Tell us a bit about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career? Can you pinpoint any challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how you overcame them? Was there anyone who inspired you along the way?
The journey of my career began in PR for a Tour Operator, whilst on a university placement, subsequently into radio and latterly charity events and fundraising before embarking upon setting up our own business.
Throughout my career, I’ve always worked for great female leaders who have nurtured and believed in me - I’m proud to call them close friends now. They have been a huge part of my working career journey and led to having the confidence to be where I am today.
Having your own business comes with a whole set of new challenges that I could never have envisaged. However, it has taught me that the key to success is the relationships we build and working in collaboration with other businesses to create a greater product.
Can you give us a sense of a typical day in your role?
No two days in marketing and sales are the same. Being a small company, you take on several roles and do a little bit of everything. It could be pitching and presenting to corporate companies that we work with, fulfilling events requests and working closely with the international leisure markets. The favourite part of my role is working with the team to come up with new, inspirational and unique dining experiences. Everyone within the business has different strengths and qualities, by working together the ideas can be developed into new products and offerings.
Tell us about your company/business; if you could focus on the experiences you have with us and why they’re so great, even better!
Lomond Leisure Group is a small family business with restaurants and bars in central Scotland focusing on hospitality, sustainability, environment and character. We have our own portfolio of properties in Glasgow and Edinburgh and operate management contracts for businesses in other parts of the country. From a contemporary Scottish Restaurant to authentic Bourbon bars to a historic Scottish pub with a spooky atmosphere, each venue has its own unique offering.
Having met our partnerships manager Danny at an event in 2022, we chatted further and I’m delighted to say that we launched our first Virgin Experience Days product in December of the same year offering a bespoke 4 course menu paired with whisky tasting at our Scottish restaurant in Glasgow. This has in turn given us the opportunity to expand our product range with our sister venues.
We are hugely excited about the upcoming launch of our Kentuck-Tea, a Kentucky inspired twist on a traditional afternoon tea. A version that is sure to have your mouth watering.
If you could have afternoon tea with another inspirational woman (alive or dead), who would it be?
I would love to have had afternoon tea with Vivienne Westwood, who is very much in our minds at the moment.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business? Is there anything you wish you’d known early on in your career?
The one thing I would say is always believe in yourself! Your career path will not always take the route you expect but don’t be afraid. I wish I’d had the confidence earlier in my career to take risks. We all have strengths! Surround yourself with people who can both help you and you can help to develop each other.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Whilst there are often a few knocks along the way, have the resilience that gives you the determination to work a little harder and succeed.
Always be kind and learn from others, an idea can be developed into a great product with the help of those around you by working together.
