Partner Article

Getting to know... Nicola Crowther

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

Professionally I’m someone who thrives on helping people find a way forward when they feel stuck. At heart I’m curious, empathetic, and practical – I like to understand what drives people and then help them see possibilities they may not have considered. What keeps me going is the knowledge that even small breakthroughs can make a big difference to someone’s life or business.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Not at all. I didn’t set out to become a mediator. My career began in law, and over time I realised that many disputes could be resolved more constructively outside of the courtroom. That’s what drew me into mediation – it offered a better way to help people find common ground rather than escalate conflict.

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

The best part is witnessing the shift in a room when people start to listen to one another again and see solutions emerge. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch tension give way to understanding.
The hardest part is the emotional intensity. Conflict can be draining, and sometimes it’s difficult to accept that not every case will end in resolution.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Professionally, establishing Crowther Mediation and building it into a trusted name in the UK has been hugely fulfilling, but seeing an opportunity for mediation in the middle east and deciding to open a practice in Dubai was a real risk, but ultimately a huge achievement for us.

Personally, balancing my career with family life is something I’m very proud of – it takes constant adjustment, but it’s worth it. I’m a very private person and don’t do social media at all, so it’s not very often you will see or hear me bragging and boasting about my incredible teenage daughters, but they are most definitely my best work to date and my motivation in all things.  They inspire me to be a strong female role model. I need them to grow up knowing they can achieve anything and be a good mum – the two things are not mutually exclusive. They have grown up with me working overseas a lot, but they have grasped the opportunities this has given them and they proudly refer to themselves as global citizens – yes, that’s my greatest achievement right there!

How do you relax outside of work?

What can I say? – I’m a feeder!  No one leaves my home without being fed. I think cooking is a great way to unwind, whilst doing something creative.

I also enjoy taking advantage of our beautiful coastline and walking my cavapoo, Winnie, on the beach.

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

The North East has a unique spirit. People are warm, open, and resilient, which makes it a wonderful place to build relationships in both business and community. Add to that the stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and a thriving entrepreneurial scene, and it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I love playing golf. I consider four hours on the course without looking at my phone and emails is a complete luxury. I am inspired by my golfing buddies who are often much past retirement age, yet somehow fitter and smarter than me (they’ve usually counted my shots and calculated my score before I’ve even found my pencil!)

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