My Story
Hi, I'm Lara.
I'm a marketing consultant based in Burton-on-Trent, with over 20 years' experience working across brand strategy, digital marketing, content creation and advertising.
Throughout my career, I've worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes, including global brands such as Coca-Cola, UNICEF, Molson Coors and Citibank. My experience spans construction, property, financial services, hospitality, sustainability, telecommunications and professional services.
I'm also the co-founder of Sallara Marketing, an outsourced marketing department that I run alongside my business partner, Sal. Since establishing the business in 2017, we've supported over 100 businesses, helping them strengthen their brands, attract customers and achieve measurable growth.
Alongside my client work, I'm a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and a tutor with The Marketing Leadership Academy (TMLA), where I teach CIM qualifications.
I enjoy the variety that comes with marketing. No two businesses are the same, and I like getting to know the people behind them, understanding their challenges and finding creative, practical ways to make a difference.
Where it all began
I've worked in marketing for most of my career, but becoming a business owner wasn't always part of the plan.
In July 2017, I was due to have the big wedding I'd spent months organising. Just two weeks before the day, my dad passed away.
It was an incredibly difficult time for me and my family. Greg and I still got married, but instead of the wedding we'd planned, we had a small ceremony with our immediate family.
I ended up getting married in a £10 dress from Sainsbury's, which certainly wasn't how I'd imagined it! Despite everything, it was still a special day.
Losing my dad changed my perspective on life and work. It made me think more seriously about what I wanted to do and gave me the push to pursue something I'd been considering for a while running my own business.
I'd spent years working in corporate marketing and had gained some brilliant experience along the way. But I also wanted the freedom to work more closely with businesses, get involved in different projects and have a more direct impact on their success.
That was the beginning of a new chapter.
Where Sallara began
The idea for Sallara actually goes back to 2014.
Sal and I had just completed our CIM Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma and decided to celebrate with a well-earned pint in the pub.
I remember turning to her and saying, "I'd love to go self-employed and run a marketing business."
Her response was, "I do too!"
We didn't know exactly how or when it would happen, but the idea stayed with us.
In 2017, we finally took the leap and established Sallara Marketing.
I still remember signing our first client for £100 a month. Since then, we've gone on to support over 100 businesses, working across a wide range of sectors and helping clients achieve some fantastic results.
Today, Sallara operates as an outsourced marketing department. We combine our own experience with a trusted network of specialist freelancers, bringing together the right expertise to support each business.
Sal and I have different personalities and strengths, which has always worked in our favour. We bring different perspectives to the business, challenge each other's thinking and work well as a team.
It's been quite a journey since that conversation in the pub, and I'm proud of what we've built together.
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Life outside of marketing
I'm originally from Burton-on-Trent, and although work keeps me busy, there's plenty going on outside it too.
I'm mum to three girls Francesca, Alicia and Holly who certainly keep me on my toes! Running a business alongside family life can be a juggling act, but I love the flexibility that comes with working for myself.
Family and friends are a big part of my life, and I enjoy spending time with them whenever I can.
I've always been into fitness and keeping active. I enjoy working out, running and getting outdoors for a walk. Exercise is an important part of my routine and helps me switch off from work.
I'm also a big foodie, love trying new places to eat and am a huge horror film fan. There's a good chance that if you mention a horror film, I've already seen it!
What you can expect from me
I like to keep things straightforward.
I'm naturally creative and enjoy coming up with new ideas, but I also believe marketing needs to deliver something meaningful for the business.
I take the time to understand the people I work with, what they're trying to achieve and where I can make the biggest difference.
Whether that's helping a local business generate more enquiries, developing a brand strategy or supporting an established organisation with its marketing, I bring the same approach: clear thinking, creative ideas and a genuine commitment to doing a good job.
And I believe working together should be enjoyable too.
If you'd like to talk about your business and how I could help, I'd love to hear from you.
Lara
