Louise Hunt Skelley PLY has a busy Summer and she's sharing all about it!

It’s June already and we’re halfway through the year. It’s also officially the first month of Summer, and the weather has been brilliant! This month we’re asking small business owners to tell us more about what’s happening for them throughout June!

Louise is a former Paralympic tennis player who travelled competing and who was ranked top ten in the world at the height of her career. Today she’s a television commentator on sports, a motivational speaker and an advocate and activist around disability rights.

JUNE is the first month of Summer. What will you be doing this summer in your role?
It’s been just over a year since I became self-employed and I’m enjoying every second of it. June has been a very busy month for me. I’ve been working across several schools around the country, mentoring young people, helping to organise another international tennis tournament and speaking at the Great British Expos event in Twickenham! 

June 1 to 7 this year was Volunteers Week. Do you volunteer at all? Do you raise money for charity?
I work for a couple of local charities and I see, weekly, the vital importance and difference volunteers make. The charities simply couldn’t run without our amazing volunteers. I have volunteered for charities in the past and raised money on many occasions. I raised money for an amazing charity who helped me, called Get Kids Going, by racing in 7 London Mini Wheelchair Marathons and doing a sky dive. 

Are there any key themes in your sector which are relevant to summer?
The biggest things happening around my area of work this summer is in sport. These involve the tennis tournaments like Wimbledon. It’s a historic year, where for the first time the womens white clothing rule has been relaxed and the wheelchair tennis event is taking place over 5 days. 

June 30 is Social Media Day. What does social media mean to you and your business?
My favourite social media platform is Instagram! Mainly because I love photos and videos as I feel they really bring things to life so it’s perfect for me. Social media is a vital way for me to communicate the work I do and share the good things that happen in the industries I work across, as well as having the chance to educate on the areas which need improvement too. All of these things are great pros for having social media, and most importantly it is an easy way to stay connected with others. The con is certainly putting yourself in a position where you are exposed with little protection and support. I’m always aware that what I post may not agree with everyone, but I’m aware of that before I share anything and understand that comments and responses may not always align with my thinking. You have to become resilient to unnecessary and uncomfortable responses sometimes. 

Would you like to provide us with a summer ‘guide’ of some kind?
I’d love to share my favourite restaurants with you! 

Hall and Woodhouse in Swindon has a great atmosphere and is very quirky in terms of decoration! 

Rick Steins in Marlborough is 10/10 for food! I love sea food so this is the place for me! 

Los Gatos in Swindon because the food is delicious, there is always great service and it’s such a fun way to eat with a group of friends! 

Fox and Hounds in Wroughton is such a lovely quaint traditional pub with the yummiest food! 

The Rendevous in Swindon is brilliant if you like oriental food! There is so much variety there so it’s a great place to go for everyone!

To learn more about Louise visit http://www.louisehunt.co.uk/