A brief outline of the business background of Tracey Holloway, who holds a Directorship at Office Space In Town.
Tracey Hollloway works in Cardiff, and resides in Wick, in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. Her family are 6th generation Wick, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree: Tracey’s daughter is training to be a solicitor at a Cardiff firm, and Tracey’s mother, Councillor for Wick and Chairperson for Age Concern Cardiff, received an MBE for her 30 years work with the RAF.
Here Tracey talks to Style of the City about her business and work ethic and what drives her to continually succeed and support Cardiff’s SME and corporate sectors.
With 27 years’ experience in Manufacturing and Aviation, a move into Office Space and Retail was a huge step – but I knew it would be a challenge and something that I would really enjoy.
I want to help businesses start up and expand in Cardiff and wish to give them the benefit of my experience within the corporate and SME sectors.
It really helps having very supportive employers – Nicki and Giles – who are keen for me to be involved in the local community, networking and becoming known within the business community of Cardiff. Therefore, there aren’t time restrictions, and being an excellent communicator, I am in a unique position to be able to identify what local businesses need and whether they are in the start-up or the growth phase. I work with so many different companies in the serviced office environment, so this would be essential skill in helping the Chamber of Commerce build its strategy.
Additionally, all our clients at OSIT are professionals and business minded, enjoying and gaining business contacts from our monthly networking events held at Temple Court.
I work for businesses and with businesses and this is something that I have always focused on, and from which I have reaped many rewards both the social and business arenas. I deal with over 700 enquiries a year for our office space which allows me to have an insight into many business situations. I have a unique understanding of many different businesses due to the day to day interaction with my clients and assisting them with their business challenges. This knowledge assists me when I am mentoring my clients throughout the UK aiding in marketing, sales, HR, and good governance. These skills would of course be of benefit to many CCI members; and I have strong marketing ideas which help promote current and new business.
I am a mentor to OSIT clients whether it be for Cardiff, London, Northampton or Edinburgh, throughout the UK. My business role means that I am continually looking at my contacts to see whose businesses would benefit from being introduced to each other and this transferable this skill which would to work for the Chamber of Commerce. I am an active member of Rotary Club, Cardiff and have been invited onto the judging panel for the Youth Speaks Event for the last two years.
I understand the importance of social media and am a member of many online forums such as Cardiff Business Club, Cardiff Business Group, One Big Network, South Wales Business Contacts.
I am an integral part of the Vale of Glamorgan business community as along with my Mum I have opened a small retail business in the last two years. This has enabled me to know first-hand the challenges faced by many individuals and businesses who are setting up and running small businesses in the current economic climate, so understand the challenges faced by this category of businesses.
In Sept 2014, I was offered a Directorship by Niki and Giles; and I can say that this was the highlight of my career.
My one big tip in business? Always do what is right and not what is easy.
