Ruby Beech, director and independent celebrant at G R Beech Ltd, explains why the business should win the home business category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition.
My business is an umbrella for two distinct streams of work - HR/management consultancy and independent celebrancy. Both are run from my home in Newark, Nottinghamshire.
I am a senior HR professional and a methodist lay preacher, often invited to lead religious and non-religious ceremonies as a celebrant. This uses many of my transferable skills including writing, listening, public speaking and carrying the House of Commons mace as assistant serjeant of arms!
I resigned from my full-time HR director job to allow more time for the creative assignments of weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. I acquired some HR/management assignments through professional contacts. I can be in central London by train in 90 minutes. However, much can be done by telephone, email and Skype. I don’t miss the commuting!
I undertook family and funeral celebrancy training with the UK Society Of Celebrants (UKSOC).
I contacted a respected local funeral director who knew me. They matched me with families seeking a range of funeral ceremonies from non-religious and “religious-light” to religious services. I got excellent customer feedback.
I took the wedding ceremony in Mykonos of two fabulous guys who allowed me to use their photos and story for publicity. My husband set up a website for the celebrancy and I opened Twitter and Facebook accounts. I have become a preferred supplier locally.
I am able to use my professional and creative skills to provide excellent services to small businesses and local people from a base in my own home.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
