Christmas Spotlight: Sam Duggan

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we’ll invite someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Next up, it’s Sam Duggan, head of marketing at Leeds-based marketing automation platform Force24…

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s…”

…all about health, friends and family. It’s important not to take the simple things in life for granted – and the ability to see your loved ones whenever you want! I’ve always tried to remember this, but there’s no doubt that 2020 has reinforced it.

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

I’d have to say a massive well done to everyone for transitioning to the remote working life – almost seamlessly. It was a bizarre time when the first lockdown was introduced, but everyone in our team got on with it, and without any complaints. I think for Force24, and many other businesses, it’s changed the way SMEs will operate in future.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

Nothing too interesting but I did buy myself a proper desk and chair at the start – a mantra of mine is ‘spend money where you spend time’. Being sat at the desk for eight hours a day definitely warrants a proper, ergonomic setup!

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

What possibilities the £4.8million YFM Equity Partners’ investment unlocks, our website rebuild and the 2021 Christmas party – we’ll no doubt be making up for lost time this year!

Which business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

I’d have to say Leeds pair North Star Coffee Roasters and North Brewing Co. Both have kept me suitably hydrated at different times of the day and are two great examples of independent businesses that are constantly being forced to innovate, in order to survive.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

I remember it snowed on Christmas Eve when I was about five-years old. It was probably only about six inches in depth, but I was so small it felt like I was in the middle of the Arctic. Snow has had a special place in my heart ever since!

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

Got to be pigs in blankets hasn’t it!?

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

My grandad, who passed away a few years ago, used to have a bit of a taste for sherry. That’s why my brother and I have made it a tradition to see to a bottle on Christmas Day – so that’d have to be my tipple. My film of choice is ‘Die Hard’ (yes, it is a Christmas film!) and tune has to be Jona Lewie’s ‘Stop the cavalry’.

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

There’s no doubt it’s going to be a bit different this year, but there’s still plenty to look forward to. For me, it’s probably just a break from the normal and a chance to enjoy that magical feeling you get in your stomach in the run up to Christmas day.

And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

Hands, face, space… Only joking! I would say keep your chin up. It’s been a tumultuous year but we’re all in this together. Take time out of your day to chat to a friend or sibling for five minutes and see how they’re doing – it could make the world of difference.