ASK entrepreneur Catriona Pope to name the most important foundation of a successful business and she doesn’t hesitate: staff.
The 39-year-old launched Signature Spaces on her own, but says it was the addition of her first employee early on that gave the company its early momentum.
Now, six years on, the Glasgow-based business space specialist employs 20 people, having built a solid reputation with big blue-chip clients and small businesses alike.
“Investing in my staff has been so important to the success of this company,” explains Ms Pope. “Look after them and they will work hard for you, bringing back clients again and again. Word of mouth is so important in our industry - we get a lot of business through recommendation simply because our team has a reputation for being so good. We answer the phone on a Sunday and after 7pm.”
Signature Spaces finds the right locations and spaces in shopping centres, town centres and other venues for clients all over the UK, allowing them to sell their products and services face to face.
The sales environment can be exciting, but also tough and unforgiving, which is why Ms Pope says she is keen to look after her employees in different ways.
The business recently moved into a new city-centre office, providing the perfect opportunity.
“While I was working with the architect I listened to what the staff told me about wishing they had a dressing area," says the managing director. "We installed lights, a full-length mirror and a top-quality hairdryer – it’s a bit like a mini salon. They absolutely love it. Showing them that you care contributes to making work a more enjoyable experience for all.
“They go that extra mile for the business and it’s important to show you value that. You have to listen to your staff – without them you don’t have a business.”
Ms Pope, who grew up in Glasgow’s west end, says she always enjoyed drama as a child, particularly performance. She utilised this while being restaurant manager at the renowned Ubiquitous Chip restaurant for many years, before moving into a different type of front-facing role, in direct sales.
It was a good move for the entrepreneur, who soon realised there was a niche in the market for selling space to other businesses.
She now loves the freedom of being her own boss and the ability to create growth.
“I enjoy watching the staff grow, giving them the tools to empower themselves,” says Ms Pope. “I like to see them move on and up in their lives, buying the homes they’ve always wanted. That really inspires me.
“Of course, when you’re responsible for so many people’s livelihoods that can sometimes be tough and I’ve had a few sleepless nights over the years. But the rewards of running your own business are huge.”
Banking with RBS has been a positive experience in a number of ways, she adds.
“RBS has been excellent in terms of the networking opportunities they have provided. I’ve gone along to some great events and made valuable contracts.”
And Ms Pope is full of encouragement for anyone, but most especially women, thinking of setting up their own business.
“It can be tough being a woman in business – it’s still a man’s world to some extent. But you just have to put your shoulders back and go for it.
“You have to be prepared to work really hard and believe in yourself. I always knew I could provide a better service than others in my sector but you have to persuade everyone else of this.
“You’ll do that by being prepared to go the extra mile. You also have to be ready to take the knocks along the way – that happens to all of us. It’s how you get back up that counts.”
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