Resident in Focus: Erin Cooke, NI Account Executive, Warwick Event Services at

We caught up with resident, Erin to find out more about her role with Warwick Events Services, her goals for 2020 and the biggest lessons she’s learned while working remotely.

Name & role:

Erin Cooke, NI Account Executive at Warwick Event Services

Company elevator pitch:

My company specialises in Audio Visual & Technical services, Exhibition Services, Shell Scheme build, electrical and lighting solutions. With our head office in Exeter and a newly opened Scotland warehouse, I currently work remotely in Belfast, at Ormeau Baths. Currently, I head up the production side of the company, account managing all UK events and Northern Ireland projects. For over thirty years, we have delivered innovative and exciting solutions to help our clients deliver memorable events, no matter the location or the size.

Business/career goal for 2020:

My business goal for 2020 is to become a well-known AV and Exhibition supplier in Northern Ireland, as well as develop my already strong relationships with venues such as the ICC, The Hasting’s Group and Queen’s University. My personal career goal for 2020, is to feel confident in my role and have the answers to most questions.

If you could take one person out for coffee who would it be and why?

If I could take one person out for coffee, it would have to be Audrey Hepburn. A real passion of mine is drama and entertainment. However, I am also a strong believer in reap what you sow, where people are concerned. As an actress, who won awards for her humanitarian values, I believe she carries a lot of traits that I admire, and I would have loved to have had the chance of a coffee with her. I also know my mum would have lots of burning questions for her.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about working remotely?

How important communication is. Being based in Belfast away from my team, technology has been my hero. With so many logistics and steps to follow, communication with my team is vital. I am never off the phone and invest a lot of time to our online shared portals. I am also very lucky to travel a lot. Therefore, I see the team once a month at Head Office, onsite at events and in sunny Belfast, when they get to travel over here.

What are some of the common misconceptions about remote work?

I think the biggest misconception about remote working, would be the overwhelming feeling of loneliness and lack of support that must come with it. As mentioned, I am constantly in contact with my team, and know that at least one of them is only a call away. I feel immensely supported by my immediate commercial team, as well as the wider organisational team.

What’s your favourite thing about working in a co-working space?

My favourite thing about a co-working space would have to be the networking and social opportunities. In Ormeau Baths, there are so many personalities from different backgrounds and industries, adding a layer of interest and variation to my day. There is a real emphasis on community and relationship building here, and the free beer on a Friday is a bonus.

If you had to enter into a talent show what would you do?

My usual go-to in a talent show would be singing or drama. Playing anything from an Air Hostess to Robin Hood, I’ve done it since I was very little and still love the feeling of performing to a crowd. Musical Theatre is a real passion of mine.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you

One thing that people are always surprised to find out, is that I’m only 22, and I graduated only last year. I find that when I chat to people at networking events and discuss my role within Warwick, many people assume that I am late 20’s.

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?

I would love to be able to fluently speak another language, like Spanish or Italian. We often visit those destinations and I would love to be able to communicate in the national language.

Who is your dream business mentor?

It’s hard to pick a single business mentor, I’m sure many people would pick someone famous, although I guess I would have to say, my manager. I have worked in many part-time roles up to now and I think that all of my managers have had a role to play in how I have developed professionally. That combined with my current full-time role and the mentoring I receive on a daily basis, my communication with others, eye for detail and my general work ethic are miles ahead of where they were 6 months ago.

Name one resource (book, podcast, publication etc) that has had an impact on your approach to business

I would have to say the biggest resource that I use, would be social media and online articles about business. App’s such as LinkedIn help me to connect with a number of local professionals and get the inside track on what’s happening in Belfast.