Chamber conversations: Sara Witham from Evil Empire
At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations - from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities - all working to make our region stronger and more connected.
As part of this month’s focus on Women’s Equality Day, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber members whose creativity and leadership is helping to challenge norms and inspire others in the business community. We’re proud to feature Sara Witham, founder and 'Chief Henchwoman’ of Evil Empire, as our Chamber Member of the Month, recognising her innovative spirit and dedication to producing creative, data-driven campaigns that help businesses grow and connect with their audiences.
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Evil Empire. What does a typical day look like?
I’m Sara, founder of Evil Empire, and I consider myself to be an experienced all-round marketer, do-er, collaborator and enthusiastic ideas person!
A typical day for me comprises checking in with the team and our clients, establishing ideas and strategies for marketing outreach, giving feedback on tasks, in-person or online meetings, networking and usually a quick swim or gym session!
Collaboration is also a big part of my drive for running the business, so I’m always out networking, introducing people to each other, and shouting about The Platform Project, our company charity.
Top and tailing that is plenty of parent stuff, school runs, clubs, swimming and the odd glass or three of prosecco thrown in!
Can you tell us more about what your company does, where it is based, and the impact it has on the local business landscape and beyond?
Evil Empire Marketing was established in 2019 to provide businesses and organisations access to a quality, responsive outsourced marketing function as a fractional or bolt-on service – we are your strategic marketing team.
The business works as a collective of skilled marketing experts with proven backgrounds in strategy, content creation and communications with many years of experience between them. The aim of Evil Empire has always been to provide access to quality, efficient, experienced professionals with the ability to devise and implement effective marketing strategies.
We thrive on having a diverse base of clients in industries such as software, geospatial, warehouse tech, recruitment, serviced offices, home improvements, town planning, IT services and many more. The team’s diverse skillset and experience allows the business to effectively tackle a range of marketing needs across a wide variety of sectors and industries.
We take an honest, straightforward and ethical approach to business, ensuring our clients are supported with high-quality services that work in alignment with their business objectives.
Our impact as a business extends UK-wide as we have clients as far as Manchester and Glasgow, but we do lots of work locally too. I always try to attend local networking events, encouraging collaboration between businesses I know. I also deliver workshops, learning sessions and panel discussions on all things marketing and running your own business.
We do a lot of work with The Platform Project in Swindon, which is a local Community Interest Company for young people at risk of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). I help them with mentoring, inter-school competitions, career talks and anything in between.
I work closely with Swindon College on the student and team training side and have recently visited Taunton and Bridgewater College for an apprenticeships panel discussion. Education and preparing young people for the world of work is my side passion!
What inspired you to start your own business, and how has that journey shaped you as a leader?
I have always wanted to run my own business, so it was about time when I did! I started it mainly so I could work flexibly around my children. I always knew I wanted a small agency doing good things for good companies, so I set out to do just that.
It's shaped me as a leader in more ways than I think I ever could have imagined. I was very lucky to be managed by an incredibly inspirational woman in my last role, as well as having the same in a CEO who taught me how to lead.
I probably don’t always get it right like everyone, but I know that you never get the best out of people by being unapproachable and not listening to what they have to say. Communication, regular connection (both business and personal) and being empathetic with my team keeps us all productive and happy.
Of course, the workload can get heavy, and agency work is very fast-paced and changeable, but we roll with it and support each other. We have fun along the way and a bank of amazing clients that I can genuinely say are a pleasure to work with!
I’ve had to really recognise when the business needs me, when I have to step up and take charge, control what is happening and prioritise their wellbeing. I know if I’m happy, I am more productive, so the same goes for all of us. I am also extremely honest with them, so they are super clear about where we are at with clients, what’s in the pipeline and keep them away of any operational changes we might make as we grow.
As a female founder in the creative industry, have there been any moments that stand out in your journey - either challenges you’ve overcome or proud milestones you've reached?
A real moment for me has just recently happened, but I can't announce it just yet! Watch the socials for updates!
Aside from this is when we started to grow at pace last November and we employed Jess (a great marketing manager with lots of experience), who has jumped in at the deep end. I am now able to concentrate more on filling the pipeline, collaborations, workshops, events and generally spreading the Empire word!
An example of this is when we had two events in one day last month, so I was able to support The Platform Project inter-schools competition, and Jess took charge of the Expo stand, so I didn’t have to choose!
How long have you been a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce, and what prompted you to join?
One and a half years so far, I’d previously been to a few events and had heard great things from existing members. I also liked how far the Chamber covered, as I’d always wanted to expand more into the South West, especially Bristol.
What has been most valuable to you as a Business West Chamber Member?
The events are great to attend, plus I’ve delivered a webinar on marketing with the LSIP team, so they are great at promoting the skills of their members. We’ve used some of the online support documents and advice, which are brilliant for sense-checking. The perks from other members and organisations are handy too!
Finally, what advice would you give to a business thinking of becoming a member of our Business West Chambers of Commerce?
My biggest piece of advice is that you get out what you put in, and if you want to get more involved, ask and see how Business West can help you raise your profile to other members and the wider community.
I did this and found myself running an extremely well-organised webinar in conjunction with Business West that helped to promote my business, as well as enabling other businesses to learn more about marketing as they grow. A win, win for me!
Join the Chamber and make connections that matter
Whether you’re a charity, SME, or multinational company, Business West Chamber of Commerce is here to help you connect, grow and thrive. By becoming a Chamber member, you gain access to:
- A vibrant network of businesses
- Networking and profile-raising opportunities
- Local influence and business representation
- Dedicated support from our expert teams
To find out more about becoming a Chamber member, click here. And if you are already a Chamber member and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one, then please get in touch with Amy.