Karen Tinkler, the director of Partners PR and Made in Yorkshire Patron, joined the Finest Hour podcast to discuss her remarkable journey from studying English and media to becoming the co-owner of a successful PR agency. In this article, we will delve into the pivotal moments and challenges that have shaped her career and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.
Partners PR is a well-established business-to-business PR agency based in Yorkshire, celebrating its 35th birthday this year. The agency specialises in working with manufacturing, engineering, professional services, food processing, building, property, and construction companies. Their mission is to help businesses attract talent, grow, communicate effectively, and build value.
Karen's career began with her first job at a small PR agency in Yorkshire, fresh out of university. She worked closely with the business owner and was involved in diverse client projects, including working with a chemical company in Bradford and an industrial carpet manufacturer in Yorkshire. This experience allowed her to learn the ropes of PR, develop strong client relationships, and discover her passion for working with manufacturing businesses.
One of the early challenges Karen faced was when the owner made another employee redundant, leaving her as the sole remaining team member. This experience taught her the importance of adaptability and knowing when to move on, a valuable lesson that would serve her well in the future.
Karen's journey took an unexpected turn when she applied for an account manager role at Partners PR and didn't get it. However, a few months later, she received an offer for a different role within the company, which she accepted after some initial logistical challenges.
In 2006, Karen and her colleague, Monica, had the opportunity to purchase the business, marking a significant turning point in their careers. The transition from being employees to business owners came with its unique set of challenges. The responsibility of sales, in particular, was a major shift for Karen, as she hadn't seen herself as a salesperson before.
The 2008-2009 recession hit Partners PR hard, as many of their clients were in the building products industry. The sudden decline in business forced them to make difficult decisions, including reducing employee hours and their own salaries. This period of financial struggle and uncertainty tested their resolve and required a leap of faith to keep the business afloat.
Karen's journey to entrepreneurship has taught her the importance of self-belief. She acknowledges that she initially lacked confidence in her abilities as a business owner but has since realized the value of staying true to herself and her values. Her success has dispelled the myths surrounding entrepreneurship and highlighted that anyone with dedication and the right support system can thrive in the business world.
In conclusion, Karen Tinkler's journey from studying English and media to becoming a co-owner of Partners PR is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the belief in one's abilities. Her story serves as an inspiration to those considering entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of staying true to one's values in the world of business. Karen and Monica's partnership has proven to be a strong foundation for their agency's success, and their dedication to their clients and their team continues to drive their business forward.
The Made in Group team, over the course of 12 months, will have interviewed more than 25 member companies, uncovering secrets of success and lessons from the boardroom. You can watch Karen's episode here. https://madeinyorkshire.com/finest-hour