With extensive experience in product development, procurement, sourcing and product/brand marketing, gained in both retail and supply chain, in the UK and internationally, I have an in depth knowledge of the consumer goods process, from concept to customer service. Although this seems a very broad range of talents, they have all developed from a core starting competence of retail buying/category management.

Breaking these areas down:

Retail
Working from the shop floor to commercial management, I understand the retail process! Within roles in merchandising and buying for retailers such as Comet and House of Fraser, my responsibilities included all aspects of the consumer proposition – range construction, sourcing, category marketing and promotion, store/department layout, shop fitting design and after sales support. More recently, experience in setting up and developing several on line outlets has widened the portfolio to a full ‘bricks’n’clicks’ ***** et_Logohof_logo
Product development
This includes the idea/concept stage, design and specification, supplier sourcing, quality management and production control. Several original products that I conceived and developed are still being marketed in the UK and internationally, after 10 years, which is exceptional in the consumer electronics market.

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Procurement/Buying
With great experience in negotiation with local and international suppliers, I have handled accounts worth £10, 00 to £50, 00, 00 (including Vestel Turkey, Sony UK, Funai Japan, Philips and Akai, to name a few) dealing with sales managers to company CEO/Presidents. This meant extensive travel, primarily to Asia, but also Europe, Turkey and the USA. Alongside this, an understanding of contract management has reduced costs and reduced implementation timings.


Product/Brand Marketing & Development
Whether an old, traditional, brand, out of step with the modern market (Bush Radio PLC), or a successful global brand, moving into a new product category and territory (Hyundai Corporation, Funai Electronics), I have always been driving success! Bush’s turnover increased 600% (with a zero marketing budget) and Hyundai became a top brand in flat screen TV within 3 years.

brands

General Business Management
Having started two successful businesses and been brought into a third, I have a broad understanding of managing all aspects of start-ups/micro business, as well as vast corporate experience. Not only does this include my core business competences, but also IT, finance, HR and more.



SME Development & Mentoring
Soon after I started my own businesses, I was approached by friends, asking for help on how to start and run their own business. Since 2008, I started participating in several online communitees, offering advice and support to other members. This soon developed into a commercial proposition (although I do still frequest the forums and continue to spread my knowledge and wisdom (!) freely).

Today, helping and supporting third parties takes up a growing percentage of my working week and I am rewarded in various ways - direct, on results, in shares.