As Seabank Marketing marks its first anniversary on 6 October, we spoke to its founder about taking the leap into business ownership, supporting growing businesses with senior marketing expertise and what’s next for year two.
What made you decide to go it alone a year ago, and what did you want the business to be?
Before starting Seabank, I had been happily climbing the corporate ladder for more than 10 years. But after having my second child, it quickly became clear how much childcare costs would affect our lives, along with all the logistical challenges every parent knows when trying to keep all the plates spinning.
When I sat down and worked it out, I was working full time for £5 a day. To be totally honest, it just didn’t sit right. I’d done it once before, spending 75% of my salary on childcare just to work. But this time was different. I also felt ready. It was almost as if I’d hit the ceiling in the corporate world. Everyone around me had told me for years that I should try working for myself, but I was stuck in my comfort zone.
I consider myself a bit of a Swiss Army knife when it comes to marketing and creative work. I’d spent the previous 10 years in different roles, managing teams, creating roles and working with a wide range of clients. I wanted to build a business that worked around my family while making full use of my skills to deliver effective results for clients.
You give businesses senior marketing expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. What does that look like day to day, and who gets the most out of it?
I’ve worked in middle management for many years. I’ve seen businesses that need marketing teams but don’t quite feel ready to create one. I’ve also seen businesses with full teams that aren’t effective, but don’t make any changes. Some businesses simply feel a little lost when it comes to marketing and go in blind, acting on what they think they need.
I see my role as bringing senior expertise at any stage of a business’s journey. That might mean laying the groundwork for a future hire and delivering a high standard for them to build on, or providing a long-term solution.
At the start of every client relationship, we map out a strategy based on industry research. Everything we do follows that strategy, and we regularly review the data to make sure it’s working. We change course when needed, based on what’s delivering results for the business.
In your first year, you’ve worked with businesses such as NDT Group, HOIST UK and Titanic Hotel Liverpool. Is there a project or result you’re especially proud of?
I’ve been very lucky to work with such a range of clients in my first year. There’s been a mix of long-term contracts, shorter projects and ad hoc work. I love that variety because it lets me be creative and keeps me on my toes, marketing businesses in completely different sectors.
One of my standout clients is NDT Group. I’ve worked with them to develop and deliver a strategy that has given the business a clear identity in its industry. We’ve done everything from YouTube video series and exhibition print designs to launching a newsletter that grew to more than 10,000 subscribers in a matter of months. I love being on site there and truly feel part of the team.
What’s the biggest marketing mistake you see growing SMEs make, and what’s one thing they could start doing tomorrow?
Many SMEs lack consistency in their marketing or don’t give it enough time to show results. Marketing can be seen as a luxury. If one post doesn’t instantly generate 10 enquiries, people start asking questions.
Much of my work focuses on brand perception and storytelling. This helps clients understand and trust a business, so they feel ready to buy because they already know what it stands for.
A common response is to hire someone in a junior role, such as a recent graduate, as a quick and inexpensive solution. I’m all for that, but junior staff need clear direction about what to deliver and how to do it. If the management team doesn’t fully understand how to market effectively, that can become a problem.
Twelve months on, what advice would you give someone ready to start their own business?
I recently filmed a conference where one of the guest speakers said, “If your mind can go there, your feet can follow.” I loved that because it really resonated with how I started my business.
I feel I knew from a young age that I’d be a business owner one day; I just thought it would happen later in life. I was always waiting for the ideal time. I’d have the house, the children and thousands of pounds in savings. I’ve learned that there’s never a perfect time, but there is a right time. When your gut tells you to move, you should move.
Looking ahead to year two, what’s next for Seabank Marketing?
I’m really excited about the future of Seabank Marketing. I’ve been adapting my packages to suit different types of businesses and budgets, having learned a lot about what people need over the past year.
Marketing can be a daunting landscape, especially with AI. I’m actively developing ways to help businesses integrate it with a strategic approach. I hope the next year continues to challenge me with new industries and opportunities. I love the variety this business brings and genuinely enjoy supporting good people doing good business.