Company and location
Barrett Dixon Bell Ltd, Altrincham, Cheshire

Industry sector
Marketing/communications

Background
2:1 BA Hons degree in modern language studies from the University of Nottingham. 4 A-levels (German, French, English literature and general studies). Journalism work experience – York Evening Press, Edinburgh Evening News, Mexican newspaper and TV station.

Language skills
Degree level French, German and Spanish

Why are languages important for your job?
BDB is an international marketing communications consultancy. One of the company’s key strengths is that it implements global marketing communications campaigns from one office in the UK. The company relies on a skilled team of multi-lingual account handlers, who develop communications tools in multiple languages to promote the services and products of their clients to global trade audiences.
The ability to communicate with journalists, clients, distributors and suppliers in their own language greatly increases the success of these campaigns. Cultural understanding of the markets being targeted also adds great value. I regularly use my languages to check translations of PR material and liaise with client spokespeople. I correspond with journalists in order to secure press coverage for my clients. This often involves long face to face meetings at trade shows and other events. I also offer language support for creative material, such as advertisements, to offer advice on whether concepts, ideas, headlines and cultural references can be translated.

How would you describe your job?
In one word: complicated! I always find it difficult to describe my job to people when I meet them, because it entails so many different aspects. In a nutshell, I manage marketing communications campaigns for my clients, which involves planning, implementing and analysing marketing activity including PR, advertising, direct marketing, corporate literature, exhibition and event management, online marketing and media buying.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The elements that I enjoy most are the writing and the management experience. I write many different styles of copy on behalf of my clients from press releases, interviews and technical features, to opinion pieces, pod cast scripts, adverts, websites and brochure copy. As an account manager, I thrive on the responsibility of ensuring valuable results are delivered to my clients in a creative, innovative, professional and proactive manner.
As a consultant, in essence a specialist in my field, I love being in a position to advise my clients on how best to achieve their communications goals and make the most of their budget. Managing people, although daunting at first can also reap many rewards. When the people who work with me perform well, feel empowered and enjoy what they’re doing, I’m happy.

What skills and qualities do you need?
As well as excellent written and spoken language skills, to work at BDB, you also need to have great interpersonal skills, be highly organised, a strong writer, flexible, proactive, passionate about communication and willing to learn.

What’s a typical day for you?
There is no typical day and that is one of the best things about my job. One day I could be writing articles, attending meetings, chairing brainstorms; the next I could be presenting proposals to a client in the US via webconference. I could be giving a presentation at a meeting in Rome, Prague or Paris or I could be setting up an exhibition stand and socialising with clients in the evening.

What about outside work?
I love living in Manchester and regularly go out for meals. I like doing yoga and pilates to relax and enjoy shopping. I love reading, but only usually get the chance to do so on holiday. I love travelling and regularly visit new places with work and in my own time.