Partner Article

Getting to know... Samantha Vassallo

We know you as the founder of Horizon Works, and a member of the Entrepreneurs' Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m a mum to five-year-old girl, a dog mum to a nine-year-old crazy little cavapoo and of course I should mention I’m married to my husband, Michael!

So yes, I put a lot of time, energy and passion into growing Horizon Works, but I also love my family time which can consist of long dog walks on the beach, swimming with my daughter and the occasional meal out with the hubby.

In business, I love helping companies and using what I know to help them grow and succeed. I get a real kick out of seeing our clients prosper from our support.  

Did you always want to work in your industry?

No, I’m actually an accidental marketer! From the age of 14, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I studied Fashion Marketing at Northumbria University and really wanted to get into the design side. But on day one of my work placement, instead of assisting the shoe buyer, they told me I had to support the brand director…and I was the only person in the marketing team! I guess being thrown in at the deep end and being given so much responsibility at 20-years-old shaped my future.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

Meeting dynamic, innovative businesses and helping the game changers and ground breakers is always thrilling for me!

And I am lucky to work with an amazing team too – they have a fantastic set of skills, are passionate about the industries we operate in and we have a good laugh in the office together. It’s a great mix of personalities.

The worst part? It has to be the administrative side of running a business, such as dealing with HR and finance. I am sure many business owners will relate to that!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

Starting the business on my own back in 2010, and the fact that I now work with major multinationals and pioneering regional companies. I’m very proud to have taken Horizon Works on that journey.

And I’m also immensely proud of my team. Many of Horizon Works’ staff have been with the business for many years and have helped me to grow the company to what it is today. They’ve been fantastic.

How do you relax outside of work?

Well, Lilidorei at Alnwick Garden has become a firm family favourite – what a place to have in the North East!

When I’m not helping my daughter negotiate adventure playgrounds and elves’ houses, I’m just enjoying spending time with family and friends – and getting some headspace away from the business.

I also enjoy an early morning intensive fitness session: it really helps me to feel energised for the rest of the day, and believe it or not, I do feel more relaxed afterwards.

Plus, the occasional spa day doesn’t go amiss!

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

I was born in South Shields and apart from a short stint in London, I have always lived in Newcastle. Beautiful beaches, stunning countryside in Northumberland, great places to visit… I just love the place, the region has everything you need!

From a business perspective, the North East is home to vibrant clusters in areas such as renewables, automotive and advanced engineering, and companies here are shaping the world’s industrial future. We’re embedded into these sectors and it’s an exciting time to be working in the region.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I won the Childrenswear Designer of the Year Award at Graduate Fashion Week in London… it was an amazing experience but after seeing the fashion world at first hand, I realised it wasn’t for me.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .