Print IT Reseller - issue 52

01732 759725 38 WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY of their commercial printers to help them set-up an agency in Manchester and at this point I was ready for a new challenge. We provided a full service, offering branding, design, print and websites and had clients including: Manchester City Council, EEF and the NHS. Here I learned so much about commercial print, the sales pitch, and met many contacts that have remained my network of suppliers and friends to this date. Julian Stafford, Managing Director of Midshire approached me back in 2012 when he knew I was unhappy and ready for a change. Having delivered a number of design, print and web projects for him, he knew what I was capable of and invited me for an interview. I can’t really thank Julian enough for taking a chance on me. Midshire had no marketing function at that time, and I’ve since established myself, marketing as an integral department, and grown my team to four people and six across the Group. I’ve learned so much, and developed exponentially as a person. The pace of change and the journey we’ve been on as a business over the last six years has been very exciting and we have achieved a great deal, culminating in the acquisition of the business by Sharp last year. Being the catalyst for such change was not always easy, firstly as a young female coming in to a very male-dominated industry, and then secondly having to ask the most senior people within the business to open their minds to change. These were Directors who had built successful businesses in their own right and had proven strategies in place. Despite the many challenges and frustrations, the real enjoyment has been seeing how far we have come and knowing the part I’ve played in it all. I feel I have more than proved myself and gained the respect of those leaders and that means a great deal to me. Career highlights include winning Marketing Business Woman of The Year at the Technology Media Telecoms (TMT) Awards 2017, being nominated Young Marketing & Media Professional at the North West Insider Young Professionals Awards 2016 alongside securing a highly commended as Marketing Professional of the Year at the Made in Manchester Awards 2016 and being nominated for the Young Business Person of the Year at the Stockport Business Awards 2015. What’s the best thing about your job? Working with my team, passing on my experience and knowledge is something I get great pleasure out of these days. This not only strengthens our team, but ultimately allows us to deliver more, and at a better quality for the business. I also really enjoy the fast paced nature of both the tech sector and marketing communications. Every day is different and the work and projects are diverse, the challenges are many and the stakes are high to be leading the way. What would make your life easier at work? The adoption of video conferencing for more of my meetings, both internally as a business and with external suppliers would save me a lot of time travelling. Face-to-face is still very important for developing relationships and creating loyalty, but for the less important stuff, this approach would allow me to better invest my time, help increase business productivity and us to be more flexible. Margaret Reilly, Director of Technology Services, Integra Business Solutions www.integra-business.co.uk I have been working in the industry for over 25 years. I originally worked in the wholesale environment, implementing wholesaler back- office systems before moving into dealer computer services and support, installing link software and subsequent developing technologies. Since joining Integra, I have held a variety of roles within the business ...continued Despite the many challenges and frustrations, the real enjoyment has been seeing how far we have come and knowing the part I’ve played in it all Adrienne Topping