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. Second is Stacey Burrows, Founder And Head Agent At Articulate Agency

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

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, so for the casting agency, I wanted us to be the agents for at least one of the key characters in the new HBO TV series. For the drama school, I wanted to open a new venue. We booked Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter and opened a new venue in York -yey!

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

I was proud to be flying to LA in January for a premiere of a movie my client Matilda featured in - I'd always wanted to go to LA and on the whole it didn't disappoint, despite the fires!

3. What's been your biggest headache this year - supply chains, recruitment, costs, or something else entirely?

I would say that less productions this year seem to have filmed up north, which means less opportunity for northern talent (or just that they have to film further afield!) but we hear that 2026 will see some big productions up here, so we're excited about that.

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

An existing film? It's a Wonderful Life! Mostly because I get a lot of job satisfaction from telling young people they have got a life - changing role and will be heading off to film and fulfil their goals.

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

Getting my young actors seen for lots of exciting new film roles and helping to forge their exciting careers.

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

Probably Sam Teale Productions in Cleckheaton.

Sam is really young and he has built so much, he has such a great drive and enthusiasm - he produces really powerful videos, so I really like to collaborate with his team.

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

We hope to grow our drama schools across the region and we aim to have all of our clients out filming on incredible projects - probably across the world!

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

Full production - we practically need a call sheet and movement order! I love to plan lots of family activities and really soak up Christmas and what it has to offer.

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

Pudding - this year has been pretty sweet on the whole!

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

Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett - when busy running a business, sometimes it's easy to make bad choices and his podcast always makes me more health conscious.

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

I love my job so I will probably still be checking my emails, but I am really looking forward to just having time with my family - especially my little girl Clemmy. We're heading to the Yorkshire coast.

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

Get ready! We're hungrier and more ready than ever for our BEST YEAR YET! Bring on 2026!