“I’m involved in everything from onboarding new clients and writing applications to supporting the charities, businesses, and social enterprises we work with.
“What I enjoy most is bringing people together, whether that means linking a service one organisation offers to another that could benefit from it, or introducing people with shared experiences who can support each other. I also help bring funding and business contracts to Teesside, which is always a highlight, and I’m a very proud Teessider.
“I started Swanson Buck over five years ago to fill a real gap. Small charities often don’t have time to write applications, and businesses pursuing tenders may lack in-house experience but don’t want to hire full-time staff. We take that weight off their shoulders. So far, we’ve helped secure over £3.2 million for charities and provided businesses with research, professional tender documents, and guidance to get contract-ready.
“One comment that really made me smile recently was, ‘So now both your grown-up children work in the business. That is living the dream.’ And it really is. They are both passionate and hardworking, which means the world to me! Starting this business at 50 and seeing how far it has come still feels a bit unreal, but very special.
“And for a bit of fun, even my Patterdale Terrier is part of the team. He barks on every call, so it’s official, he’s our Head of Security, keeping us on our toes!”
“I’m the Chief Operating Officer here at Swanson Buck, now heading into my sixth year with the organisation. What excites me most about the role is the incredible variety, no two days are ever the same. I get to work with such a diverse range of clients, and I’m constantly on the move, problem-solving, planning and collaborating. It’s a fast-paced environment, which suits me perfectly. There’s a real sense of purpose in what we do, and being part of a team that’s genuinely committed to making a difference keeps me energised and motivated every day.
“Swanson Buck was a no-brainer for me. After finishing my master’s, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. Do I go into engineering and use my degrees? Do I head into finance? The charity sector wasn’t something I imagined myself going into when I was in school, but once you’re in it, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. I had the opportunity to work with Swanson Buck during both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and in many ways, I’ve grown alongside the business. I’ve been able to develop professionally while watching our client base and impact grow, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.
“One of my proudest moments? Completing Tough Mudder earlier this year. It was a real test of grit and team spirit, and something I’ll always look back on with pride.
“If you can’t reach me, there’s a good chance I’m out running with my big golden retriever, Teddy, or grabbing a coffee, often both! I’m always on the go and thrive when I’m busy and outdoors.”
"At Swanson Buck, I can help our clients share their story and make an impact. From communication strategies, media relations and social media management to creating content, I ensure our clients’ work is clear, consistent and engaging. I can also help with annual reports, turning them into something polished and easy to read.
"I’m still the team newbie, but I’m absolutely loving it. It has been brilliant getting involved in so many projects and seeing the difference their work makes.
"What I enjoy most is helping organisations connect with their audiences in a way that works for them. Whether it’s shaping their message, delivering a campaign, or helping a charity share its impact, I love seeing the difference good communications can make. I also enjoy supporting our team and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over 21 years in local government, housing and charity communications.
"I joined Swanson Buck because, alongside this great team, I want to make a real difference for organisations doing amazing work. Helping them reach the right audiences and achieve their goals is really rewarding.
"A fun fact about me is that I’m always planning my next hike and love exploring the North York Moors with my rescue lurcher, Benny."
“I’m really enjoying putting my business degree to good use, helping charities and businesses make sure they’re grant or tender ready. I prefer working behind the scenes, sorting things out so everything runs smoothly, and I know how crucial that work is. Without the right planning and management, the frontline projects just couldn’t happen. A lot of my time is spent managing spreadsheets, budgets, and accounts, and I actually enjoy that side of things.
“After seeing the difference Swanson Buck was making across Teesside, I knew I wanted to be part of it. It’s great to see the real impact of what we do and how it helps organisations grow stronger.
“A proud moment for me is whenever a charity gets the funding they’ve been hoping for and knowing what that means for the people they support. It’s a great feeling!
“Outside of work, I’m happiest outdoors. I love hiking, golf, and spending time with my dogs, anything that gets me out in the fresh air.”