What does Horizon Works have planned in the next 12 months?
The next 12 months are looking busy for Horizon Works. Our business focus is on working with innovators from complex industries – from life sciences, game changers and emerging tech disruptors to global engineering giants. We will continue to help these visionary businesses to market their products and services regionally, nationally and internationally during 2022. We have some exciting projects lined up already for 2022.
Through our partnership with Innovation SuperNetwork, we will be providing marketing advice to businesses engaged in its initiatives and programmes. We’re also looking forward to exhibiting at VentureFest North East event on March 30.
Throughout 2022, we’ll be working with our network partners to bring Horizon Works’ marketing expertise to regional and national businesses. We’re looking forward to delivering face to face workshops, webinars and consultation sessions through organisations including the Engineering and Manufacturing Network, Make UK Defence, NEPIC, the NEAA and Innovation SuperNetwork.
And finally, we’re looking forward to face to face conferences and expos returning! We’ll be once again attending and exhibiting at a range of industry events – and you’ll be able to meet us at conferences and expos across the North East
2022 promises to be an exciting year!
What are you professionally/ personally most proud of?
2020 marked 10 years for Horizon Works, a landmark I am immensely proud of. Over this time, I grew the business from just myself to a multi-talented B2B marketing team of writers, marketers, PR and communications specialists, designers and digital experts. We also built an impressive portfolio of clients and forged many strong, long-term partnerships. 2020 should have been a year of celebration for the business and we had planned some staff and client events to mark the anniversary…
The ensuing Coronavirus pandemic tested Horizon Works in many ways. I am very grateful of how the team worked together over this difficult time, adapted to different ways of working and pivoted their roles and skills to adapt to the changing landscape. I am lucky to have such a great team on board, which is helping drive Horizon Works forward. And our client portfolio is continuing to grow, despite the challenges of the last two years.
What is the most enjoyable part of your work?
Without a doubt this has to be working with clients to help shape their long term marketing strategies. The most satisfying part of this is seeing these strategies being executed and watching our clients grow and succeed as a result of our work, ideas and vision. It’s also great to see our team members grow, and develop their skills and confidence.
Run us through your typical day?
Every day is different but generally consists of meeting and talking to new clients at either an event, at their site or as part of a workshop I’m hosting. My role in the business is primarily business development so I am often out and about meeting new exciting businesses or undertaking a marketing audit for new clients – which is something I love to do! I also spend a lot of time with the team discussing campaign and project ideas for our clients.
How do you keep your team motivated?
I think it’s important to keep the team in the loop about what’s happening in the business and how it’s progressing. I like to give them the opportunity to input into our plans for the future and to feel part of the bigger picture.
In addition, I place an emphasis on staff development – team members have the opportunity to specialise in specific areas of marketing that interest and inspire them. I also pay close attention to our working environment – ensuring that people work in a welcoming and friendly office and have the flexibility to shape their working day around their personal and family commitments.
As we prepare for VentureFest North East later this month, Samantha also provides some refresher tips on networking.
