5 Minutes with… Elissa Shaw
Q: What is your role at DEF-UK, and what are your responsibilities?
A: I am the Business Development Executive, and I am responsible for driving growth and development for DEF-UK. My primary focus is identifying and creating new business opportunities to expand our company’s reach and revenue. My responsibilities include Market Research, Lead Generation, Client Relationship Building and Management, Sales, Strategic Planning, Proposal Development and Reporting. On top of BDE work, I am also responsible for planning, executing, and managing marketing activities for DEF-UK. I am in charge of Campaign Development, Digital Marketing, Brand Management and Analysis Reporting.
Q: What inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
A: Originally my background didn’t start within the Fire industry. I worked in the Childcare sector for 6 years, working as a nursery nurse at a private children’s nursery educating and caring for preschool-aged children. It was a fun 6 years however it wasn’t a long-term career for me. At 22, I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I decided to apply for an administration role working for another Fire and Security company as an interim position. I was the administrator for the Design and Sales team, and over the next 7 years, I developed the skills and knowledge to become a Design Engineer. In 2023 I joined DEF and progressed into Business Development and Marketing! So, I guess you could say that I “fell into” the career that I have today rather than pursuing it however, I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I am very much a people person, enjoy a client/customer-facing role and thrive off success so for me Business Development has been a great route to follow.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at DEF-UK?
A: I enjoy carrying out market research on our industry, target markets and clients, and love to find new opportunities that excite and motivate us as a company. I also enjoy networking and developing relationships with prospective clients and customers. Marketing also falls under my BD role, and I very much enjoy creating content and campaigns for our website and social media company pages.
Q: When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
A: As I work remotely, motivation and discipline are something I’ve had to focus on to ensure I maximise my full potential whilst working alone. I motivate myself by setting daily and weekly goals to achieve, and having a concise to-do list for ticking off my tasks gives me great satisfaction and is a huge motivator for me!
Q: What’s the best thing about working at DEF-UK?
A: For me, it’s the people. We have a fantastic team here at DEF which feels like a family. Everyone is so supportive and always willing to lend a hand to help. Despite the majority of us working remotely, we still carry an element of “togetherness” with daily team calls, weekly meetings and team chats.
Q: Describe DEF-UK in 3 words.
A: Collaborative. Friendly. Positive
Q: Where were you born/where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Shrewsbury and grew up in Telford, which is the next town over. When I left school at 16, I moved to Gloucestershire and then at 24, I moved to Nottingham!
Q: Fun facts: 3 fun facts about you?
A: I am half-Scottish (Dad) and half-English (Mum)
I have 3 metal pins and 1 medical ‘rope’ in each of my feet, following a surgical procedure I had at 18 which helped to straighten both of my big toes and align the bone structure of my feet!
I’m an avid bookworm and read on average 1 book a week… sometimes 2!
Q: What might someone be surprised to know about you?
A: I was a competitive gymnast during my childhood and teenage years, competing across the Midlands and have achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd medals for competitions and displays. I used to train 5 days a week but unfortunately due to an injury following a competition in Stoke I was unable to train for a while and it completely knocked my confidence back so in the end I decided to quit!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Yes – I have a 2-year-old English Bulldog called Ralph. Pets to me are family and he is honestly my baby!!
Q: What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
A: Kos, Greece. I have holidayed there a few times over the years now and it was also my Mum and Stepdad’s wedding destination where I was a bridesmaid for the first time! So, it will always have a special place in my heart.
Q: What are the best things in life?
A: Country dog walks. Laughing until your stomach hurts. The first sip of a cocktail on holiday. Starting a brand-new book. Cooking food from scratch. Catching up with my friends. The ultimate best thing in life is spending time and soaking up precious moments with my family and partner. I’m a massive family person and for me, that has always been and will always be the best thing in life!
