Yorkshire festive focus: Katie Mallinson, Scriba PR

As Christmas is only weeks away, and the businesspeople of Yorkshire are preparing to hang up their stockings, Bdaily is catching up with the region’s business leaders to reflect on the highlights of 2016 and how they plan on spending the holiday period.

For the series’ next instalment, we are speaking with Katie Mallinson, founder of Huddersfield-based technical public relations consultancy, Scriba PR

Your business

What were the three biggest highlights for your business in 2016?

• Investing in and fitting out a new office in a converted textiles mill in Huddersfield. It’s packed full of personality and is a really creative place to work
• Topping £6,000 raised for Thrombosis UK and receiving an award from the charity’s CEO for our efforts!
• Hitting so many numerical firsts as a business – our greatest ever turnover, client numbers and forward order book!

What are your business’ goals going into 2017?

• To continue our recruitment of the right talent into the business as we grow
• Cement our position as the ‘go to’ technical PR provider for Yorkshire’s niche businesses
• To squeeze another award into our trophy cabinet!

Anything you/your business would have done differently over the past year?

I wish we had made the leap into a new office sooner – it has transformed everything we do and the vibe in our company. It sounds clichéd but clients and visitors don’t stop commenting on it. Otherwise, I’ve no regrets. We make our decisions as a team, take (manageable) risks, push ourselves and crack on!

Your region

Why do you think Yorkshire is a great place to do business?

As a region, it has a real sense of pride in its achievements. I think that’s what drives Yorkshire businesses to keep pushing new boundaries – we all want to achieve success for the good of our own companies, as well as a county as a whole. We don’t sit around waiting for things to happen.

Any other company/companies in the region stand out for you?

I think there are some very exciting things going on in the food and drink industry at the moment – Yorkshire is home to world renowned restaurants, creative independent festivals and producers with an incredible focus on taste and quality.

In our world of technical B2B businesses, I think our client Leach deserves a mention. Yes we’re biased but this has been a milestone year for them – 125 years old and still at the top of their game. The level of product innovation and client base at this creative graphic display company is unreal!

What does Yorkshire want to see happen in the future/next year?

We can’t deny that the business climate could get rocky. But, if we think about it, we’re always subject to external pressures. We have to forge ahead, and, I believe, shout about our successes. Confidence breeds that way.

Yourself

What individual goals did you achieve personally/professionally in 2016?

I’m particularly proud of the development of our team in 2016, which freed up some of my time to work with regional educational establishments. I led a number of PR and entrepreneurship workshops and seminars for budding young talent, and I look forward to taking part in further events in 2017.

I was also shocked, yet delighted to be included in the University of Huddersfield’s 175th anniversary alumni roll of honour!

How to you unwind after a stressful day at work?

I love cooking – and of course devouring my creations! I find it really therapeutic. Other than that, simple things keep me happy and calm – taking time out with friends and family, and enjoying being away from a device!

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

An ‘experience’ – somewhere I could go or something I could do. I love exploring new places, trying new things and eating new food!