From being the first female editor in the 160-year history of the Stratford Herald to running her own multi-award-winning PR company, there’s never a dull moment for the head of Chalmers News PR agency, Amanda Chalmers– especially if there’s an Abba tribute band in town!
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
My career journey went from trainee journalist working for free to 25 years later becoming the first female editor of the independent Stratford Herald in its 160-year history. With very little in the way of formal qualifications, I am proud of the drive and determination I have shown to work my way up through the ranks to achieve that pinnacle journalistic role – whilst also juggling being a mum-of-two.
IT’S WHAT I DO
Today, as public relations expert, I work with small businesses to help raise their profile, especially when it comes to the local and national press. My niche of working with SMEs and charities has evolved into something I am incredibly passionate about – and I celebrate each and every PR ‘win’ as if it’s my own because I see first-hand how stupidly hard they work and just how much it means. I never take for granted how lucky I am to love my day job as if it were my paid hobby. I wake up every morning raring to go (well, mostly!) and am always aghast at any hint of a suggestion that I might want to ramp down for retirement any time soon!
BIGGEST SUCCESS
Professionally, discovering an inner entrepreneur and launching my agency nearly eight years ago, has proved to be my most surprising achievement – and I’m incredibly proud to have been recognised with five national business awards in that time. The most recent – Innervision Influential Woman In Business and, at the end of last year, my business was listed among the Top Ten Businesses From Home in the UK Small Business Awards. On a personal level, my greatest achievement is raising two hardworking and ambitious young men who haven’t turned out half bad!
BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED
Don’t sweat the small stuff. And never apologise for being a perfectionist. Impeccably high standards are one of the things I most respect.
WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE
To keep building on my business and continuing to be inspired by all the incredible entrepreneurs I come into contact with. We can all learn from each other.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM
Hubby is a proud Brummie and I too love the city and its diversity. Although I don’t live there, I work with clients ‘across the border’ all the time and welcome the excuse to visit as much as possible – mainly frequenting its many theatres.
DOWNTIME
Theatre, theatre and more theatre! Preferably musicals, but really anything that’s live, including stand-up comedy and music gigs. And if I get a whiff of a good Abba tribute band, I am there quicker than you can say ‘platform boots!’ (Although my Lycra days are well and truly behind me!)
FINALLY
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is how supportive the small business community can be. Its collaboration over competition that works best.