Yet again for 2025, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 12 quickfire questions. Today it is the turn of Lauren York, CEO of UK Locations.

1. What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

At the start of the year, our main goal was to hit our sales, GP and profit targets and I’m proud to say we achieved all three. It feels especially significant given how turbulent the creative industry has been this year, with shrinking budgets, more AI-generated shoots replacing real locations, and a number of agencies sadly closing their doors. Hitting our targets in that environment is something I’m genuinely proud of.

2. Tell us about three moments from 2025 that made you proud of your business.

We’ve had some incredible moments this year that really made me proud of what we do at UKL. First, we’ve worked on a string of seriously exciting projects from Netflix’s House of Guinness to Greta Gerwig’s new film and the latest Harlan Coben drama for Amazon. Even after 15 years of running UKL, I still have those ‘pinch me’ moments where I can’t believe this is my job.

Second, the UKL team itself has been a huge source of pride. We’re a small but mighty group, and the volume and standard of work we’ve delivered this year has been phenomenal.

And finally, we re-signed our commercial partnerships with Bruntwood and Urban Splash to manage their property portfolios for filming, which is a big milestone that reinforces the trust and long-term relationships we’ve built in the industry.

3. What's been your biggest headache this year?

This year’s biggest challenge has definitely been managing capacity while keeping up with the pace of work. Our Sales Director has been on maternity leave for 12 months, and we’re also recruiting for another key role, so the team has been stretched. I’ve found myself working in the business far more than on the business, which isn’t sustainable. I’ve now carved out a dedicated strategy day in my diary each week because without intentional space for planning and direction, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

4. If you had to describe 2025 using a Christmas film title, which would you choose?

This year has definitely felt like The Polar Express!

5. What's your number one priority when the office reopens in January?

My top priority in January is to bring the team together and reset our focus. We’ll revisit our Q4 priorities to make sure everyone is aligned and completely clear on what matters most. From there, we’ll roll out our 26/27 growth strategy so the whole team understands the direction we’re heading in and how their roles contribute to the bigger picture.

6. Which business in the region has caught your eye this year - for all the right reasons?

I’m lucky to be part of The Lifted Project, which supports high-growth, women-led businesses across Yorkshire, so I get to meet some truly inspiring founders. One business that has really caught my eye this year is The Biskery in Leeds. It’s led by two incredible women who combine sharp strategic thinking with genuine purpose and authenticity. They’re building something successful, sustainable and values-driven and for me, that’s the real formula for long-term success.

7. Crystal ball time: what does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

2026 is likely to remain a challenging market, fewer shoots, tighter budgets and increasing competition. But having been through a similar landscape back in 2008, I know that resilience, focus and smart decision-making make all the difference. For businesses like ours, it will be about doubling down on your differentiators and playing to your strengths. Staying lean will be essential, with a clear focus on driving profitability through your most valuable clients, improving productivity and building greater operational efficiency. The businesses that thrive will be the ones that stay adaptable, know their niche and execute brilliantly.

8. This Christmas, are you a "full production" household or a "feet up and telly" one?

UKL closes for 2 weeks over Xmas, so we can all have a good rest. I do nothing more than eat, watch telly and be with my family.

9. Crackers, Brussels sprouts, or pudding – which one best describes your year?

This year has honestly been all three - it’s been a roasted brussel on a cracker with a cherry on top!

10. Which business book, podcast or piece of advice has been your "surprise hit" of the year?

My surprise hit is from my Executive Coach, Dannielle Bateman. She’s been instrumental in helping me lift my head out of the day-to-day ‘doing’ by pushing me to carve out protected time in my calendar for strategy. It took a lot to break the habit of constantly working in the business rather than on it, but that shift has been invaluable. It’s helped keep us focused, forward-thinking and firmly on track toward our long-term vision.

11. As you wind down for the festive break, what are you most looking forward to switching off from?

I’m a big fan of routine, but I also really relish the chance to step away from it. Over the festive break, I’m most looking forward to those slow, unplanned days, waking up without a schedule, no deadlines and no pressure to be anywhere. There’s something incredibly relaxing about having that freedom and letting the day unfold on its own.

12. In 25 words or fewer, what would you say to your customers, teams and stakeholders as we head into 2026?

We’ve got you. We’ve got this. Let’s do this!