A one day working diary from rise and shine to lights out.

Every Tuesday we delve into the day-to-day diary of a member of the local business community. This week it’s me! Several of you have said “Why don’t you do it?” so here goes. And before you say it, I know, I’m boring!

Anita Jaynes is the founder of The Business Exchange South West Ltd. Launched in September 2013 The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire magazine and online offering has fast become an integral part of the Wiltshire business community, producing a bi-monthly magazine and online news offering.

The business is currently going for growth with the launch of a new quarterly business-to-business magazine for Bath & Somerset.

The Business Exchange is the official media partner for the South West Expo taking place this Thursday June 30, at STEAM, Swindon.

What time does your alarm go off?

I don’t set an alarm. I know it sounds risky, but I seem to have one in my head. I only ever set an alarm to make doubly sure I don’t get up late on an important day. My alarm will be set for 5:15am on Thursday to ensure I’m up and out to make the drive from Bradford-on-Avon to Swindon to attend the South West Expo business breakfast. It’s at 7:30am and a precursor to the main show. It will be a great opportunity to network.

What’s the first thing you do?

Every morning I whir up the Nespresso machine about 6:30am, make my cup and carry it back to bed. I then pop open my Mac, check the social media feeds and update the websites.

What do you do for lunch?

I’m usually in the car and in-between meetings and grab something on the go. As much as I try to prepare, it doesn’t happen. I know I’m not alone with this one. We need a TBE nutritionist to give us ‘lunch on the fly’ tips. Any takers?

What do you love most about your job?

The people. I love finding out about the person behind the business, who they are, what they do and what motivates them.

What’s the worst part of the job?

Publishing deadlines! As soon as you meet one, you’re working on the next. The other bit I hate is not being able to publish someone’s story due to magazine space restrictions. I might have a fab story I’d love to publish, but if I can’t find enough advertising sponsorship to pay for extra pages, the story ends up on the cutting room floor. TBE survives purely on advertising support, so without that a lot of local stories wouldn’t be heard.

What executive tool/gadget could you not live without?

My company car, I drive a Hyundai i30 from Pebley Beach in Swindon. It’s perfect for me as it has Bluetooth connectivity and I can natter to clients and suppliers on the move.

What do you do after work?

Network! Tonight I’m off to the Bath Business School launch at Bath Spa University. 

If you changed direction, what would be your Plan B?

I’d love to work for a charity. Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of The Business Exchange (TBE). We dedicate a page each edition to ‘Positive Business’ and also run stories online. This morning I posted a ‘Bake off for lift off’ challenge from Wiltshire Air Ambulance. See it here.

Pictured above: Anita Jaynes in morning work mode. (I think you might call it a no-make-up selfie!)