-school jobs given that we were in the midst of a deep economic recession, a time of power cuts, street riots and workers on strike… unemployment was running at the highest rate since the end of the Second World War too.

Why did you choose your particular career?

My career in sales chose me. I’m entirely self-taught and have worked at almost every level and although the industries and products/services have changed over the years, the process remains the same.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Forty or so years in business has seen so many highs - of countless deals struck, the glittering prizes and all - but I wouldn’t be much of a sales professional if I didn’t believe that the best is yet to come.

…and the low point?

Allowing myself to be bullied out of a job I loved. I grieved for that job for years after but that was over 20 years ago and HR processes are much more robust now, thankfully.

What’s the best advice you’ve received in business?

As a regional sales manager, I once found myself with the highest turnover of staff in the company and I couldn’t work out why. I’d hired ‘good’ people with bright, shiny CVs but none of them were actually up to the mark.

My sales director nailed it when he sat me down and advised me to put away the CV when interviewing, focus on the person in front of me and seek out your shared values because that’s the person you’ll be working with, not the CV version.

Absolute game changer. My region closed that year with a seven-figure turnover and 100 per cent staff retention.

Who in business do you respect the most?

Oh, Gary Neville - no contest. He made the best of being an extremely average but determined footballer with Manchester United and England, going on to be a business hero with a compelling work ethic that has me hooked. In business, we all need to be a bit more ‘Gary’.

What annoys you the most in business?

Folk who don’t keep their word. I might forgive you but I’ll never forget such a big transgression.

What’s your career ambition?

At my great age, it is time for giving back and inspiring the next wave of intrepid business champions. I love the work I have been doing with the students for

In business, we all need to be a bit more ‘Gary Neville’

Sheila Smith is an experienced events manager and the organiser behind the Northamptonshire Business Expo, the latest of which took place at thre Holiday Inn Corby last month. She has also organised and hosted networking events across Northamptonshire for more than a decade.

...and your life ambition?

To save all the animals. I’ve been involved with the rescue and rehoming of 11 dogs from Bulgaria in the past year, I want to do more of that and I’ve also started delivering equine therapy sessions with Follyfoot Healing With Horses,

I’ve had a few wow moments there observing how horses bond with people and, indeed, how horses choose their people. They have a very incisive strategy and move quickly to steal your heart away.

How do you relax?

Not sure I ever really do but if I did, it would mostly be around the animals or on my yoga mat.

What’s your most treasured possession?

A gold watch. My lovely Dad was coming up to his 30-year long service award when he worked at ICI in 1970.

On the awards night he was presented with the watch which he immediately gave to my Mum as he’d actually chosen a ladies watch for her instead.

I love that story. I was so blessed with those two as parents.

Tell us something you regret.

Everyone I meet says that I should write a book about my life so I’ve started it. I’ve written great stuff, it’s brilliant, you’d love it but I can’t find the spark within to finish it. I’ll keep you posted on that…

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I declined a marriage proposal over afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan in September 1986… Those were the days.

What are the first 3 things on your bucket list?

n To fly in a hot air balloon. n To return to Singapore - what a fascinating place. n To spend a whole summer on the Cote d’Azur.

Sheila Smith

Photo: David D’Souza Photography www.dsouzaphotography.com

Leicester College in recent years and 40 of those students came to my Leicester Business Expo to volunteer for a day at work with me.

We all learned a lot from that. two seasons. Originally, gripped by the Class of 92 Sky TV documentary because it reminded me of home - I’m from the north - I went to my first match when Salford played Brackley Town in January 2018 and that was that.

The fans and staff at Salford are incredibly warm and welcoming. They make me feel like I’ve been part of the club since forever.

MY FAVOURITE...

BOOK The ones I’m reading right now. Joyrider by Angela Scanlon and City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

FOOD Vegan. Although I’m not vegan, I do like the food.

MUSIC/SONG The Beatles/ I Saw Her Standing There FILM Lion, starring Dev Patel TV PROGRAMME Match Of The Day RESTAURANT Locally either Nuovo in Northampton or The Butchers Arms at Priors Hardwick. In London I go to Wild Honey on Pall Mall - superb. DESTINATION I can’t choose between The Whitsunday Islands and New York City. I love them both.

When partnership is a joy for both parties

As the wider public are making conscious decisions as consumers, more businesses are now focusing on their Corporate Social Responsibilities than ever before.

The Air Ambulance Service, through its Reuse department, is actively partnering with businesses to provide a sustainable and cost-effective ways to support a lifesaving charity - offering a solution to both their environmental and social responsibilities.

Information technology is ingrained into even the simplest of organisations. Many businesses and institutions find themselves regularly updating their equipment and are aware and concerned about the environmental impact, as well as GDPR restrictions surrounding the disposal of tech correctly. The TAAS IT Asset Reuse department can provide a free collection and data secure solution to this, giving organisations peace of mind.

Celebrating ten years since the first placement of a clothing bank, The Air Ambulance Service now has more than 1,000 clothing banks, each funding a mission for every 15 times it is filled. Organisations with a car park and other outdoor spaces can consider supporting the Children’s Air Ambulance by hosting a clothing bank. The reuse of clothing not only diverts tonnes of textiles from landfill but also provides funding to support the charity’s transfer of critically ill babies and children. People can also support the Children’s Air Ambulance through Charity of the Year partnerships, challenge events and fundraising.

Across the many divisions that make up TAAS, it works to ensure each partnership is as varied and engaging as possible, and with years of expertise in this area, provides the advice, support and collateral people need. Whether it is giving time, gifts in kind or professional expertise with which to support the charity, TAAS works to ensure the partnership is a joy for both parties.

n For more information, contact The Air Ambulance Service on 0300 304 5999, email contact@ theairambulanceservice.org.uk or visit theairambulanceservice.org.uk

Festival benefits artists and the town

Northampton’s music gala organisers reflect on opportunity for performers

Supporting new music and up and coming artists is at the heart of Northampton Music Festival.

Last month’s event featured a total 61 acts performing at eight locations throughout the town centre, genres from rock to opera, world music to jazz.

Festival director Graham Roberts has been in the music industry for more than 35 years as both a performer, teacher. For the past five years he has been director of Northampton Music Festival.

“I am passionate that new artists should be supported and given professional practice through the experience of taking part in a festival, together with the challenge of playing to a large audience, possibly for the first time,” he says. “Feedback from previous festivals show that this free entry festival is of great benefit to both artists and the general public who may not otherwise be in a position to afford to attend a large live music event.

“The increased footfall has also benefited the town centre, the whole purpose of the festival.”

Kerrie Cosh presents BBC Music Introducing in Northampton, which was created to support unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians. She worked with the festival to curate part of the line-up of the Main Stage on the Market Square and is thrilled at the range of talent on show. “Northampton is a melting pot of diverse and multi-talented artists and we are always discovering new musicians we are desperate to share with music lovers.”

Northampton-based band Sarpa Salpa below, who headlined the Main Stage, is a band championed by BBC Introducing. The band first performed at Northampton Music Festival on the BBC Introducing stage in 2018 and, with their current single Dreaming receiving critical acclaim, they have now progressed to headlining this year’s festival.

“Having grown up in Northampton, I always used to look out for all the events we could try and get a slot for and festivals were always top of the list,” says frontman Marcus Marooth. “There are some fantastic festivals in Northampton that we have been lucky enough to play at and to be invited to headline NMF22 is really great.”

The Student Showcase Stage in

Element Courtyard on George’s

Row featured performances from students at Northampton

College and the University of

Northampton, a celebration of new and emerging talent. “Being part of Northampton Music Festival is an important experience for our students and an insight into life in the music industry and the reality of a large-scale event,” says Sarah Thursby, curriculum manager for music and performing arts at Northampton College.

“We go through a rigorous audition process to select the acts who will perform on the day and for many of the students the festival will be their first professional and, importantly, their first paid gig. For both Northampton College and the university students, the chance to collaborate and represent the growing talent in our town is essential. Supporting the music community, events and profession in Northampton is at the heart of what we do.”

Town centre organisations have rallied to sponsor the festival. Its main sponsors this year were Northampton Town Council, Avery Healthcare, the University of Northampton, Northampton Town Centre BID and The Wilson Foundation. Also adding their support were West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Jeffrey West, Revolution Radio, TCB and Creative Folks.

Golfers in the swing for county health charity’s golf day Link-up provides support boost for kidney patients

Teams of golfers are signing up for the seventh annual golf day to support Northamptonshire Health Charity.

The independent charity, which supports local NHS hospitals and community services across the county, is looking for teams to help raise money at the challenge on September 8.

The charity team are looking to raise funds for a new outside play area for the children’s wards at Northampton General Hospital and the Twinkling Stars appeal for the new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General Hospital.

Lead bereavement midwife Lisa Drummond said: “Each year we care for up to 100 families who suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby. While we work very closely and supportively with parents in this situation, we know that our facilities really let us down and we want to change that.”

Funding from the appeal will create a new bereavement room as well as a family room that is entirely separate from the delivery suite.

Last year’s event also supported the two appeals and raised a total of £5,900. To sign up a team of four to take part in this year’s golf day costs £260 per team. There will be prizes for the teams finishing first, second and third teams as well as for, nearest the pin and the longest drive. Hole sponsorship is also available. A new partnership between Anglian Water and Kidney Care UK will give patients access to a dedicated phone line and support.

The charity provides support services to help people live better with kidney disease. Through the partnership, those receiving support from Kidney Care UK will have direct access to its Priority Services team. The aim of the partnership is to ensure those living with chronic kidney disease receive additional support from both organisations.

Approximately 10,000 patients in the Anglian region rely on dialysis at home or in hospital. Beth Kennedy, customer services partnerships manager for Anglian Water, says: “In our region, approximately 870,000 people have chronic kidney disease, which presents a vast opportunity to build awareness about the support that we can provide to our customers through this partnership.”

The cost of living crisis means patients who are running a dialysis machine at home are facing increased expense to receive their treatment. The water company’s Extra Care Support provides discounted tariffs and assistance schemes to help customers with low incomes.

Says Laurie Cuthbert, director of fundraising, marketing and comms at Kidney Care UK: “This is an exciting partnership to transform the support our kidney community will receive in the Anglian region.

“Crucially, being able to call a dedicated number and know that the person who answers understands kidney disease, dialysis and the impact this has on your life will be incredibly reassuring.”

n Visit northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/events/northamptonshirehealth-charity-golf-day-2022/ for more information and to sign up. To discuss sponsorship, call 01604 626927 or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

Starlight stars set for a magic night of fundraising

Cransley Hospice Trust’s popular Starlight Walk is making a return with the promise of more lights and lasers through the woodlands around the 5km route.

The fundraiser, on September 24 at Boughton House near Kettering, is hoping to build on the feedback received from last year’s inaugural event.

The charity has a special ‘early bird offer’ on any tickets purchased before August 26 when participants can secure their place for £20 per person.

The Starlight Walk begins after sunset, with a cocktail and fun dance warm-up to get the party started. Participants will then boogie their way around the 5km walk by torchlight followed by a disco.

Kate Ilott, events manager at Cransley Hospice Trust, said: “We are incredibly excited to be back at the breathtaking Boughton House. We have added so much to this year’s event and we hope that our supporters, as well as local people looking for a fun-filled night out with friends, will join us to celebrate.

“There is also no pressure to fundraise - although of course, anything that people can donate in addition to their ticket price is greatly appreciated as it will enable us to continue the support and development of hospice care and services in North Northamptonshire.”

The Starlight Walk is the charity’s best-selling event and, following the end of the early bird promotion, standard ticket prices will be £25 per person.

n Book your place on the Starlight Walk at www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/ event/starlight-walk-2022

Fleet firm scores with new soccer sponsorship deal

Vehicle leasing firm Silverstone Fleet Management has renewed its sponsorship of Under 13s side AFC Houghton Magna Hawks girls football team for the new season.

The Hawks play nine-a-side matches in the Northamptonshire Women’s and Girls Macron Football League.

“The Hawks are local to us being in Great Houghton and there are some amazingly talented players on the team,” says Silverstone Fleet Management managing director Scott Norville.

“We are proud to support such a skilful set and be able to offer financial support to ensure the team have the kits and training gear they need.

“As a local business, it is important to us to positively impact the community in which we operate and grassroots football brings huge benefits to children and young people not just through promoting exercise but by teaching many different disciplines and life lessons.”

Houghton Magna Hawks show off their new kit, courtesy of Silverstone Fleet Management

County’s message to healthcare heroes: Thank you

Businesses have been urged to back a programme of 15 events over the next 15 months that recognise and say ‘Thank you’ to NHS and healthcare staff across Northamptonshire.

The Thankufest programme began last month with events at Wicksteed Park, featuring a gig by presenter and DJ Jo Whiley, and at Franklin’s Gardens - home of Northampton Saints - with a concert by Pete Tong & the Heritage Orchestra.

The events are being led by NHS charity Northamptonshire Health Charity Fund and delivered in partnership with experiential agency Hyphen. They say the programme is a fantastic way to commemorate the work of Northamptonshire’s NHS and health care staff during the pandemic.

NHCF is looking for businesses to sponsor the programme in all or in part, with a range of opportunities to align brands with the initiative.

Events range from live music gigs to historic home visits and food festivals. The invite-only free events will be a fun, rewarding and memorable day/evening to thank up to 40,000 Northamptonshire health care staff and their families.

It will be a chance to experience new things, relax, laugh, sing, dance and be merry, says NHCF’s fundraising and sponsorship manager Laura Pugh.

NHS and health care staff based in the county can visit the website www. thankufest.com to find out more and book their tickets.

“Thankufest provides a unique opportunity to align your brand with a meaningful events programme and show your company’s support and thanks to the health and social care staff who live and work in Northamptonshire,” says Laura. Individuals can support the programme by donating via the event’s justgiving page.

“Please help us to create meaningful, genuine memories while building awareness of your business to an audience of around 40,000 local health and social care professionals and their families,” says NHCF trustee Phil Zeidler.

n To find out more about fundraising packages available or to work with the organisers to create the perfect bespoke experience for the county’s healthcare heroes, email Laura.Pugh@nhcf.co.uk

Solicitor’s marathon target is a step into the unknown

Her work as a family solicitor at Northamptonshire practice Wilson Browne Solicitors has inspired Jessica Leech to raise money for the NSPCC by running in this year’s London Marathon.

“I have never run a marathon before,” she says. “Previously at school I was a 100 metres or 200 metres athlete so I have a bit of work to put in beforehand.”

Having qualified as a solicitor in May last year, Jessica has joined Team NSPCC following her experience in family law and the effect it has on children, the difficult situations children find themselves in through no fault of their own.

The NSPCC has allocated her a trainer and a 20-week training plan. Jessica is posting a video log to show how her training is going ahead of the event in October.

“I will dedicate each mile to someone who has supported me in my legal career so far,” she says. “Those who have helped me in my quest to become a lawyer will now be helping me to protect children from child abuse.”

She has set a fundraising target of £2,200.

Jessica Leach

n Follow Jessica on LinkedIn and to donate towards her challenge visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/jess-leech.

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