Member Article

London festive focus: Sinead Hasson, Hasson Associates

With the end of a topsy-turvy year in sight and this year’s festivities about to begin, we’ve asked some of London’s business leaders to reflect on the year gone by and give us an insight into their festive traditions.

In the spotlight today is Sinead Hasson, Managing Director of Hasson Associates, to share her thoughts on the year gone by, the year ahead and what’s most likely to get her boogying at this year’s Christmas shindig.

What have been the most notable highlights for your business this year?

We had our first team insights & innovation day so that is going to be a new tradition. It really defined who we are and what our strategy for the future is – we also finally nailed down our company values.

It’s been a year of highs and lows, can you tell us some of the biggest challenges your business has faced?

The amount of change and uncertainty that Brexit has introduced has been unsettling – responding to that as a business owner and employer has been challenging and will continue to be so in 2017.

In our sector, in market research and insight recruitment, our industry is reliant on the knowledge and expertise of people across the whole of Europe. Our clients are international and our candidates come from all corners of Europe and they make a valuable contribution - many industries are reliant on European talent, we live and work on a global stage.

I sincerely hope that in our new future, independent from Europe, we are able to continue recruiting across the EU member states because we need to continue to draw on that experience, to tap into a large talent pool to recruit the best and brightest for the UK to thrive

If there’s one lesson you’re going to take away from 2016, what is it and why?

Don’t be afraid to make changes, if they are right your team will be right beside you!

Which London business do you most admire right now?

Headbox is a favourite but I also like the WeWork office space – anything that supports SME’s gets my vote.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing businesses in the city next year?

So many things – keeping talent in the city will be a challenge as house prices, transport costs & rents aren’t compatible for many employees – particularly those starting out. London needs a better plan for this as we are already seeing young talent move to other cities.

I think this will start to bite next year and we will be encouraging our clients outside London to take advantage of the great talent available to them. That said London is a city of great opportunities.

Who’s your business idol, the person you find most inspiring and look up to?

This often depends on what I am going through at the time, recently I have been listening to Jo Malone whose story is so interesting and a reminder that if you stick to your core values you will succeed.

Everyone has their Christmas day routine, what’s yours?

Often we spend the day with family, so Christmas Breakfast and a glass of fizz to start the day, then church (when my parents are here), presents (that can take a while – it’s a big family), dinner at 6ish followed by games and lots of Facetime with family abroad.

And most importantly of all, what’s the cheesy Christmas single that’s most likely to get you on the dancefloor?

Ha ha, ‘Last Christmas’ everytime – I didn’t even have to think about that.