Leaders of the future
These local young entrepreneurs are thriving in their particular professional fields. Here they tell us what drives their work ethic, who inspires them – and how they ensure they look after themselves to stay on top of their game…
Tom Pelling, co-owner, The P2 Collective
I hold NVQ Level 1, 2, and 3 in Hairdressing and have completed various courses to broaden my knowledge. We opened our first salon in December 2023 and have just been confirmed as finalists for ‘Best Client Experience’ and ‘Best New Salon’ in the UK Salon Awards.
Describe yourself in 3 words…
Passionate, determined and reliable.
Tell us about what you’re doing in your job?
I’m one of the two owners of the P2 Collective, a modern-day men’s hair salon that my business partner Sam and I opened in December 2023. We aim to redefine men’s grooming with high level service in a stylish and welcoming environment.
Who or what motivates you?
My family is my main source of motivation. I’ve always wanted to provide the best lifestyle for us and thank my mum for everything she’s done for me. Ever since I started my apprenticeship at 16, I dreamed of owning my own salon. I even told my boss, Lizzie, about this dream, and being here now feels amazing.
How would you define success?
For me it is having a fully booked salon with a team of staff who are achieving their individual and team goals. I want to create an atmosphere where both staff and clients feel like part of one collective. On a personal level, success means having a happy, healthy family who can enjoy nice holidays and financial freedom.
Is there one particular entrepreneur who inspires you?
For me Tommy Mallet is a great example. His journey is indeed inspiring, especially for those who come from similar backgrounds. His story resonates with many because he came from a working-class family and used sheer determination and resilience to achieve his success. Despite numerous setbacks, his persistence and hard work paid off. His online presence is a testament to his motivating spirit, showing that with the right mindset and effort, significant achievements are possible.
How do you take care of your mental health?
I take care of my mental health by working out at least five times a week and going for evening walks to reflect on the day and mentally prepare for the next one. I’ve also started working with a mentor, which has been incredibly helpful. I’m always setting goals and striving to achieve them, which keeps me motivated and focused. We also have a P2 run club in which our clients come along to and we run together!
Where do you aim for your business to be in 5 years?
We have exciting plans for P2 Collective in the coming years. We aim to expand to a larger salon with more stylists. It’s amazing to already have a three-week waiting list, and we want to savour this success while continuing to plan and prepare for the future.
What advice would you give an 18 year old self?
Invest in yourself more and don’t just follow the norm. Take courses in business and skills, stay fit and active, and enjoy the journey. Avoid the pressure from social media and society. Everyone runs their own race, so don’t compare yourself to others.
Ellie Waterman, Operations Director, TN Recruits
“I am the Operations Director of TN Recruits, which involves ensuring the day-to-day running of the business and being a support for all things operations for the MD and everyone in the team. From liaising and negotiating with suppliers to planning team days out and everything in between, no two days are the same.
In terms of what motivates me I would say that I am naturally self-motivated. My goal continues to be the same – which is to be successful in anything I do.
What does success look like for me? I think it’s to be proud of and happy with my job, my home and my life.
I take care of my mental health by ensuring a healthy work life balance, making sure that I find time – even in the busiest work week – to switch off from technology and responsibility.
My aim over the next five years is to continue to use my position in the business to keep growing TN Recruits.
When it comes to doing well in your job I would say experience is more important over education and qualifications. Of the course the latter two have their place but for me it has been my experience of working from a young age that has given me my motivation and opportunity to be in the place I am now.
If I were to describe myself in 3 words they would be: Tenacious, thorough and consistent.”
Fiona Sewell, Operations Manager, BDHL
Tell us about the company you work for and what your current role is…
BDHL is an independent whole-of-market health and protection insurance broker for businesses and individuals in the UK and across the world.
I manage the day-to-day running of the team, office and client portfolio. From HR, training and development to our internal processes and compliance. As well as managing client queries, negotiations with insurers and new opportunities, I also attend networking events, plan our exhibitions and oversee the marketing. I value the varied role and responsibility.
Who or what motivates you?
Setting goals and objectives for myself, the team and company and then managing the process – both individually and as a team – to ensure these are achieved.
What does success look like for you?
An equal work/life balance.
Who do you admire most in the business world and why?
To be honest there isn’t a particular businessperson I admire, I find sporting achievements much more inspirational! Although I think this quote by Richard Branson is invaluable for any successful business and part of the reason I enjoy working for BDHL within employee benefits: “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
How do you take care of your mental health?
I have a passion for horse riding and am lucky enough to own my own horse. I ride every day, and this is where I do my best thinking and planning. As Churchill once said: “No hour of life is wasted that is spend in the saddle.”
BDHL can support clients with their mental health through an employee benefits programme – either stand alone or through a health and/or protection policy.
What are the top three websites, blogs or social media channels you can’t imagine your day without?
I find the power of social media both exhilarating and terrifying. At the click of a button you can share important issues (both positive and negative) with people across the world. The other day I was reading online about SHE (Style Her Empowered) which is a non-profit organisation who have designed the world’s only school uniform that grows! It adjusts to six different sizes. What an incredible idea!
Describe yourself in 3 words?…
Loyal. Confident. Fun.
Ashley Matthews, Associate Solicitor, Thomson Snell and Passmore
Tell us about your current role?
I am an employment law solicitor. I advise on all aspects of employment law from recruitment to termination of employment and post termination restrictive covenants. I frequently defend employers from tribunal claims and provide day-to-day legal advice to employers to ensure compliance with the law and help them to mitigate expensive risks. Employment law is ever-evolving, which keeps me on my toes and ensures my work remains dynamic and engaging.
Who or what motivates you?
I am driven by a strong commitment to not letting others down. This commitment fuels my determination, making me resilient and diligent in my endeavours. Additionally, seeing my clients transition from feeling stressed and hopeless to achieving a great resolution or outcome is incredibly satisfying.
What does success look like for you?
Professionally, it means delivering an exceptional service to my clients (such as keeping them regularly informed and involved in key decision making) and achieving favourable outcomes for them. Personally, it is about continuous growth and learning, ensuring I consistently improve my skills and knowledge while also achieving my own goals and milestones. If I had to sum myself up in three words they would be: Hardworking, resilient and diligent.
What advice would you give to an 18-year old you?
Lock into a long-term fixed-rate mortgage before 2021! On a more serious note, have a 5-year plan and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Be brave and have confidence in your abilities to fulfil your goals in that plan. Embrace challenges with the mindset that you can overcome them, and trust that your hard work and determination will lead you to success.
Which is more important in business, education or experience and why?
Both education and experience are important, but experience edges it for me. Education equips you with theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, forming a solid foundation. However, it’s the hands-on experience that teaches you how to apply this knowledge, navigate complex situations, and develop the soft skills essential for success. Without experience, education can only take you so far.
Hannah Lawrence, Head of Delivery at Yoyo Design
Tell us about your current role?
I lead our team of Project Managers and collaborate closely with our Heads of Departments to ensure that all our projects are delivered smoothly and exceed our clients’ expectations. Additionally, I’m a member of the Senior Management Team, and work hand-in-hand with our Finance and Operations teams to keep everything running seamlessly.
Who or what drives you in your every day working life?
Ticking things off my list! I love the feeling I get when I’ve been highly productive and have achieved lots with my time. I’m also motivated by other people’s happiness.
How do you take care of your mental health?
By sticking to my daily non-negotiables. I’ve found that when I make sure these essentials are part of my routine, I stay productive and keep a steady mindset.
Where do you aim to be in 5 years?
I want to move more into business operations, stepping back from day-to-day project / account management and working a lot more on how we run Yoyo – taking on more responsibilities and embedding new processes that supercharge us.
Top 3 websites, blogs or social media channels you can’t imagine your day without?
1. Instagram – mainly for parent/mum relatable content or meal ideas (Emily English the nutritionist is my go-to!)
2 Google – I google EVERYTHING
3. WhatsApp – does that count?
Which is more important in business, education or experience and why?
Experience! Experience comes from learning on the job, making mistakes, and grabbing different opportunities. While education gives you a good base and teaches critical thinking, experience lets you apply that knowledge, solve real-world problems, and get to know the ins and outs of your industry. Plus, it helps you build valuable connections and a better understanding of how business works, which are both really important for success.
Describe yourself in 3 words…
Conscientious, Considerate, Committed
Harriet Kinsey, Sales & Marketing,
Yoyo Design
“At Yoyo, I create and implement strategic marketing plans and support our Marketing Assistant with the execution of all our marketing and sales activities. I build and manage relationships with agencies and clients, organise networking events, maintain our CRM system, and do everything and anything I can to showcase Yoyo’s brilliant portfolio of services across all our digital channels.
Additionally, I manage the marketing budget and collaborate with senior management to drive growth through a wide variety of innovative strategies.
I’m motivated by people. I love building positive relationships with new prospects and then seeing those projects come to fruition in the studio resulting in great success for both the clients, our team and our agency.
I monitor success through seeing that the work we choose to go after and bring in through sales and marketing activities is being enjoyed by the team, making money for the agency and creating impact for both the organisation we’re working with and the world in general.
Former New Zealand politician Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern inspires me as a woman because of her compassionate leadership style, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to balance empathy with strength. Her approach to governance, emphasising kindness and inclusivity, demonstrates that effective leadership can be both strong and compassionate.
If I had to describe myself I would say I am positive, persistent yet patient too. I train three times a week at a strength and conditioning gym and go for regular runs when things get heavy. I have learnt within the last five years that having exercise in my life makes me more productive, happier and is the best medicine for my overall mental health.
I think experience is absolutely key, but without a solid foundation of education (and being almost forced into doing the things you don’t really want to do) helps arm you with what you need to trudge yourself through the steps you go through to gain the life experience. Both work hand in hand.
Eleanor Lister, Partner, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors
“I have recently been promoted to Partner at Berry & Lamberts, having worked here for almost 10 years. I started as a Trainee Solicitor. I work within the wider property team, carrying out my own caseload whilst also supervising a junior solicitor and a trainee solicitor.
A lot of what I do is conveyancing, and one of my favourite motivations is calling clients to confirm with them that they can go and pick up the keys of their new home!
For me success is being happy in your job with a healthy work-life balance. On that subject, I try to maintain my mental health like I maintain physical aspects of my health. Acknowledging when you are struggling and proactively dealing with this is important. For me, lots of time spent outside can undo a lot of stressors too.
In the next five years I hope I am still enjoying my career, balancing family, free time and work.”
