Margaret Bradshaw - CEO Sleepout UK

Margaret Bradshaw

How long have you been in business for?

I have been in business for just over 30 years. I started in hospitality then moved into recruitment and 3 years later into radio advertising. This experience was amazing and then I went into marketing management in professional services before setting up my own business in 2017 focusing on marketing planning. We have a training company and tech business supporting SME’s.

What are some of your driving values?

I am incredibly passionate about being authentic and helpful. I feel that great communication works wonders and if we can bring some positivity and motivation to situations then that’s great. Sharing good energy helps in so many ways.

You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?

At times in life we all face challenges and it’s the support of each other that matters. We all have time and if we can give some back to help and make a difference then that’s a wonderful thing.

Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?

The closest thing to me is teenage mental health and I wish I could wave a magic wand and just make it all ok. This is a complex area and the rise in eating disorders is concerning and this is such a difficult area to deal with. Significant changes need to be made in many areas if we are to tackle it.

How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?

I met Bianca and the rest is history! CEO Sleepout UK is an excellent cause and working so hard to make positive change.

What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?

I support other charities including prostate cancer UK and Macmillan. I also raised funds for the British Heart Foundation during Covid by holding online charity coffee chats.

Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:

I have had amazing experiences at work and worked with lovely people. I started my business with a genuine passion for wanting to showcase the role of marketing in a business and offer a way of making life easier for others. I believe it's so important to look forward and believe in what you do. I am also enjoying seeing my children grow and develop their lives, both of whom are talented and creative.

How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?

I think that being open and living by clear vision and values is so important. Openness, inclusion and transparency are key.

Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?

I think as a business owner you set out to develop a business based on a belief or ambition. This gives you a sense of purpose so its really important that those in leadership roles carry that forward and show how it's done.