Bdaily's Rebecca Wayman on her highlights of 2019

How has 2019 been for you? I can honestly say it’s been a busy year here at Bdaily!

I’ve been writing business news for two and a half years now at Bdaily, and it’s been amazing to see the community develop and take shape since those early days in summer 2017.

This year has brought some incredible opportunities my way, and I am so grateful for each and every one.

I love writing, naturally, but I especially love writing about businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs that are genuinely changing the business landscape.

It’s lovely chatting to those that are spearheading the way for a better economy, creating amazing things and offering their services no matter what their size.

So without further ado, here are my spotlight interviews and pieces of 2019.

Alison Maynard and Tyne Coast College

Earlier this year, I interviewed Alison Maynard, the deputy chief executive of Tyne Coast College. I remember Alison being so welcoming in her mannerisms, and it was amazing to see the effort and sheer love she has for higher education and this college especially.

She is an incredibly lighthearted, funny and down-to-earth woman; read our interview here. I have no doubt that this college will only continue to grow in the North East, especially with its STEM specialisms.

Newcastle Startup Week

This was my second Newcastle Startup Week during my time at Bdaily and, I can happily say, it was even better than 2018’s installment.

This year, I got to write about really important, insightful topics such as funding for scaleups and where is best to find investment for SMEs and entrepreneurs. This five-day event is always buzzing; there’s a real sense of community for it in Newcastle across its various city centre locations.

One of my stand-out interviews for the year came out of this week, with Myndr’s founder Lizzy Hodcroft. She kicked off the first day of Newcastle Startup Week with an inspirational bang; I remember her speech giving me the good kind of goosebumps.

Roddy Hamilton and The Private Hill

Okay, I can pop in a sort of lifestyle-y piece as long as it has business news at its heart, right?

I got to chat with Roddy Hamilton over the phone about his amazing glamping venture in North Yorkshire. It’s called The Private Hill and offers visitors the offer of four luxury domes for a truly middle-class camping experience.

He was so passionate about this venture of his that I was instantly sold; maybe I should add ‘Visit The Private Hill’ to my 2020 travel wish list?

Bdaily’s Scaleup Focus Week

We decided to do a Focus Week in November dedicated to scaleups, and it was such a great success for the business that we’ve introduced four for next year, including funding to sustainability.

My stand-out piece was with the brilliant and talented Paul Lancaster, founder of Newcastle Startup Week and Newcastle’s Plan Digital.

This week focused on everything from the importance of retaining relationships among scaleups, to how best to receive investment to prosper and, importantly, stay out of the static zone.

All in all, it’s been a great year. Thank you for an amazing 2019. Have a lovely Christmas, and all the best for 2020 and the decade ahead!

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