November Talk with Chris Roberts MBE

IT’S NOVEMBER! – the year is coming to an end and Q4 is well under way. We’re talking to small businesses about what’s happening for them in the last two months. Up today is Chris Roberts MBE who is a journalist and runs Chris Roberts MBE PR. Her business promotes other businesses, people and events in and around the Cotswolds and further afield in the UK. Chris is based near Cirencester but works with people all over.

What’s your business highlight for November 2022 (or even from October 2022)?
Quite by accident, I have grown another arm to my business. From previously promoting local businesses, I have grown reviewing them as well. Initially, I was asked to review the newly refurbished Crown at Ampney Brook – hotel, gastro pub and restaurant. After a lovely indulgent stay there overnight with my husband, the review that I wrote was published in several newspapers and magazines. Since then, I have been asked to review other hostelries including Cote Brasserie in Cirencester, New Wave Brasserie in Lechlade and a five-star boutique Manor House hotel in Painswick. Take a look at the reviews on my website www.chrisrobertsmbe.co.uk.

And what about a personal highlight this last month?
I have been involved with helping to organise the Fairford Festival for around 20 years now but have recently taken over the organisation of the separate but integral Fairford Festival of Fiction from Paul Cornell. Paul is well known as a TV script writer, author and one of the writers of Doctor Who. I am having a great time contacting famous authors in many genres to invite them to the Festival of Fiction. It is a very interesting and motivating experience. Fairford Festival of Fiction will take place on Saturday 10th June 2023.

Are you doing anything in November for charity or for a community or volunteer project? 
I am usually involved in something for the community. That’s how I got my MBE – for services to the community of Fairford! As part of the Fairford Festival, I have been sourcing pre-loved teddy bears for the festival committee to sell at the Fairford Festive Market on Friday 2nd December. The money raised plus any profit from the festival itself goes directly to Fairford Town Charity to donate to worthwhile causes.

I am also a committee member for the Palmer Hall in Fairford and am helping to organise the Palmer Hall Christmas Gift Fayre that is scheduled for Saturday 19th November.

Has the recent turmoil in the economy, government or the cost of living crisis affected your business? Or your personal life in any way that you are happy to share?
The war in the Ukraine has had far-reaching effects on many countries especially with Russia using fuel supplies etc as a weapon of war. Many Ukrainian families have fled their homeland and are making new homes in other countries including the UK. I have seen at first-hand how these families have suffered, but how they are trying to make the best of a bad situation in a new country. In Fairford, we have several Ukrainian families living here and members of our community have been very generous in donating food, clothes and even homes for these families. As a Councillor and former Mayor of Fairford, I have supported the financing and setting up of a youth club for Ukrainian children to integrate with local children. It must be very frightening and isolating coming to a new country where you don’t speak the language. We have to do all we can to help.

What’s your top tip for being positive in the midst of a lot of negativity?
I have always believed in ‘mind over matter’. I know it’s not easy for everyone to be strong in mind to overcome negativity, but it is the way I deal with things. I sort of brainwash myself into believing that I can make things better and the bad times will not last forever. If I am worried about anything in business, personally or in life generally, I also ask myself “will this really matter in five years’ time?” If the answer is “no” – and it usually is – then I stop worrying. It’s just not worth the stress.

Did you know November 13 is World Kindness Day – has anyone shown kindness to you in the last month or so? At home and/or work? 
A former client of mine and now dear friend, Yuksel Pain of Turkishwares has been so kind sending me, my daughter and my new grandson lots of lovely Turkish products from her fabulous range that she sells online. It’s not just gifts that she sends, but lots of love and kindness. She really is the nicest and kindest person I know.

It’s also Black Friday on November 25 which is now quite mainstream – do you participate in this within your business? Or do you prefer the Buy Nothing Day on November 27?
I’m very wary of Black Friday not only because it seems to go on for days or weeks and not just for one Friday, but also because I was caught out once when I did buy something online on Black Friday. It was a scam website that really did look very authentic. I got hooked in and paid the price – luckily, I didn’t lose too much money.

Are there any awareness days or special weeks in November which are relevant to your business/organisation or sector? 
Wednesday 16th November is International Day for Tolerance. I believe that we should all be more tolerant regardless of what business we are in or what our beliefs are. All too often I have found that some people air their views quite vehemently but fail to listen to other people’s views in return. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but let people have their voice and be respectful to them. This is particularly true in politics and religion where people hold very strong views and have no qualms at all about sharing sometimes to the detriment of others. Sometimes, in business, it is best to keep your views to yourself for fear of alienating potential customers.

Have you got any events planned for November or December you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
I am thrilled that some of my recent articles will be finding their way into a couple of glossy magazines in November and December. I have also been invited to stay at a 5* luxury manor house hotel and then write an article about my stay. Looking forward to a bit of luxury!

I am helping to organise the Christmas Gift Fayre at the Palmer Hall in Fairford on Saturday 19th November from 2pm-4pm and also helping with the annual Fairford Festive Market on Friday 2nd December from 6pm-9pm in Fairford Market Place. Both are great events if you want to get into the Christmas spirit.

And finally, is there anything else you’d like to say?
My strap line is ‘I like to poke my nose into other people’s business and then make up stories about them’!! I love writing articles to promote people, events and businesses and I have found that stories can often be better than a paid advert to promote what you do and who you are. Stories evoke emotion, are more engaging, build rapport and relationships and can encourage more customers to use your business or come to your event.

Find out more about Chris by heading to www.chrisrobertsmbe.co.uk.