About Ann Scott
I am the Development Manager (Essex) at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). I’ve had an eclectic career history – from working in a prison, to supporting wounded veterans. One consistent theme though, is my desire to help others. At FSB, I take great satisfaction in connecting entrepreneurs and ensuring they have the support they need. I have seen FSB not just change businesses but save them, so I am proud to be a part of that.
I have lived in Essex for the last 20 years with my police officer partner and my crazy ragdoll cat – who even has his own Instagram account!
Q&As
Describe yourself in three words?
Integrity, compassionate, diligent.
What was your first job?
I worked in a prison as an Admin Officer and eventually worked my way up to become a Probation Officer. I really wanted to be a Prison Officer, but I was too short to be able to see through the viewing hatches on the cell doors! It sounds strange, but it is one of the best environments I have ever worked in, as there was a real sense of camaraderie.
What frustrates you?
To be honest, not a lot frustrates me these days. Having worked with wounded veterans in the past, my approach to life has become much more relaxed. Having said that, I feel there is no excuse for rudeness. A simple please, thank you or a smile can change someone’s whole day.
How do you spend your leisure time?
Out in the campervan, usually in Essex or Suffolk, enjoying the beautiful countryside.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Roast potatoes! It’s the best part of a roast dinner, in my opinion. I’ve just discovered that cooking them in butter in the air-fryer is simply divine… Sweet, fluffy and crunchy all at the same time.
What temptation can’t you resist?
A cold, crisp glass of white wine on a hot summer’s day.
Where are you happiest?
In my campervan with rain hammering against the window and a glass of wine in my hand. A close second is on the sofa, next to a roaring fire, watching the Grand Prix with my gorgeous ragdoll cat on my lap. (Oh, and a glass of wine in my hand!)
What is your number one karaoke song?
I refuse to ever pick up a microphone! Nobody needs to suffer that.
At school, what were you good at?
I was such a goody-two-shoes at school and a real teacher’s pet. I was pretty good at most subjects (except maths!) and even managed to get an A in Welsh, despite only moving to Wales a few years before.
Which one luxury could you not live without?
My iPhone. I have hundreds and hundreds of photos of my cats on it from over the years. I would be devastated if I lost it. I hate how dependent I am on it, but it keeps me connected with friends and family, which is important to me.
Which three people dead or alive would you invite as dinner guests?
F1 driver Fernando Alonso, (who I have a life-sized cut-out of!), Lady Gaga, (who I admire as a singer, songwriter, actress and activist), and the late Queen, (who I’m sure met some very impressive dinner guests in her day).
If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
The late 1940s, just after the end of World War Two. Great music and great fashion, plus a renewed sense of community and no social media to feel pressured by. Everything seemed much more innocent, and connections felt more meaningful.
How many attempts before you passed your driving test?
I failed my first driving test before I got out of the car park. I ‘slightly tapped’ a wall as I was being asked to reverse into a space. I passed second time around though.
