:making their monarch
Holly Knill
Product Director, Sky Go
BSkyB, London
Holly's top tips for
doing business in
the UK
1. Be patient: You won't get a
yes or no at the first meeting, and
probably not the fourth either
2. Work with the hierarchy: Give
your client or contact the material
they need to look good to their
boss (this is why patience is
required)
3. Listen first, speak second: It's
not only a mark of respect but
allows you to humour those who
want to talk about themselves.
They will instinctively feel that
you're more interesting for it.
4. Be concise: Know the three
points you need to get across
and don't deviate. Aim to give
people time back in their day
5. If in doubt, err towards the
formal
20 | www.h e rmagaz i n e . c o. n z
When did you first move to the UK?
1996. I was lucky enough to secure a transfer to London with a company, I had only
been with them in Auckland for eight months prior to that. Their London office
was looking for people who knew something about (and I quote) 'the Internet and
Telecoms stuff'.
I returned to NZ at the end of 1998 to do a post-grad for a year and left again
mid-2006.
What attracted you to move?
The first time, for the adventure, culture, history and travel opportunities. My move
in 2006 was prompted by the desire to take advantage of the burgeoning OTT video
industry that simply didn't exist in NZ at the time.
What was your first job in the UK?
In 1996 – Conference producer and Writer
In 2006 – Director of Content Strategy and Acquisition at Joost (the online TV startup from the founders of KaaZaa and Skype)
Throughout the time you have been there, how much would you estimate you
have contributed to the British economy?
Joost was one of the pioneers in OTT TV services that paved the way for the likes of
the iPlayer, 4oD and Sky Go. The disruptive business models, content deal terms and
entrepreneurial spirit we lived and breathed from six-seven years ago are deemed the
norm today. Product Development people in the TV industry were out of sight and
mind seven years ago; yet sit front and centre today.
What was your first residence?
I've lived in almost every direction in London within Zone 2. I started in Clapham
and currently live in my own place in Queens Park. Both have open space, good bars
and handy transportation.
How often do you return?
I aspire to get back once a year (or close to it). It's also influenced by weather, visitors
to London and product launches (which I try to not schedule when I want to be on
the other side of the planet).
If you could introduce one uniquely 'Kiwi' aspect to the UK, what would it be?
Just sort it out and do it. As New Zealanders, we take our 'no.8 wire' mentality for
granted, but it's an asset that delivers tremendous value far beyond our borders.
A few other
UK-based
businesses
that we
LO
VE
Milk Bar
3 Bateman Street
London, Greater London
