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Date: 14 March 2025

Author: Eleanor Collins

As the Head of Marketing and People at MSP Capital, Rachel Bartlett plays a key role in supporting both the company’s brand and internal culture. In our Chats on the Chesterfield series, she reflects on her career journey, the evolution of her role, and how her interests outside of work influence her approach.

A Career built on curiosity and communication

Rachel started at Barclays Bank, as a customer service assistant before deciding to pursue a degree in Business Studies at Bournemouth University. During her final year, she developed a strong interest in market research, which led her to her first role at LV= as an insight analyst, conducting research and surveys. From here she was offered a role in the marketing department as a Brand Executive, and this is where her marketing journey started.

“I was working on a project for the brand marketing team, and they really liked how I presented,” she recalls. “They needed someone who could work on comms and research for a big project, and that’s how I got into marketing.” Despite an unexpected redundancy, Rachel soon found her way to MSP Capital as Marketing Manager in May 2021.

Growing with MSP Capital

When Rachel joined MSP, there was no dedicated marketing department. She was initially hired to manage internal marketing efforts and coordinate third-party suppliers. However, as MSP Capital expanded, it became clear that an in-house team was needed.

“I started recruiting and building a team, and eventually, I was given the opportunity to become Head of Marketing and get more involved in marketing and branding strategy” she says.

Her role continued to grow, and in mid-2024, she took on additional responsibilities as Head of Marketing and People. This allowed her to connect MSP Capital’s brand identity with both external customers and internal teams. “Branding isn’t just about marketing—it plays a huge role in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and retention,” she explains.

A dynamic and supportive culture

One of the things Rachel enjoys most about MSP Capital is its dynamic environment. “It’s a fast-moving workplace where no two days are the same,” she says. “Everyone here is driven and ambitious, which means there’s always exciting change happening.”

Despite the fast pace, teamwork and support remain central. “We all recognise that change can be challenging, so there’s a level of understanding and empathy within the team,” she notes.

Life outside of work and its influence on her role

Originally from Leicestershire, Rachel spent much of her childhood on the Isle of Man before moving to Bournemouth at 22. What was meant to be a short stay turned into a permanent home, where she is now happily settled with her husband.

In her spare time, Rachel is always exploring new hobbies—though she admits to having a “hobby graveyard” at home. “I’ve tried everything from candle making to crochet, but I always come back to books and movies,” she laughs. “I love getting lost in a good story.”

She also enjoys spending time with friends over dinner and board games and is a self-proclaimed “fair-weather walker” who likes exploring the New Forest in the summer.

Her love for storytelling, whether through books or films, also plays a role in her work. “I think finding something that clears your mind from the everyday is so important,” she shares. “But I also find that films and books introduce me to different types of characters and perspectives. At the end of the day, my role is focused on people and how they will feel about something. Reading and storytelling help me think about communication in a more engaging way.”

Championing women in the property industry

 

With her role covering both marketing and people, Rachel has had the opportunity to connect with many women in the property industry. “Whether it’s at an event that MSP is hosting or attending, or through the team here at MSP, I’ve been able to learn so much from the experiences of women in this sector,” she explains. Beyond her daily work, MSP’s Foundations for Better Futures strategy has given the company an opportunity to take meaningful action. “One of the most impactful projects we worked on as part of the Foundations was a Women in Property research initiative,” she says. “The findings from this research actually changed how my team have approached supporting women in the industry, proving just how valuable market insights can be.”

Looking ahead

 

Looking ahead, Rachel is focused on developing her leadership skills and strengthening MSP Capital’s internal culture. “As I’ve stepped into a more strategic role, I’m learning a lot about business culture and long-term brand impact,” she shares.

With her focus on brand identity, workplace culture, and industry-wide impact, Rachel is shaping both MSP Capital’s external presence and ensuring a work environment where employees can thrive. “It’s been such a learning curve, but I love seeing my team grow and develop,” she says. “I’m excited to see where the next few years take us.”

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