Whether it's racing or footie or just about anything else, Sky Betting & Gaming play a huge role in turning major sporting events into experiences to remember for their customers. So it makes sense that they also create memorable experiences for their people and candidates, too - with our help.
And staff experiences don't come much bigger than this summer's The Gathering. A day long, bona fide festival for over 800 employees, it featured tipis, live music, and a VW camper cocktail bar. Plus, a main stage that featured discussions on the future of tech, big data, politics, payments and diversity, together with a keynote from David Rowan, Editor at Large of WIRED Magazine.
And then there's their annual Charity Ball, which raises over £20k each year for brilliant causes. This year, the chosen charity is Give a Duck, and the night will be hosted by TV presenter Ed Chamberlain, and will feature live virtual racing and tons more.
And we can't forget their recent outdoor attraction campaigns either, from street events for their Made in Sheffield campaign (more about that in the news, below), to campaigns that introduced their new employer brand, Our Way.
We caught up with Claire, Sky Betting & Gaming's Communications and Events Executive to find out more about how she found herself at the cutting edge of Outdoor, Events & Experiential marketing…
How did you get into the HR industry?
I never really knew what I wanted to do in my career, so throughout my education I took the tactic that if I chose the subjects I enjoyed, I would end up doing something that I liked!
After finishing my degree in Journalism, Film and Media at Cardiff University, I interned for a few months at various PR agencies in London, before landing a job within Bromley Council’s Corporate Communications team. Beginning my career in the public sector was the best thing for me, as I learnt very quickly the importance of accurate but relatable communications, particularly with sensitive subject matter.
I then went on to work for a global Japanese trading company, Sumitomo Corporation, focusing on their internal communications across thirteen European offices. The job involved a lot of travel and working with people from lots of different cultures; I knew from then that I would stay in a people facing role and that brings me to my job here at Sky Betting & Gaming…
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Go with your gut.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the HR sector?
Show your personality and get to know as many people as you can within the company you work for. You’ll be surprised at how much information you can gather from a quick chat in the kitchen!
What’s the best thing about working with Chatter?
I love and appreciate the way that they make us feel relaxed in situations that are quite simply… not relaxing. They’re great under pressure and they certainly deliver service with a smile.
What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?
I really like period dramas and historical novels – I’ve been gripped with the second series of ITV’s Victoria (which is actually filmed at Leeds East Airfield, where we held The Gathering) and I’m reading Philippa Gregory’s Three Sisters, Three Queens.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Trash TV – I’ll even stoop to TOWIE.
Three words to describe yourself?
Outgoing, friendly and thoughtful.
What fact would surprise people about you?
I’m a huge worrier! When you’re an outgoing person, I think people assume that you’re totally comfortable and relaxed inside… but I assure you that my head is a jungle! I’m learning to get better at it – events like The Gathering are certainly a test, but they offer lessons and learnings that I am channelling to better myself in the future!
