How I got where I am today...

I GOT where I am today through hard work, perseverance and an incredible support network around me.

Having qualified in 2011 as a chartered architect, after eight years of higher education, I was made redundant.

My business partner Mark Carr and I set up Hewitt&carr Architects from a small office above his sister’s shop in Cheadle High Street in August 2011.

We began trading, initially with a strong residential portfolio which quickly progressed into the commercial sector, working with companies such as Wrights and Emma Bridgewater.

How is your business doing?

The business is doing really well. We have grown year-on-year and we are now a strong team of ten. We have a mix of architects and technologists, who all work on a wide range of projects. We have recently located to new offices at Daisybank House Business Centre, which will allow us the opportunity to grow further should the workload require it.

How is the Cheadle business economy?

Cheadle is a great town, and with the proposed influx of houses which is planned in the area, there certainly needs to be investment into the High Street and employment. Daisybank House is a great start, providing much needed high-quality office accommodation in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber is currently doing great work to increase the visibility of business in the area, but I do feel that more needs to be done at a higher level within the local council, to invest in its towns and to support their thriving business communities.

Why would you encourage any business to join the Chamber?

The Chamber is here to help. Whether you are starting a business or growing a business, the Chamber can provide you with much needed support. It has an absolute wealth of knowledge and professionals who can help you to find the best way of accessing this vital support network. For me the Chamber is all about engagement. Like anything, the more you put into it the more you will get out.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Never give up and never regret past decisions. Your past decisions are what make you who you are.

FAVOURITES

Food: Cheese

Drink: Tea or a good IPA Band/artist: Pink

Book: Does a colouring book count?

Film: Anything Disney Team: Leek Ladies Hockey