Relocator Case Study - Kate Oates

Hi Kate! Firstly, where did you live and work before heading to the North West?

I lived in North London (Crouch End/Finsbury Park), and worked at MediaCom in Holborn.

When did you move to the Manchester? Did you consider working opportunities when considering the move?

We moved up on 13^th April 2018. I recall that so well because our baby was 4 months old to the day (and I recall thinking we were mad to leave our familiar world as new parents – on maternity leave – and go to an entirely new city!)

I was aware that Manchester was the town considered ‘second’ biggest for media opportunities, and same for my partner who worked in pharma. We both hoped this would be the most likely place we would be able to find jobs. I was planning to transfer from MediaCom London to MediaCom North.

Before moving to the North, what were your thoughts on it? What made it attractive? Were there any concerns? 

Truth be told, I wasn’t really sure (newborn blur), but I knew I wanted to settle somewhere that wasn’t London. My Derbyshire family were so far away. I was ready for a garden, a car, and stability that I wasn’t getting in London (due to cost of living and hardship of saving, essentially).

It was extremely important to me and my fiancé that where we moved was as racially diverse as it could be. We are a mixed race family, so maximising the opportunity of integration with different races factored in our decision. This also made Manchester more attractive because as a big city we hoped the black community would be more prevalent (than say, for example, my family roots in Derbyshire).

Friends who had been to university here – and worked here – were enthusiastic about Manchester too (including its ease for visitors by train) (not the M6, I might add!) We did not want to be in the sticks with no access to community – at least, my London-born fiancé didn’t – so this was a very happy compromise.

Now you are here what have been your thoughts? Do you feel you have the same prospects as you would in London or other major cities?

Work opportunities for us (my partner and I) do not feel so plentiful.

In London I had 15 years of a ‘network’ which I had not recognised until suddenly I was up north with zero contacts. It was my London network that put me in touch with MDs of north agencies, which is how I started to visit the agencies and learn the ‘landscape’. Total credit to a handful of MDs who gave their time – and bought me coffee – to tell me about the northern agency/client market, along with names and contacts for counsel, mentorship, and recruitment. I felt very included at that point – a real confidence boost. I have passed on that knowledge and kindness to others since – humans are inherently helpful (most of them!)