North West Christmas convo: Louise Pollard of WorkPlace

Christmas is almost upon us and it’s been a well and truly exciting year for the North West business community.

With many of the region’s business people no doubt looking forward to grabbing a glass of wine and putting their feet up, or allowing themselves to slip into a post-roast dinner snooze while pretending to listen to the kids, at Bdaily we thought we’d bring you closer to the personalities behind some of the North West’s most exciting enterprises.

Today’s festive catchup is with Louise Pollard, sales director at co-working office space company WorkPlace.

What did your business achieve in 2015?

After a lot of planning we finally opened!

What were some of the bigger challenges you faced this year?

On a personal level doing a major refurbishment of my house alongside opening a new business, running an existing business and a six year old! On a professional level I think understanding the legalities involved in taking a lease

Does your business have anything exciting planned for 2016?

We’d love to expand either in Churchgate house or another site but firstly we want to establish ourselves as a leader in bringing hospitality to the office world. Not too much to aim for in our first year.

Do you find any other North West businesses or their owners inspiring? If so, who?

There are a few but I’m particularly inspired by Paul Robinson who runs TP Media. He started the business at the start of the recession and has taken the business from himself to a team of 20 in eight years.

He has built a strong team around him who are loyal and conscientious which is no mean feat.

Give us one tip for a budding entrepreneur.

Try not to build a business that is solely based around you – we all do this to begin with but if it continues you can never grow or ever take a proper holiday.

Where’s your favourite village/town/city in the North West, besides where you live?

It would have to be the Lakes. I really love The Swan at Newby Bridge. The look and feel of the hotel is perfect.

Over the years we have stayed there, met friends, taken family – it’s just so relaxing and the food is lovely. And best of all its child friendly – they give the kids warm milk and swan shaped shortbread at bedtime which is a lovely touch.

What would be your dream job?

I already have it! Working with my closest friends – who better to trust going into business with? However if I was to start all over again I would have loved to have been an architect – I’m passionate about period property.

Do you have a favourite Christmas song?

Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens.