Yet again for 2025, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 12 quickfire questions. First is Sarah Beaumont, Widd, Partnerships and Marketing Director

What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

I was excited at the start of this year to complete the Widd rebrand, which included an entirely new website, workwear, marketing content, rebranded vans and, of course, new signage. As we continue on our growth journey, evolving how we show up as a business – both in the market and with our clients – was a fundamental part of that. I’m pleased to report that we made the switch at the end of September.

2. Tell us about three moments from 2025 that made you proud of your business.

Driving into our car parks and seeing the fantastic new Widd brand signage in place. If you drive down Geldard Road in Leeds, you really can’t miss us now!

Receiving feedback from one of our long-standing clients who said our new website felt just like talking to us over a cup of coffee – exactly what we wanted to achieve.

Seeing the positive impact we made for our charity partner this year, the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, on the ward where they support families in Leeds.

3. What’s been your biggest headache this year – supply chains, recruitment, costs, or something else entirely?

Widd has had an extremely busy year, so we consider ourselves fortunate as a business, but rising costs and an ever-changing market certainly keep us on our toes. We won’t compromise on quality or service, but brands are under pressure to reduce costs, so we’ve really focused on how we add value, how we support our clients’ sustainability commitments, and how our high standards of manufacturing and material selection can actually save costs as well as protect brand integrity in the long run.

4. If you had to describe 2025 using a Christmas film title, which would you choose?

This year at Widd has been full of momentum, rapid change and staying on track – so I’d probably say The Polar Express. Outside of work, maybe a bit more akin to Arthur Christmas.

5. What’s your number one priority when the office reopens in January?

Widd’s priorities remain broadly the same: to deliver high-quality products and trusted service to our customers. That said, there is still plenty of bricks-and-mortar growth out there – contrary to what we’re often led to believe – and we’re keen to offer our services to help bring those environments to life. So a few exciting new clients in the new year is definitely at the top of my Christmas list!

6. Which business in the region has caught your eye this year – for all the right reasons?

So many! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting fantastic business leaders this year – from independent coffee brands to legal specialists, brand agencies and more. But the one that constantly makes me smile, and I’m sure many others too, is The Biskery, a bakery in Leeds that make personalised and branded biscuits. Saskia and Lisa have created something truly engaging and purpose-led, and their business really embodies what it means to be Yorkshire: grit, heart and a great sense of humour.

7. Crystal ball time: what does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

For many small and medium-sized businesses, the economic landscape is challenging – especially in manufacturing – and I don’t anticipate that easing in the short term. We need to remain agile, evolve with customer and employee needs, get really clear on what success looks like, and double down on the initiatives that lead us there. As a 137-year-old business, we’ve seen a lot of change, good and bad. What counts is how we choose to respond.

8. This Christmas, are you a “full production” household or a “feet up and telly” one?

I think we’re somewhere in the middle. I have two kids, so I do want to create a sense of fun and enjoy our time off together. I’ll be the one voting to stay in our PJs and watch movies – but in reality I’ll probably be chasing after our 20-month-old German Shepherd when she inevitably steals baubles off the Christmas tree.

9. Crackers, Brussels sprouts, or pudding – which one best describes your year?

Crackers – definitely!

10. Which business book, podcast or piece of advice has been your “surprise hit” of the year?

That’s a tough one – I read and listen to a lot.

My favourite business book this year, by far, was Don’t Swear at Work and Other Bullsht* by Kirsty Hulse. It’s fun, genuinely insightful and incredibly empowering. It wasn’t a surprise that it was fantastic – Kirsty is a genius – but it was surprising how relevant it was to all aspects of life, not just the workplace.

11. As you wind down for the festive break, what are you most looking forward to switching off from?

Social media, without a doubt. The challenge with living and breathing not just your own brand but the market, our clients, and all the industries and platforms in between is the sheer amount of time spent digesting huge volumes of information. I’m looking forward to unplugging a bit (a lot!) over Christmas.

12. In 25 words or fewer, what would you say to your customers, teams and stakeholders as we head into 2026?

2025 has seen us evolve as a business and deliver new, exciting projects together. Let’s create more bold spaces and stronger brands in the year ahead!