Bex Staff Spotlight

Bex Gawne is Click Intelligence’s fantastic Content Manager. She’s grown and developed with the company and her incredible organisation skills enable the delivery of over 3,000 content articles per month!

We’ve spent some time speaking with Bex to get to know her a little better.  She shares why she loves working for an agency, her expert writing tips, and talks to us about her tea obsession.

How long have you been at Click Intelligence?

I started in January 2018, so I’ve been with Click Intelligence for 3 and a half years now.  I actually started as a Content Executive.

Can you tell us 3 fun facts about you?

Hmmm, that’s a tricky one, but I hope so!

1. If I were on Mastermind, my specialist subject would be either the Tudors or Game of Thrones (just don’t ask me about the last season)
2. I have an Instagram dedicated to tea and books, and I have more than 50 different types of tea in my repurposed tea cabinet! I collect vintage teacups and tea memorabilia, usually from charity shops because it’s amazing what you can find, and you help out a cause at the same time (this explains the pic of me looking smug while drinking tea and my tea cupboard!)
3. I’m a ‘cat enthusiast‘ (aka a bit of a cat lady) but unfortunately don’t have my own… yet.  I annoy all the cats in my neighbourhood by interrupting their sleep – there is a beautiful cat in my back alley called Mario (I’ve named him) because he has a moustache who won’t come see me anymore because of how much I tap on the window to get his attention…  I am determined to make him love me, though!

What did you do before working at Click?

I completed my degree in English and Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. I actually wrote my dissertation as an excerpt of a novel based on Jane Seymour’s life in the Tudor court.

I then started work as a Content Writer for a personalised gift company based in Manchester.

So, what brought you to Click Intelligence?

I wanted variety – I enjoyed my previous job, but when you work on the agency side, you end up writing about so many more sectors.  One day it might be conveyor belts, the next luxury villas!  This change appealed because it keeps things exciting and means I can deliver better writing.

One of the best things about working for Click is that no two clients are the same; it keeps things engaging.

What has been your biggest achievement working at Click?

I think it’s definitely that I now manage the content team!  I first started out as a Junior Editor and I’ve developed my skills and worked up to becoming the team manager in 3 years. I’m proud of this, and it’s also been really rewarding to be offered the progression in a growing business.

As I’ve moved into management, I don’t get to do as much editing as my role is focused on keeping everything organised and keeping on top of our schedules. Working as an editor and a writer has definitely helped this as I understand what it’s like to work at all stages of the process.

What is your job’s biggest challenge?

Remembering every client’s specific requirements. We have some clients who work in similar sectors but have very different voices and approaches. Consistency in tone of voice is essential, and providing accurate briefs to writers is too. Great organisation and team check-ins help!

What is your favourite thing about working for Click?

I love my team and I love chatting with people!  Whether it’s clients or the wider team, it’s nice to have a cup of tea and catch up. Click has a really warm and welcoming environment and culture. The company seems to attract really friendly, bubbly people and we can all have a laugh.

This past year has weirdly brought people in the company closer – when we’ve not been in the office, we’ve missed out on chats in the kitchen or over lunch, so we’ve all had to make more of an effort to check-in and speak with each other. This effort means I’ve built a stronger rapport with people than I had in the office and we’re all been more inclined to talk about the effect of the pandemic and the shift to being at home. It heightened the comradery!

When we first shifted to working from home, I really missed being around people and talking during a tea run. It took me a good few months of being at home before I’d let myself go make a cup of tea! It’s been an adjustment period for us all, but it’s truly made me value the people in the company.

Do you prefer writing or editing – and why?

When I was younger, I’d write stories for all my little cousins, so for me, writing has been something I’ve enjoyed my entire life. However, I learnt to read before I went to primary school, so reading has always been a part of my life.  So, I think that you need both, you definitely need to enjoy both.  Editing inspires your own writing and helps influence your work to make it better.  Writing flexes those creative muscles.  So, you need both!

What is your favourite niche to write/ read for?

This is the easiest question.  Anything and everything in the lifestyle sector!  Home décor, family life, relationships – not so much fashion but homeware or holidays.

What top tips do you have for writing engaging content?

Keep reading because you will pick up things from other writers. Also, you always need to write what you want to read.  If you write something you find boring, other people will find it boring too! Also, you will get bored writing it and your readers will be able to tell. You have to find ways to write with passion, no matter what the subject is.

To be able to write for a living is one of the most fun careers around; you get to use your creative skills every day. You have to use that with topics that you maybe don’t find engaging, think about who does, and why and bring that into your work.

Do you have any parting words of wisdom or grammar rules to share?

Some people think the Oxford comma is optional – at Click, we love it! #TeamOxfordComma

Also, ensure you take the time to brew your tea properly before drinking and visit your local charity shops for bargains…!

Bex, thank you for giving up your time to have a chat with us! It’s been a pleasure getting your tips and understanding your love for cats, Tudors, and tea.