Recently, the Southcoast Conference team had two new faces join the team, Erika Cummings and Yasmin Cotton, and we are so happy to have them with us. Read on to learn a little bit more about the two new staff members and what they will contribute to the Southcoast Team.
Erika is a long-term Brightonian, having spent most of her life in the city and she has three grown children as well as one grandson. She grew up in an international family, all mostly working in show-business, but has found her own path in event administration.
How did you find the role at Southcoast Conferences?
I particularly went onto the University of Brighton job vacancies site because I was looking for a role within the university. So every week I used to go through, see which new roles were up and I applied for this one.
What did you do before working here?
Before here I worked in HR. So I was in recruitment and I used to work for Airbus, which build and designed satellites and also the Mars Rover. But my main training and background is in HR and training.
What does your everyday look like?
Mostly emails, but then it’s writing up the contracts. It’s very process-driven so there’s lots of taking the bookings through the various process, making sure that everything is done. But we do get a little tied up sometimes – or I get a little tied up sometimes – with all the little things you can’t quite finish. And so once a week I have a mop-up of all the things I couldn’t quite finish because I’m waiting for a response.
How are you finding your new role?
Great fun. I like it very much. Great team, very interesting job. Something different every day. It’s not just desk-bound, we do get out quite a lot. It’s just varied all the time.
What is the best thing about working at Southcoast Conferences?
The team I think because we all get on so well. It’s lovely here, and with other people on the floor and there’s always interaction. You know, you’re not just sitting there with your head down, there’s always someone to chat to and they sort of build that chatting time into your daily work as well so it’s not as though somebody frowns upon you if you’re talking about “I’m a Celebrity” or something – everybody joins in.
Yasmin is originally from Worthing where she lives today with her younger sister. Last year she finished a Masters in History, War & Conflict at the University of Brighton and most of her free time is spent in the company of cheesy 80s murder mysteries.
How did you find the role at Southcoast Conferences?
I found the role directly through the Brighton University job vacancies site. I knew I wanted to work for a university and because I studied at Brighton I thought it might be nice to try and get something here. So I just kept an eye out for job vacancies.
What did you do before working here?
I come from a slightly varied office background. Before this job, I worked as a receptionist in a law firm, which was local Brighton based as well. I worked with them for about two years. Before then I was a secretary at Sussex police. So most of my jobs have been Brighton based.
What does your everyday look like?
Normally I come in, complain about how cold and tired I am, depending on what time of year it is and then I make a coffee. Then I check all the new enquiries that have come through on the emails, have a look at what the week is bringing in terms of the conferences and events and things like that. At the moment I’m also keeping an eye on all the summer schools due to arrive at the end of June.
How are you finding your new role?
I love it, it is really good. The team is really lovely and very supportive. It’s been great to go to the different events that Laura and Louise plan as well. So I got to meet loads of different people. It’s nice and varied, I don’t just sit at a desk.
What is the best thing about working at Southcoast Conferences?
Possibly the free stuff. The stuff that we get sent from different clients – Christmas was good. No, I’m joking. To be honest, it’s the team, I really enjoy working with this team. It’s a really nice atmosphere, so that is probably the best bit.
Welcome to the team, Erika and Yasmin!