Advertising, Marketing & PR
Published: August 30, 2023 | Updated: 29th August 2023
After taking a week’s holiday, 20 Questions is back to grill some of Hampshire’s leading lights in a series of part fun, part serious questions.
Under the spotlight this week is Natalie Welch, Co-Founder of Basingstoke-based The Typeface Group.
She’s a fan of sing-alongs with a love for Taskmaster and roast chicken…
What is your favourite TV show?
Taskmaster is always a winner for me. So funny and provokes conversation (but once I have finished watching it – shh).
Who would you like to share a car with?
Adam Lambert – because he is so interesting, and I think he would be happy to belt out some tunes.
Kathryn Ryan – comedy genius, and no topic is off-limits.
And probably someone who can make some awesome snacks!
The best bit of my job is…?
Giving opportunities and careers to others and helping businesses create carbon-conscious communications.
And the worst…?
Anything to do with cash flow and chasing in money. Just pay your invoices when you say you will.
Who was your childhood hero?
Garfield. He has a charmed life! In human form, my mum. She was a phenomenally funny individual that everyone loved and just dealt with everything that came her way. She showed me how to love unconditionally.
What’s your favourite smell?
Lavender and fresh coffee. One for calming, and the other to wake me up!
Where’s your favourite place in Hampshire?
Southsea. It holds a lot of nostalgia for me and is somewhere my son and I visit frequently.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out a career?
Follow people who are in that career. Get some inspiration. Even find a mentor who can help with that step-in. Then, work out what company will give you that opportunity, or you want to give you that opportunity, and just ask.
What was your first record/CD?
Jason Donovan – Ten Good Reasons. Too Many Broken Hearts is a banger!
What makes you angry?
Disrespect in any form.
Do you have a favourite piece of music?
Currently on repeat:
Queen – Somebody To Love
Dolly Parton – Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Lily Allen – F**k You
Rachel Platten – Stand By You
I have quite an eclectic mix, but mostly things you belt out.
What qualities do you look for in a new employee?
Spark. To try new things, be creative, have ideas that they bring to the table, and develop themselves.
Accountability. Taking responsibility of their work and projects even when something doesn’t go to plan. There is always something to learn from a mistake.
Growth mindset. We are a small business, so we can quickly change things in the business to support growth. Someone with the ability to see that and muck in when needed.
What’s your favourite food or dish?
Roast chicken – you can never go wrong with a roast chicken.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
My phone, a solar battery pack and something comfortable to lay on (I guess clothes are a given and don’t have to be one of the three – and suncream!)
What’s the best thing about living/working in Hampshire?
You can get a flavour of the city, country and seaside all in one county – all in one day if needs be!
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Take all the money out of fossil fuels and plug tax loopholes to put it into green energy, then retrofit the housing stock and pay public servants what they deserve. Then after lunch…
What’s your biggest frustration?
Bigoted hatred that is born out of nothing other than media and politically influenced fear.
What would surprise people the most about you?
I have a grade 3 in trumpet. I also compete in Strongwoman competitions and can deadlift 2.5 times my body weight.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Semi-retired, living by the sea and doing something that supports positive social change
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being authentically me.
