Bdaily: A look back at 2018 with managing director Sarah Callender

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

“My name’s Sarah Callender, managing director of Bdaily. As well as leading the commercial side of the business here, I also specialise in behavioural change – using it to help other businesses navigate strategic change in my role at Duo Global Consulting.

“My background covers a wide range of sectors and, through my involvement in various steering groups and boards, I enjoy helping organisations meet the challenges posed by high growth.”

What were some of the team’s highlights?

“The last 12 months have been a bit of a whirlwind! Lots of changes internally. We’ve focused on consolidating our business in 2018, getting ourselves in a position where we can work more effectively and unlock further growth in the next few years.

“The Bdaily team’s achieved some notable milestones. Editorial hit a high note in October with one of our strongest months to date – and our absolute best for the North East.

“It’s important for us to participate with key regional stakeholders on the issues we feel have the most tangible impact on the business communities of the North East, Yorkshire & Humber and London, which is why we’ve played our part in driving the scaleup and inward investment agendas.”

What’s changed on the sales front?

“Commercially, we’ve taken big strides. At the start of the year we re-focused our efforts with the launch of Bdaily Marketing. As a business move, it effectively separated our marketing function from editorial by creating a whole new, forward-thinking brand.

“And it’s paid dividends, delivering an increase in new business generated of nearly 50% compared to what we saw in 2017. Clients and potential clients find it so much easier to grasp what it is we can do for them now, which is great.”

How would you approach 2018 differently, given the chance?

“I think 2018 has been a difficult year for businesses to navigate, given the political and economic uncertainty that’s really come to define it.

“We took a strategic decision to focus more on the areas in which we provide real value to our readership and clients, and that decision is bearing fruit for the business.

“Changes can be difficult, but you have to appreciate the journey involved in making strategic decisions. The great thing is that we got there and it was executed well.”

What’s in store for the new year?

“In 2019 we’ll continue forging new commercial relationships in our key regions as we help long-term clients achieve their marketing objectives.

“It’ll be another year of change for us as we strengthen our presence further in those regions. Editorially speaking, we’re really well placed to have a fantastic year and, who knows, we may even look to extend our coverage. Watch this space.

“On the commercial side, we’ll also be making some exciting announcements in the new year, so keep an eye out for those!”

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