After more than 20 years supporting businesses in the public sector, CLAIRE CRITCHELL has now branched out on her own with the launch of a new business, re:Be Consulting
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?
Adding value to clients with effective business and marketing strategies, project support and business development.
HOW IS YOUR JOB IMPACTED BY FLUCTUATIONS IN THE ECONOMY?
It hasn’t been long enough to feel the effects myself, but I understand how challenging it can be for my clients and connections. My advice is to have a plan. It doesn’t need to be a multi-page tome, but you should know where you’re going and how you’ll get there so you can react and adapt.
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW ON THE CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT FOR YOUR JOB?
I’ll be keeping an eye on things like tax changes, as even small percentage shifts will have an impact on small businesses like mine. Having spent over two decades in the public sector, I also hope for continuity in business support and that any growth funding reaches businesses directly without getting lost in bureaucracy.
HOW DO YOU SEE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – AN OPPORTUNITY, THREAT, OR BIT OF BOTH?
At a recent networking event, we discussed how game-changing tools like ChatGPT can be when used effectively. It’s made us more efficient and helps overcome ‘blank page syndrome’. If the human is informing and shaping the final version then I see it as a complimentary work tool.
HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU?
Adds value, and is easy to work with.
YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH IN THE WORKPLACE?
Honesty, instinct and positivity.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOB?
Making sure I use my time effectively to support my clients, family and myself.
YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
Leaving the comfort of a salaried job to work for myself.
PET HATES?
Leaving the lights on, and not recycling.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Make conscious choices. Breathe more. Find the joy.
HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK?
Anything outside in nature away from human-made distractions.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHROPSHIRE?
The hills, forests, fields and rivers.
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM OF CHOICE?
LinkedIn for work. Instagram for personal.
FAVOURITE MOVIE?
I love a good movie and there are so many so I’ll say the first one I remember making an impact was Kes.
EARLY BIRD, OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird!
DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE?
I’d love to know more about my ancestors, so I’d get a few of them round the table from over the centuries.
WHAT WOULD YOU COOK FOR THEM?
I love a good buffet, lots of plate-piling tasty morsels that everyone can enjoy.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULDN’T KNOW.
I was a big Guns N’ Roses fan when I was a teenager, my room was plastered with posters and my wildest dream came true when I met them! My next door neighbour was Jason Bonham and on one very average Sunday morning he popped over with tickets – I nearly fainted! We jumped in the car and as we got closer to the stadium he handed me a VIP pass – we were going backstage! I watched the gig from the side of the stage with fans waving at me, thinking I was someone important. It was crazy!
AND FINALLY . . . WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HAS IN STORE FOR YOU, AND YOUR JOB ROLE?
I hope for more of the same. I love being in the office every week with the brilliant Shoothill team, helping businesses succeed with smart digital solutions. It’s a pleasure to contribute to Ammba’s work in shaping places and public sector services through digital transformation, and the European Innovation team’s commitment to helping businesses innovate and grow. I’d also like to take on a couple of strategic business and marketing projects.
