Then and now... Kirsty Barton

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Then and now... series, Kirsty Barton, brand manager at Andover-based Alternative Flooring, discusses her early working life as a professionally-qualified jeweller, her passion for creativity and why technology is ready to help the business' next phase of growth.

You’re brand manager at Alternative Flooring. What does your role entail? 

I work closely with our creative director Lorna and marketing assistant Jorja across all areas of the brand’s marketing activity.

My role covers the marketing of key product launches, social campaigns, digital, PR and influencer collaborations.

I also look after photoshoot and exhibition planning and execution, alongside helping develop our brochures.

Adaptability is at the heart of Alternative Flooring, so no two days are ever the same.

We’re constantly exploring new products, technologies and strategies to help grow the brand and keep our marketing fresh and relevant.

Another important part of my role is contributing to product development.

Through our marketing channels, industry connections and press relationships, we gather valuable insight into what customers and the wider interiors market are responding to.

That insight plays an important role in shaping how we evolve as a business moving forward.

Did you always want to work in the interiors sector? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

There was a time when I wanted to be an air traffic controller, but the roles in that sector were scarce.

However, in a way, that path led me to Alternative Flooring, which is a role and industry I truly love.

I’ve now been with the business for more than 20 years, so I definitely feel I ended up where I was meant to be.

What was your first job — and did you enjoy it?

It was a Saturday role at a jeweller – I’m actually a professionally-qualified jeweller!

I loved the creativity and intricacies of the role, particularly the attention to detail and craftsmanship.

It’s something I’ve carried with me into my role today.

Were there any mentors or individuals who helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

One of the biggest influences on my career has been Lorna Haigh.

We’ve worked together for 23 years, and she has taught me so much, from a deep understanding of the industry to the importance of building strong internal and external relationships.

I’ve always admired her approach to people and the way she handles situations with honesty and confidence.

She has also shown me the importance of standing up for what is right, both in the workplace and for individuals, a value that continues to shape the way I work and support others today.

What attracted you to the interiors sector?

When I joined Alternative Flooring, I knew very little about flooring; to me, it was simply carpet.

Straight out of education, I applied for my first role with the business as it was local to where I lived, but I was also naturally drawn to the creative environment, having studied English, photography and media studies.

Over the years, my understanding of the industry has completely changed.

What really attracted me to the sector was discovering the craftsmanship behind the products, the provenance of materials, the use of sustainable materials, the influence of trends and design, and the creativity involved in bringing collections to life.

I’ve worked across a variety of roles and departments, which has given me hands-on experience across products and the wider business.

I’ve also seen the brand evolve hugely over that time, while still maintaining the close-knit culture that makes Alternative Flooring so special.

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality?

Definitely.

When I joined the business, marketing was never something I imagined myself going into.

I started in admin and customer service.

I’ve grown up within the company and developed alongside it.

Over the years, I’ve gained a much stronger understanding of the industry and much more confidence in my own skills and abilities.

Moving into marketing also brought out my creative side, from working with colours and trends to planning photoshoots and campaigns.

I think the biggest change has been my self-belief.

You’ve seen many changes to the employment world across your career – how do you see the workplace evolving in years to come?

Artificial intelligence is going to play a huge role in our industry.

It’s not something to be scared of or avoided; it’s something we have to embrace and learn how to use in a way that supports and strengthens what we do.

It already helps with tasks such as research, analysis and even parts of the product cycle, but there will always be a need for people behind it to bring creativity, personality and human understanding.

I’m excited to see the next generation entering the workplace.

Younger people are enthusiastic, eager to learn and keen to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible.

That energy and fresh perspective will continue to shape how businesses evolve in the years ahead.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.