Derby Hub member Suzanne Dixon shares her answers to questions asked at this year’s Small Business Saturday event.
Earlier this month, Derby Hub was proud to host Small Business Saturday UK, where, alongside Derby University, we were joined in celebration by local businesses, officials and budding entrepreneurs.
An important element of the day saw key members of Derby Hub open up the floor to questions about running a successful business. Craig Barker (Koobr), Suzanne Dixon (Kedleston Safety), Owen Conti (Code 56) and Justina Nurse (Stuart Mobility) all took to the Hot Seat.
Incase you missed it, we’ve asked each of the panelists to share their answers on our blog. With her own experiences and insights, here’s what Suzanne Dixon from Kedleston Safety has to say.
How significant do you think social media is to the success of SME’s?
I think social media is very significant. It is an excellent way of getting your business noticed on all platforms and to different audiences.
What was your biggest fear when starting your business?
That I wouldn’t get any clients! There are well established health and safety consultancies out there, so I thought why would clients choose and new independent like me.
How have you coped with the change in marketing? I.e. Social media overtaking traditional methods.
I think because the business is only two years old social media has always been important. From the creation of the business I have used all social media platforms to promote the business. I would say the biggest interaction I get is from LinkedIn and Twitter, however I have had a couple of new clients from Instagram.
Who inspires you?
My fellow hub numbers such as Yvonne Gorman, Craig Barker and Sarah Loates. These have started and grown successful businesses, they are an inspiration.
Why did you start a business?
Because I wanted a business to work around my family, ensuring I didn’t miss out on them growing up. Setting up the business has given me the flexibility that working for another business wouldn’t.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Finding the time to do everything, from accounting, admin, marketing and sales. It took me a while before I could let go of activities which took time away from me undertaking health and safety. Tasks which would take me a long time to do but someone else would do them quickly and efficiently.
What are the benefits of working for yourself?
Flexibility. Being able to take the business into the direction I want it to be. Being able to concentrate on the sector I find interesting. Being able to create a positive culture for health and safety and giving my clients a different way of implementing health and safety into business — these are all massive benefits.
Kedleston Safety can advise you on the best way for your business to manage its health and safety needs. Visit the website here
