Expert in Mind celebrates 15 years

15 years ago I put a desk in my spare room and launched a tiny version of Expert in Mind.

I had worked with Experts while managing the Expert Witness Department at the Priory Ticehurst House which The Priory had decided it wanted to close in 2008. I decided to buy it and give it a go myself.  I loved the Experts and loved the administration side of the business so that was that. Luckily the Experts decided they wanted to continue working with me, and as a result, I have worked now with many of them for 18 years.

This sounds so simple but I can promise you it hasn’t been.  A few months into the business I called my friend to tell her that running a business wasn’t for me and that I just couldn’t do it.  She wisely told me to give it a few more weeks and here we are!  We’ve had four office moves, three of which were positive moves to accomodate the growing team, however, one was a downsize in 2013 when Legal Aid rates were cut significantly.  At this time, and for many months afterwards, Expert in Mind was hanging by a thread.  It was one of the most stressful times of my life.  But with the support of great people, hard work, flexibility, and determination not to fail, we survived; and have grown ever since.

I can honestly say that running a business is not for the faint hearted but the rewards are incredible.  I am always so disappointed to hear about companies that don’t appreciate their staff, or to hear of staff that are miserable going to work – in fact I have been one of these people.  Therefore, with my own business, I wanted to make sure I created the opposite culture.  Every cog matters.  Everyone is different and should be appreciated for their unique skills and presence.  People who know they are valued, listened to and integral to the company give so much more.  It seems such a simple formula but one rarely used.

Our office is full of joy.  Its bright, colourful, lively and dynamic.  We do activities, we have office dogs, we take part in challenges together, we go to events together, we party together, we have an annual Easter Egg hunt (one of my favourite times of year – see the video for why!), we have a personal trainer who comes to the office once a week, and we work together and support each other. This positivity translates to the service we give and as a result we have a panel of highly skilled, loyal Experts.

On Friday 24th March 2023, we hosted an event to celebrate this milestone, attended by our Experts, VIP clients, and my wonderful team – all of who make Expert in Mind what it is. What a joy to be in a room of amazing people celebrating together.

So, I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU – to everyone who works with me, has supported me, listened to me and shared the highs and lows of Expert in Mind.  It means the world!