On 11th February, Prominent reaches the four years in business milestone. Managing Director Helen Rudd takes a look back over some of the highs and lows of our journey so far and picks out some of her highlights.
Every year we reach a birthday milestone I have to pinch myself.
It still hasn’t really sunk in that in just four years we’ve come from a kitchen table in Felixstowe to an established, award-winning business with a team of seven.
The last four years have probably been the happiest of my life, whilst at the same time being the hardest and most challenging. I’ve learned a lot about myself; what I’m good at and most definitely, what I’m not good at.
I’ve shared the journey with some amazing people; some of those have been with me since day one and are still here now – employees, clients, suppliers and friends.
More have joined us along the way and I very much hope are here still in years to come.
I’ve had restless nights, award-filled nights and tear-drained nights. I’ve had incredible highs and soul-destroying lows.
But I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Awards, elections, team and clients – our highs
Over the last four years we’ve had some incredible highs and picking out a few of them has been hard! However, here are my top five (in no particular order!)
- I’ve thoroughly enjoyed re-uniting with some of the best people I’ve ever worked with and have been privileged to bring them into Prominent. Working alongside Ellen, Abi, Kerry and Angharad again has kept me sane and made me stronger, and I can’t thank them enough for being part of this. Elly and Emily have both been special finds and are growing as PR practitioners every day. I’m so proud of all of them.
- Winning the contract to deliver communications for East Cambridgeshire District Council completely changed our business. I can’t thank the team there enough for having faith in us and allowing us to be part of the wonderful organisation they are.
- In September 2017 we were chosen by our peers as the CIPR Outstanding small consultancy of the Year for the Anglia, Thames and Chiltern area. This was without doubt a career highlight, but seeing Abi win Young Communicator of the Year was hugely deserved and brought a tear to my eye just as much.
- 2017 was a year filled with elections and we were very proud to manage the press office for both the General Election (for East Cambridgeshire District Council) and for the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority). It was a privilege to be involved on the coal face and be part of history!
- Prominent went through a re-brand in 2017. We lost the ‘PR’, gained a new website and stayed pink. I’m thrilled with how this turned out and was worth the time it took to get right.
A steep learning curve
I’ve learnt a huge amount about myself in the last four years, and even more about business. Never in a million years did I see myself sitting over a spreadsheet analysing figures or calculating VAT, but I’ve had to be flexible and I’ve had to learn skills I never thought I had in me. Being a business owner has also taught me that I’m stronger than I thought I was, I have a thicker skin than previously imagined, and I’m prepared to take one for the team if they need me to.
I’ve also learned how important it is to take some stresses out on the hockey pitch on a Saturday, and how lucky I am that I have a hockey stick, mouth guard and shin pads in my armoury.
If there is anyone out there reading this blog who is on the brink of setting up a business, these would be my top tips:
- Knowing and accepting your weaknesses is as important as knowing your strengths.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Surround yourself with good people who will support and guide you. LISTEN TO THEM.
- Work life balance is crucial. Have a hobby and fully immerse yourself in it. Time away from work is essential for your mental health.
- Make work fun. Try to build an environment where employees look forward to coming to work. Eat lots of cake and drink lots of tea. Share your weekend stories and your stresses.
- Talk. Talk again. And talk some more. Appreciate an appraisal, have a 10 minute catch up when you can, voice your fears, your frustrations and your stresses. Don’t keep things bottled up in a work environment, it doesn’t help you or your colleagues.
- Trust your gut instinct. If you feel that something isn’t right for you or for your business then walk away from it.
- Silence is golden (sometimes). Take time to reflect. However, bursting into song at the right moment is also a skill.
- Every team needs a Roy. If you can find a Robbie too then embrace it. Enthusiasm should never be dampened. It is infectious and should be encouraged.
- Work hard. Be committed and do your best. No matter what happens this will always hold you in good stead.
If you want to be part of the next four years of Prominent, drop us an email at hello@prominentpr.co.uk or call the team on 01473 276126.
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