This month, we welcomed a new member to our Marketing and Sales team. Beth has joined us as our Business Development Manager, and we sat down for a chat to learn more about her background and experience.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Projecting Success?
I’ve come from a pretty diverse background that’s always had a strong focus on people, partnerships, and problem-solving. I started out in retail and hospitality management, where I developed a solid foundation in leading teams and hitting commercial targets in fast-paced environments. From there, I moved into telecoms, working as a Project Coordinator where I worked closely with major networks and saw firsthand the importance of effective project delivery.
My move into the training and education sector started with another apprenticeship provider, where I worked as both a Learning Coach and Partnership Associate. That combination gave me a 360-degree view of the apprenticeship journey, supporting learners directly and working with employers to create meaningful training solutions. A big part of that was managing accounts in the Civil Service, which taught me just how varied client needs can be, even under the same umbrella. It reinforced the importance of a flexible, consultative approach to business development.
What brought me to Projecting Success was the chance to bring all of that experience together in a role that’s genuinely forward-thinking. The blend of data, AI, and apprenticeships really stood out to me. It’s not just about delivering training, it’s about helping organisations future-proof their project delivery through smarter, data-driven approaches. That mission really clicked with me, and I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.
What attracted you to the Business Development Manager role here?
What excites me the most? Honestly, it’s the chance to be part of something that’s genuinely shifting the landscape. We’re not just selling apprenticeships; we’re opening doors for organisations to embrace the power of data and AI through emerging talent. I’m particularly looking forward to getting stuck into the strategy side, identifying new sectors we can support and tailoring how we position our offer to make sure it really resonates. Plus, working alongside such a forward-thinking team means I’ll be constantly learning and adapting, which is something I really value.
What does your role involve, and what are you most excited to get started on?
I’m essentially at the forefront of driving growth and expanding our reach when it comes to data and AI apprenticeships. It’s all about forging new partnerships with employers, identifying fresh opportunities across industries, and promoting our
programmes to the right audiences. I’ll be building relationships with businesses, industry bodies, and stakeholders, basically anyone who’s just as passionate about transforming project delivery through data as we are. AI might feel like the latest buzzword, but it’s been around for years, and the more we can support organisations in adopting these tools to streamline their processes, the better. I was particularly drawn to the strategic side of the role, spotting new sectors we can support, shaping how we position our offer, and ultimately helping businesses work smarter. And, of course, being part of a forward-thinking team where learning and innovation are front and centre makes me excited to get started.
What previous experience are you bringing to this role?
I’m bringing quite a varied background to this role, which I think gives me a well-rounded perspective. Most recently, I worked for a large training provider where I had a was as a Partnership Associate which involved managing key accounts and driving new business. Previously I was also a Learning Coach, supporting apprentices through their programmes. So I’ve seen the apprenticeship journey from both the delivery and development sides, which has really shaped my understanding of what employers and learners need to succeed. Before that, I worked in telecoms as a Project Coordinator on a large-scale upgrade project, collaborating with major networks and navigating the kind of complex stakeholder environments that really test your communication and organisational skills. I also have hands-on management experience from roles in both retail and hospitality, where leading teams and hitting targets were daily priorities. I’ve got strong account management experience from running a beauty account in a major health and beauty retailer which taught me how to balance commercial goals with customer relationships. All of this has helped build my ability to connect with people, spot opportunities, and drive results which are skills I’m excited to bring to Projecting Success.
How has your past work shaped your approach to business development?
It’s definitely given me a flexible and tailored approach to business development. While working as a Partnership Associate, I managed accounts for the Civil Service contract and that experience really opened my eyes to how varied client needs can be, even within the same sector. Different departments operated like separate businesses, each with their own priorities, structures, and ways of working. It taught me that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the key to successful business development is really listening and understanding each client’s unique position, and adapting the offer accordingly. I’ve always approached business development as more than just selling, it’s about building trust, solving problems, and creating long-term value.
What trends in business development or sales are you currently most interested in?
One of the trends I’m most interested in at the moment is how data and AI are being used to enhance business development within the project delivery space. With more organisations looking to work smarter, tools that can analyse project performance, predict risk, and identify areas for automation are opening up new conversations around how we add value. It’s not just about selling a service anymore, it’s about showing how it can directly impact delivery outcomes, reduce costs, and improve confidence in hitting deadlines. Project delivery teams are under increasing pressure to do more with less, so they need solutions that are tailored, measurable, and aligned with their strategic goals. That means understanding the client’s specific delivery challenges, whether it’s around upskilling, talent pipelines, or digital transformation, and offering a practical, future-focused solution. It’s exciting to be part of a movement that’s focused on real impact, not just ticking boxes.
What are your early impressions of the team and the culture here?
My early impressions of the team and culture here have been overwhelmingly positive. There’s genuine collaboration and everyone is keen to support each other, and share ideas, it’s clear that agile teamwork is a big part of how things get done here, and there’s a real openness to trying new approaches and adapting quickly when needed.
What I’ve also really appreciated is how approachable and knowledgeable everyone is. No matter how busy things get, the team always makes time to share insights, offer
support, or just have a quick catch-up. It’s the kind of environment where you feel empowered to contribute but also encouraged to keep learning.
What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you?
Most people are surprised to find out I’m a big ice hockey fan! I’m usually known as the “pink Barbie girl” of the group, so it throws people off when I say I love being rink side, right next to the action. There’s just something about the energy of a live game, the speed, the atmosphere and the unpredictability, I absolutely love it!
Do you have a favourite quote or piece of advice that guides your work?
"People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it." – Simon Sinek
This quote really resonates with me as it’s a great reminder that success isn’t just about the product or service, it’s about the purpose behind it. When you’re passionate about what you’re offering and genuinely believe in the impact it can have, that comes across in every conversation.
