Relocator Case Study - Kate Oates

Now more than ever, many people are making the decision to relocate. With the rise of remote working and an emphasis on the importance of loving where you live, no wonder so many candidates are choosing the North West as their new home!

We spoke to Kate Oates, Head of Media Planning and Insights at Havas Lynx, about her experience moving from North London to Manchester, and any words of advice she would give to people who are also looking to relocate.

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!)

How can businesses continue to attract talent to Manchester and the North West? Do you recruit from outside of the North West?

For us, the northern sell-in was quality of life – the ability to buy a house bigger than a shed, with a garden (just in time for lockdown!) And for us to bring up our son with hopefully a less condensed risk of youth crime.

For non-families, the city life seems amazing – restaurants, bars, clubs (when we are allowed of course), surely offer the same city vibe as London, but at a more affordable cost. And slightly more rain.

HL recruit from London too because we have offices in both cities. Some people split the week between north and south offices which works well.

I hope one of the effects of lockdown means that organisations will be more open to recruiting from further afield.

Any tips for someone considering moving to the North West for work?

I would say remove your fear of asking for help. Use your network, even if you are acquaintances, as opposed to friends.

You must start asking people for help, and it is amazing where one conversation can lead you. I have met, like I said above, some great people who were willing to simply give me their time and impart their knowledge literally just to help me, because someone they used to work with asked them to – I mean, sometimes humans are nice!

I do not think recruitment agencies alone (as useful as they are) can do this because it feels so incredibly blind.

Any final thoughts?

Relocating is not easy (and no, I do not recommend doing it as a brand-new mother without any Manchester friends or family!) But 3 years on I am so glad we made the move because we are now settled, bought our first home, we love the countryside, having a car (that we actually use – and not just to go to the supermarket).

London was incredible and hedonistic, but as a family, the work-life balance is better here and we have so much more green space, more access to the outdoors. And when we want to go and have a nice meal or night out, the city centre is literally a 25 min train journey away.

We do miss the diversity - and the normality of it – London wins that hands down, but we’ll visit London when we can to ensure our family isn’t always one of the few in our area.

Thank you so much for speaking with us Kate, we appreciate you sharing your experiences! 

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