Getting to know you: Melanie Hird

What do you currently do? 
I am a director of Seneca Investments – (part of Seneca Partners Limited) – which launched in 2012 to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Seneca is an alternative investment and advisory business. We provide financial and strategic support and expertise to business with potential in wide ranging sectors.

What is your inspiration in the business?
Professionally, it’s seeing businesses turnaround and go from strength to strength and personally, it’s having the opportunity to share my skills, experience and life lessons with people who can benefit from them.

Who do you admire?
Richard Branson – a down to earth business man.

Looking back are there things you would have done differently?
I would strive to be less of a control freak, I would let go of issues and problems easier and I would take the time to have listened to people who were older and wiser in my younger years rather than finding some things out the hard way.

What defines your way of doing business?
My business ethos is simple and straightforward – I am open and honest, my word is my bond and I always follow my gut instinct.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Follow your dreams and passions. Be open to taking advice from everyone who offers it.  Listen to that advice!  Be hardworking, flexible, adaptable, persistent and never complacent.  And if life knocks you down, then get back up and go again.