Bdaily Tech Week 2021: The business development specialist calling for more women in tech

From a law degree to helping grow a wedding decoration business, Louise Gilbey is keen to encourage more women to get into tech as she spreads her wings in her latest role at a leading managed service provider with offices across the UK.

Having joined razorblue in May 2021, Louise is tasked with identifying new business opportunities and talking to businesses who would benefit from using razorblue’s services.

Her role is mostly focused on being out and about, keeping in touch with local businesses and getting involved in networking events to help raise awareness of the company’s vast portfolio of award-winning managed IT services.

razorblue has recently announced its most successful financial year to date, its second acquisition in as many years, and has been shortlisted in not one but two categories in the North East Business Awards.

Louise explained: “Every business needs a reliable IT partner, and our products and services provide end-to-end, unified solutions. Our fantastic reputation makes my job a lot easier!

“I have been in business development roles for 10 years now and over this time I have developed a large and strong network, which is integral to helping the business to grow.”

After initially completing a law degree at Newcastle University, Louise unintentionally fell into business development and found that she had a natural talent for it.

With a career that has spanned various industries including technology, weddings, legal and the housing sector, she’s grateful to be back in the tech sector, which she describes as a fast-paced, growing and exciting industry to be a part of.

Louise continued: “Working for razorblue is brilliant! I’ve never worked for such a large business before, and I was nervous I wouldn’t feel connected to anyone outside my immediate team, but this has not been the case. The company culture is remarkable, there is such a team spirit throughout, and everyone is super nice.

“There is an open culture, directors are easily accessible are keen to know your opinion, it really is a team effort, and we have lots of exciting plans for the future.”

The technology sector is largely male oriented, with women making up just 16 per cent of the workforce, whereas the razorblue culture focuses on being far more inclusive, with over 20 per cent of its employees being female and the majority of those in leadership roles.

Louise is keen to see a greater uptake of roles for females in the technology industry, encouraging women to ignore perceived obstacles and follow their passion.

She continued: “If you are at the very beginning of your tech journey, get experience and utilise contacts. It’s a great sector and one that is only going to continue to grow. Put yourself out there, work hard, ask for help when you need it. Remember that anything is possible!”

Louise intends to remain with the business long term, thanks to the wealth of opportunities and scope for personal development. The company focuses on investing in and encouraging its staff and boasts an array of remarkable career journeys as employees are given ample occasions to maximise on their potential.

Five minutes with Louise Gilbey

How did you get into business development?

By accident. My sister-in-law ran a wedding décor business, she used to attend wedding fairs and wanted some company one day, as they could be quite long days.

It seemed daft to be there and not try to help so I started to chat to couples about their big day and made four large sales, and that was my introduction into the world of sales and I haven’t looked back since!

Best part of your job?

People, my job is all about people. I’m a very social person and I’m passionate about people, their businesses and the local community, and I love to help where and when I can. This career allows me to do this, it’s very fulfilling work.

Describe a typical day at razorblue?

One of the great things about the role is that every day is different. I usually start the day doing my admin tasks mainly emails and writing proposals. But the majority of my time is spent with people.

Whether that be in a team meeting, working on strategies, meeting prospects, or building my network and fostering relationships at a networking event.

I’m rarely in the office, you can usually find me visiting companies’ offices, or in a coffee shop. It’s not a bad life!

If you could do something else in business, what would it be?

I would love to buy an old barn and convert it into a farm shop and café, might be a semi-retirement plan – but that’s a while off yet.

How would you describe yourself in 4 words? Enthusiastic, conscientious, caring and clumsy.

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