Aimee Spilsbury is marketing director at Speedy Freight, a Knutsford-based national same-day courier firm.
Over the past 12 months, Speedy Freight has launched two new services, including a multi-carrier parcel solution and has expanded globally, opening offices in Spain and the US.
Following a lengthy stint working at Co-op for ten years, including as head of in store communications and experiential, Aimee Spilsbury (pictured, centre) joined Speedy Freight in 2019.
From lucky breaks to failures, she shares all the lessons she’s learnt.
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
For me, it’s a 70% dark chocolate and collagen hot chocolate to kickstart the day paired with a clear, summarised list of my goals for the day. This simple routine helps me set a positive, focused mindset for the day ahead. With a lot to juggle, especially leading marketing for Speedy Freight’s four brands across the UK, EU, and USA, I rely on tools like the Eisenhower decision matrix to keep my priorities in check when things get hectic.
What’s been your luckiest break?
My university course had a year in industry option, and I was fortunate to secure two placement offers with well-known brands. I chose to move to London and join Debenhams PLC as a marketing assistant for National Promotions and Calendar Events. My manager there was incredibly inspiring and gave me real responsibility, from managing partnerships and national window display takeovers to direct mail features, advertorials and TV campaigns. That single year was a foundation for my entire career and taught me the value of taking on a challenge.
What’s your best failure?
Three years into my role at Co-op, my role was made redundant. It felt devastating at first, but it pushed me to take a different position within the company, even though it was a lower grade. This move developed my PR and internal communications skills and eventually led to my role being elevated and moved back to marketing, with a team expansion. That experience led me to work on some of my favourite projects, like “Tweet4aTable,” a social marketing x pop-up restaurant campaign, and the “Taste & Tell” colleague advocacy program, along with leading high profile corporate events. The thought of potentially losing my job felt like a failure, but it was a pivot that shaped my career for the better.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
Time developing my team management skills. Building high-performing teams that are motivated and invested in our shared goals has been invaluable. Supporting others in their growth pays off endlessly.
Which podcast or book would you recommend others to read and why?
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It’s a great reminder about the law of attraction—if you believe in something, you’re much more likely to achieve it. The book encourages positivity, respect for others, and clarity of purpose.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Take every opportunity and build genuine relationships. The world is small, and connections you make today often come full circle.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
My first manager at Debenhams. She gave me ownership, showed me that trust in your team is key, and taught me that it’s essential to love your work and have fun with it. Work is a big part of life; make it something you enjoy.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
Though I’m often seen in a polished outfit with my hair neatly done during the week, weekends are a different story! I love nothing more than hopping on my bike with my family to explore new trails around Delamere Forest. It’s our little adventure, rain or shine, and we don’t mind getting muddy in the process. There’s something refreshing about trading in the office for the outdoors and connecting with nature. It’s my way to recharge, stay active, and make memories with my family—plus, it’s always a lot of fun!
If there was one thing you could change about your career, what would it be and why?
After university, I was offered my dream role back at Debenhams, working in cosmetics marketing, a role I’d really aspired to. I sometimes wonder how my career might have unfolded if I had taken that opportunity and made London my home. Instead, I chose a role at JJB Sports in the North West, which opened doors to working with major sports brands, then the Co-op brought me a whole host of roles and experiences, and now brought me to the logistics industry.
Looking back, I wouldn’t necessarily change that choice; each role I’ve taken has added a new dimension to my experience. If anything, I’d simply remind myself to fully embrace every career step as it comes, trusting that each path leads to valuable growth and opportunity.
What does success look like to you?
Success, for me, is about building a thriving, motivated team that respects and values each other, creating an environment where everyone feels supported to excel. I aim to keep expanding my global marketing responsibilities while contributing to a business that recognises and appreciates my impact. Ultimately, success also means achieving a healthy work-life balance – one that continues to allow me to make memories and share adventures with family and friends.
Looking ahead, I’d love to broaden my experience through Non-Executive board roles, gaining insights into different sectors and sharpening my skills to bring fresh perspectives back to my own work.
