Name: Liam Croft
Company: Forresters IP LLP
Position: Marketing & Business Development Executive
What do you actually do day-to-day?
We’re an intellectual property law firm, but our attorneys handle the legal bit. My job looks more like helping to grow our network in Liverpool and beyond, and contributing to our marketing efforts. Most often, that’s drafting articles and creating graphics, analysing data, planning for conferences and events, and most importantly, having interesting conversations about businesses and their great ideas.
What experiences or influences guided you toward your current profession?
My first “real job” was marketing at an estate planning law firm, before I went on to work in education. It turns out that was the wrong fit for me entirely, and I ended up back working in the legal sector. IP is a lot like estate planning, in that it’s an area of law that’s often misunderstood. I like playing a role in transforming jargon and complexity into something that’s easy to understand, which is probably the main factor that led me here – it’s a new rabbit hole to fall down every day.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
“If it’s worth doing well, it’s worth doing badly.” It doesn’t mean you should be satisfied with less than your best; to me, it’s a reminder not to give up just because you didn’t get something quite right the first time. Being bad at something is the first step towards being good at it.
What does leadership mean to you?
Setting a good example, meaning what you say and standing by your word, and being human.
What has been your favourite Professional Liverpool event and why? / If you are a new member, which event are you most looking forward to attending and why?
Black Book Brunch genuinely changed the way I thought about networking, focusing less on what you do and more on who you like to work with. It was a great reminder about how friendly and helpful our business community is here in Liverpool. A “must-try” for any PL member.
What’s your favourite TV programme?
I’d probably give it to Invincible. Although since my son was born last year I’ve watched a lot of Bluey – I often think I enjoy it more than he does.
How do you relax?
Lifting big heavy stuff at the gym, reading a good fantasy novel, or playing “just one more round” of Balatro (it’s never just one more round.) Above all else though, nothing beats quality time with my wife and son at home. It’s my happy place.
Which do you prefer: sweets or chocolate? And what’s your favourite?
Definitely sweets. I could probably eat my weight in Tangfastics, and that’s no easy feat.
Pub or club?
Clubs are my worst nightmare. Give me an “old man” pub (bonus points if there’s a naff old jukebox) any day.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to play guitar, and there was a time I regularly played at metal shows in Liverpool with Disraeli’s Whip (still on Spotify, if you’re curious.) We still get the band back together now and then, but it’s hard to find the time now that we’ve had kids and lost most of our hair!
Go to karaoke song?
If it’s low-key, Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. If I’m feeling brave, Even Flow by Pearl Jam!
Favourite venue in Liverpool?
Tough question! I was fortunate enough to play a show at the Shipping Forecast in my band days and it’s by far my favourite gig I’ve played, and have seen some cracking bands there too. Honourable mention for The Jacaranda though.