Introducing Bevic.

I honestly thought I’d never run my own business. I’d always loved working for an organisation, being part of an internal team, working towards a shared goal and admittedly having a stable monthly income I could plan my life around. I took my hat off to anyone who did have the guts to go it alone. Despite being quite a confident sole and not afraid to speak my mind, I was always more comfortable behind the scenes, and the thought of being stage and centre of my own business was completely out of my comfort zone (which is probably a surprise to most people who know me!).

I’ve worked in marketing since my uni days when I became a brand ambassador for an early start up, studentmobiles.com (which became part of Carphone Warehouse) at Newcastle University. Organising events, raising awareness, building up the brand and converting potential customers gave me a real buzz. Despite my degree being in English Literature & Language and lots of people assuming my path would lead to teaching, I knew I wanted a career that would play to my strengths, and marketing seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I could be creative and analytical, work with lots of different people and be social - great!  

Fast forward 18 years later and having reached Directorship level in my chosen industry and had the pleasure of working in the marketing departments of some amazing companies, here I am embarking on a new adventure and setting up my own marketing consultancy. 

As with lots of new start ups, the decision was primarily one of circumstance. Having had my second baby and my first born coming to the end of her first year in primary school, I knew having a job that would require 50+ hours a week, within set hours, plus travel up and down the country and regular nights away wasn’t going to work. And due to the unfortunate lack of senior roles part time or job share, the option of a role I did 10 years ago just wouldn’t work for me either.

So here we are. Launching Bevic Marketing Services* has filled me with trepidation, anxiety, intrigue but most importantly, excitement! I can't wait to start supporting businesses, helping them grow and showing how marketing really can add value to bottom line.  

Looking back, I had always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit. As a child I’d go round the neighbours trying to flog rose perfume (literally petals in water), friendship bracelets (made from scraps of material) and any toys and clothes I no longer wanted (my sister still has never forgiven me for selling her Cabbage Patch doll for £1 at  table top sale I set up outside our house) for extra pocket money, so maybe this was always the path I was meant to take? 

My family is my main drive in life but alongside being a mum and a wife, I am still me. The ‘me’ who has worked her arse off to get to where I am. Undertaking numerous industry qualifications and exams whilst juggling working full time and later adding children to the mix, plus being part of several committees and groups, a mentor and speaker at events, all have been done with the belief of improving myself and being the best I can be in my work life. And I want to continue to be that. To make a difference, to be trusted and relied upon, to make decisions and a contribution that’s outside of the family home, I honestly believes makes me a better person, wife and mother.

Despite the self-doubt and niggling imposter syndrome (why do we do this to ourselves?), the worries about money and the dreaded rejection, I can’t wait to get started. The comments and messages I’ve received from friends, work colleagues and family who I shared my plans with, has really made me believe I can do this. And why not? I’ve being doing it with great success for nearly two decades (where the heck has time gone!) and now I’m ready to launch myself head first into my new role as MD of my own company! 

I look forward to sharing the ride with you.

Vicky x

* The name Bevic Marketing Services came from a brainstorm with my ultimate business advisers, my parents. After deliberating over numerous names, in the end I decided to go with my heart. The name is a combination of the initials of my two children, the reason for the company coming to existence (Ben and Elizabeth), and my own. No rocket science going on here.   

I’d love to know the reason behind your company name and what lead you to setting up your own business. Please share in the comments below.

This is me.