As part of our Meet the Experts series, we’re interviewing Mark Speight, our new Business Development Manager. In his role as BDM, Mark identifies and builds long-standing relationships with new and existing clients - raising the profile of Foresight, increasing brand awareness, and ultimately, helping our clients save time and money when sourcing an expert witness. Read our interview to learn more about him and his role here at Foresight.

What’s the most rewarding area of your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is engaging with a client who is at first unaware of our bespoke services and in turn helping them save time and money when looking for an expert witness. Our excellent client care then helps build long-standing relationships which is very rewarding. It’s also a great feeling when you become the “go-to expert” for a client.

What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?

The same challenges as everyone, I guess - TIME! At Foresight, we have a great offering and a team dedicated to delivering excellent client service. However, we are somewhat of a hidden gem. I overcome this by being organised and following a structure that has served me well in previous companies.

What made you want to get into your current area of work?

Throughout my working career I have been dedicated to building great client relationships. I enjoy meeting new people and working out how I can add real value to them and their business. When you become a trusted partner you know you are on your way to success.

Where have you worked prior to Foresight?

I spent a large part of my career working within banking as a Financial Advisor and later as a Corporate Manager working with SME businesses. My last two years were spent working at The Sheriffs Office as a Business Development Manager helping Solicitors pursue client debt and their own in-house debt. This was a major eye-opener and definitely an interesting period of my working career.

Tell us something surprising about your job.

Every day is surprising at Foresight - the range of cases and experts required is vast and no two days are ever the same!

What has been the best moment of your career?

I couldn’t define one moment as being the best as I have enjoyed my working career so far and view the relationships I have built up over the years as the best parts. However, in Sales day-to-day wins are far more rewarding.

What has been your greatest personal achievement?

My greatest personal achievement so far has been having my two children and seeing them grow up. Even now they still amaze me with their views on the world and watching them grow has been a real inspiration. Ellie (3) wants to be a Princess Unicorn Vet so I am currently helping her realise her ambitions!

Would you rather have telepathy or telekinesis – and why?

Telepathy would be of no use to me as having the power to know everyone’s thoughts would take the fun out of the world. I guess telekinesis so I could move wet towels off the bathroom floor (on the rare occasion) when I forget to move them. This would save me some earache from the wife.

Tell us three fun facts about you.

1. I have only once ever been truly starstruck. I met Hulk Hogan on a beach in Florida when I was 11. I went up and asked him “erm, are you Mr. Hulk?” and when he confirmed he was, I responded “nice one” and walked off.

2. I have watched my football team get promoted from Division 3 all the way to the Premier League via the playoffs while never scoring a goal in the final and winning on penalties every time!

3. During the birth of my son, Rhys, I was given an important job of holding a monitor sensor against my wife’s bump as they prepared her for theatre. It was only after 10 minutes that I realised it wasn’t connected to anything and it was being used as a distraction technique - it worked!

Do you have any pets?

I have a mini zoo at home, with two cats, two guinea pigs and 47 stick insects at last count!

What is your ideal holiday?

We have a family home in Spain in a quiet village, which is great for escaping from the world and having some quality family time.

What would your autobiography be called?

‘How Meeting Hulk Hogan Changed My Life’

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

What are the best things in life?

Time with family and friends - without question! As I’ve grown older I’ve realised it’s the small things in life that count.

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