After graduating with a degree in Broadcasting at Falmouth University in 2007, Charla set-up a digital media production company producing online content for international businesses including Marriott Hotels and Hewlett Packard’s European departments. Finding that the majority of her time was spent working abroad, Charla made the decision to carve a career closer to home and, supported by the Unlocking Potential Graduate Placement programme, joined the team at Truro BID as Marketing and Events Officer.

In her 10 years in post, Charla delivered a number of key projects for Truro including a new brand for the City, destination marketing campaigns and a series of events and festivals predominantly focused around culture, tourism and business growth. With a love of creative communications at heart, Charla joined the Unlocking Potential team in June 2018 as Digital and Web Coordinator, progressing to take on the position of Marketing Manager alongside Betty Paton in March 2019. Charla takes great delight in filling her spare time (and face) with her love of good food, regularly cooking for family and friends – balanced by long bike rides with the kids, woodland walks and sea swimming.

Charla, tell us more about your role:

As the Marketing Manager, my role is to work with the amazing marketing team to create dynamic campaigns that highlight the best in our programmes. On a day to day basis this can vary from content planning for new campaign ideas, to developing the website, preparing high energy impact case studies or planning and delivering game-changing events.

What do you enjoy most about working with UP?

Knowing that all of our passion, energy and effort is making a real and positive impact to the strength and success of businesses in Cornwall. They’re also a really funny bunch!

How do you stay inspired?

Sea swimming. Every week and all year round, in our beautiful coastal waters. It clears the mind in a very unique way! The inquisitive minds of my children are also a constant reminder to look at the world laterally and be inspired by different ideas and viewpoints.

What is one thing that you have tried, which you will never do again?

Oysters!

What is your biggest bug-bear?

When people hand coin change on top of a note or receipt – it always slips off when they hand it over!!

You’ve been given an elephant, you can’t get rid of it, what would you do?

Elephants were my favourite animal as a child, so, this would be a childhood dream come true!