More staff and new premises for Sampson Hall

Exeter-based leadership and business development consultants Sampson Hall, have unveiled expansion plans including the opening of a new South West office, a bigger team and the launch of an internship scheme in collaboration with the University of Exeter.

Sampson Hall teach leadership and business strategy with a difference - they are ex-Royal Marines who bring the hard won lessons from the battlefield to the boardroom. The company, which also has offices in Newcastle, has expanded its South West arm by moving into new premises at Odhams Wharf in Ebford near Exeter, to accommodate new staff members including the new intern and a key marketing and administration role.

'Success in business is all about strategy,’ said Phil Sampson. ‘Military leaders have to think on their feet in ever-changing situations and that kind of leadership doesn’t come out of a rule book.’

Sampson Hall collaborated with Exeter University to advertise an internship. After a rigorous selection process, the post was offered to English Literature undergraduate Jasmine Maidment. Jasmine has already spent time working with the company during the summer holiday and part-time during term time. The insight gained will give Jasmine further experience in business development and marketing and this will complement the marketing modules she has undertaken as part of her degree course.

"We had 20 excellent applications," said Mr Sampson. "We interviewed four and Jasmine stood out as a very grounded, adaptable candidate and effective communicator as well as having a very clear understanding of marketing. We anticipate expanding this scheme if all goes well."

Jasmine (pictured top) is very excited about her role. "This is a great opportunity to add real value to my degree course with hands on experience."

In addition, the company has brought in Phil’s wife Sandra Sampson (pictured above right), a highly experienced marketing director, formerly dispensary marketing manager at St David’s Veterinary Practices and a key player in the setting up of the highly successful nationwide Chicken Vet. A former head of department at Bicton College, Mrs Sampson will play a key role in the company’s marketing and administration.

Already she has been instrumental in creating an online version of Sampson Hall’s strategy model which enables companies to develop a coherent strategy out five to ten years.

Sampson Hall hasn’t looked back since its inception three years ago. With clients such as Castrol, BP and Autoglass coming back time and again for strategic performance with their management team, the company’s own strategy is clearly working. Smaller companies too are benefitting from Sampson Hall’s expertise with three South West companies recently doubling in size and turnover after working through the Sampson Hall Strategy Model. One of them is Bitpod video marketing based in Heavitree, who have taken on more staff, increased turnover and just landed their first TV commercial.

"Sampson Hall helped us take time to think about our business," said Angi Wren, their creative director, "not just the day to day but the longer term."