Kay Forster  Central Newcastle 1983 – 1992

Sales & Marketing Newcastle Racecourse

Due to lacking any real “calling” I chose French at The University of Sheffield as my degree subject as I had shown some aptitude for it at school.

After completing my four-year course I still had no clear career goal so decided to apply to graduate schemes with large retailers believing that the variety offered would provide a good basis upon which to make a long term career decision. The John Lewis Partnership asked me to join the Liverpool branch in 1996 where I spent just short of two years before taking up a position as department manager in Newcastle.

Although an excellent training scheme I found the constraints a little stifling so began to explore new opportunities and moved into the recruitment industry. It was then that I began to experience a sales role for the first time and the joys of targets!

I spent 18 thoroughly enjoyable months in this industry and learned a great deal about the business of selling. The variety of the role was rewarding as everyday was a juggling act between sourcing new business, interviewing prospective candidates, job matching clients and candidates, copy writing and negotiating. I was working in the commercial sector recruiting permanent secretaries, administrators, PA’s, call centre staff and sales professionals but most enjoyed the high salary level placements (the commissions were better!).

One element of the job was to visit clients in their premises to gain a full understanding of their requirements and in October 2000 I was asked to visit Newcastle Racecourse to help them recruit for a new role. The business was expanding and they needed a commercial manager to lead the existing sales team, and to raise the profile of the business. Part way through my meeting with the then General Manager he asked me if I would consider taking the job myself and, to cut a long story short, that’s exactly what I did!

I have now been here for 2 years and am still constantly amazed by the vagaries of the horse racing industry. My role is a mix of all sorts; ultimately I am responsible for all the profit lines in the business, control of sales and marketing, advertising, PR and media liaison, sponsorship, hospitality, conference and events business, staff appraisals, operational issues surrounding racedays, liaison with industry bodies and focus groups and I also get involved with our 8 sister racecourses to help develop their businesses.

The role is challenging, varied, rewarding and sometimes frustrating but is most definitely not for the faint hearted. Hours are long, the pressure is high but I never get bored!

I am happy to be contacted via the Minerva Network Development Office for advice.