Interview: Reflecting on 2022 and looking forward to 2023 with the Bdaily Team

On Day 12 of Bdaily’s 12 Days of Christmas, we’re doing something a bit different: Today you’ll hear from each member of our delightful little team, as they reflect on the year gone, look to the year ahead and share some festive hot takes. Read on to find out more…

First up on the festive chopping block, we have Bdaily’s director, Martin Stanley:

What are some of your personal highlights from 2022?

I’ve been really pleased to see the Bdaily team develop over the past year and for many of the team to grow fully into what were new roles for them. Personally, I’ve found it rewarding to see clients benefiting directly from the improvements we’ve made to the way we package up many of our most popular offerings on the commercial side.

Is there any specific project or piece of work from this year you’d like to show off one last time?

I was very proud of the team for realising the early stage goals for Bdaily Premium and subsequently growing this part of the platform. It’s always nice to work on something new and to see it come together; and it takes hard work to make it happen.

Favourite Christmas film? (Die Hard is absolutely a valid answer)

Christmas films I might actually struggle with. Home Alone, maybe? Otherwise, I’ll take the Father Ted Christmas Special or The Office Christmas Special any day.

Brussel sprouts: Yay or Nay?

Yes, every time.

What does the future hold for Bdaily in 2023 and your role within it?

In 2023, I see Bdaily really focusing on some very specific areas for growth. Bdaily covers a lot of ground, so we will ensure we funnel our time and effort only towards those elements that can deliver long-term benefit for our audience, our partners and for ourselves.

We started that process this year. I’ll be continuing to help find the best way of fuelling those areas of the business, with the support of the team.

Next up we have Bdaily’s business manager, Andrew Carter:

What are some of your personal highlights from 2022?

The introduction of our Bdaily Premium platform was a big one for me, a lot of planning and work went into it and it was great to see it come to fruition as a live platform.

I’ve really enjoyed watching our team develop and grow into their roles over the year too. We had quite a lot of disruption (as have a lot of businesses) over the last few years, so a bit of “normality” has been great.

Also, we had an excellent student, Megan Smith, join us for work experience this summer and Megan wrote one of the most read articles of the year - New study reveals the safest crypto exchanges to keep your coins secure in the market crash

Is there any specific project or piece of work from this year you’d like to show off one last time?

Having already mentioned Bdaily Premium and Megan’s article I’ll opt to promote one of our revamped products, the PR Subscription, which has really come into its own this year. Agencies can publish to Bdaily and have their articles featured and links included for a fraction of the usual costs. It’s a no brainer in my opinion!

Favourite Christmas film? (Die Hard is absolutely a valid answer)

It’s a Wonderful Life or Jingle All The Way - Depending on my mood at the time!

Brussel sprouts: Yay or Nay?

Absolutely yes - Sauteed with pancetta & chestnuts or roasted with cashews, garlic and thyme and loads of butter.

What does the future hold for Bdaily in 2023 and your role within it?

As Bdaily’s Business Manager I know lots of exciting things we already have in the workings for 2023 - we’ll be bringing in new faces, launching new products and offering new routes to our audience. We’ll keep working tirelessly to improve what we have and add to it. We’ll be getting back into live events and working closely with our partners.

I’m looking forward to those moments where as a team we feel our coverage has made a real difference to a business. I’m also always up for a chat around ways Bdaily can work with any business - people are welcome to email me on andrew.carter@bdaily.co.uk !

We now hear from senior correspondent, Matthew Neville:

What are some of your personal highlights from 2022?

Right off the bat, my promotion to senior correspondent is something which I’m immensely proud of, and which will come into effect at the beginning of the new year.

Aside from that, Bdaily Premium adding a whole new dimension of content is something which I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with, as we shape the platform to be the best it can be for our readership.

Is there any specific project or piece of work from this year you’d like to show off one last time?

While I’ve had a thoroughly good time with writing content for the aforementioned Bdaily Premium this year, two pieces do stand out in particular. The first of which was my in-depth exploration of the aviation industry whilst it was in recovery from the turbulence of Summer.

This was a particularly cathartic experience given my own headache of an experience with flying during the summer, or rather the distinct lack of flying for the majority of the time.

The second Premium piece I was rather proud of was my examination of how neurodiversity can benefit business, as I feel like this is a cause championed by relatively few. I’m looking forward to delving further into many of these subjects in the coming months.

Favourite Christmas film? (Die Hard is absolutely a valid answer)

Not the most traditional pick but as a horror fan I’d have to go with Krampus. Who wouldn’t want to see a nine-feet tall goat man thumping about the rooftops and punishing bratty children on Christmas Eve? I know I would.

Brussel sprouts: Yay or Nay?

If you’d asked me this before I started adding smoked pancetta and copious amounts of butter to them, I’d have said no. But now, it’s one of my favourite festive dishes and I am not ashamed to say it.

What does the future hold for Bdaily in 2023 and your role within it?

As previously mentioned, I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with my new role as a senior correspondent, and taking a more hands-on approach with things like Bdaily Premium and our upcoming feature days and weeks.

Beyond that, I’m optimistic that we’ll be bringing in new members to our team who I’ll help guide as best I can with all of the experience I’ve garnered over the past 14 months. Moreover, there will always be fresh and exciting new businesses to work with and spotlight in such a way that we can support growth in a really positive way.

Reporting in the field, we have correspondent Mark Adair:

What are some of your personal highlights from 2022?

Starting at Bdaily earlier this year has been a real highlight! Since joining, I have found a niche in covering environmental stories. It’s been great to see the North East set an example to the rest of the country with the rapid expansion of wind and geothermal energy industries.

Is there any specific project or piece of work from this year you’d like to show off one last time?

I really enjoyed my discussions with Marla Ubhi as I wrote Marla Ubhi on diversity in entrepreneurship. It’s great to see business leaders lead the way to create a fairer and more equitable environment for entrepreneurs irrespective of their identity.

Favourite Christmas film? (Die Hard is absolutely a valid answer)

A Christmas Carol. We can all be a bit of a Scrooge sometimes and the film does a good job of reminding us of what’s important.

Brussel sprouts: Yay or Nay?

Yay, but only if there are heaps of pancetta in it too.

What does the future hold for Bdaily in 2023 and your role within it?

I’m looking forward to going into a new year at Bdaily as a correspondent, and with it, the opportunity to investigate more interesting stories.

And last but certainly not least, we have business development manager Ashleigh Male:

What are some of your personal highlights from 2022?

Settling into my role, working closely with the Team and getting out and meeting new Clients and Contacts at events and networking.

Is there any specific project or piece of work from this year you’d like to show off one last time?

Bringing on board our official partner Northumbria University, who we look forward to working closely with them across 2023.

Favourite Christmas film? (Die Hard is absolutely a valid answer)

Hard one. I honestly could choose just one between The Holiday, Bridget Jones & Love Actually and I have watched them all more than once this month already!

Brussel sprouts: Yay or Nay?

Nay, even though my Mam still continues to hide them on my plate at age 35.

What does the future hold for Bdaily in 2023 and your role within it?

I look forward to continuing working closely with current and new Clients, widening the network of Clients and further building relationships, not to mention spending time with my lovely Colleagues.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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