Maximised income generation in retail, mail order, external events and café operations by simplifying price structures and purchasing products suitable for retail, mail order and web sales, selling within the brand requirements and budgets of the business.Improved margin by better negotiation.Increased the number of exclusive own brand products.By setting clear goals and objectives improved the morale and motivation of the team.Improved the level of communication between head office and the visitor centres. Used a collaborative approach for purchasing, sharing information and results encouraging suppliers to buy-in to the success of products.Produced good copy and images for mail order leaflets and website use.Confidently used the Redwings computer systems including Total Control Premier, PS Financials and Cascade making the most of the information they provided.

Evaluated the challenges and implemented recovery procedures for Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum including managing old stock out of the business.Improved systems for purchasing, stock control and merchandising standards.Increased sales by the introduction of a range of locally made products which created a wider range of unique Colman’s Mustard Shop branded gift items. Managed the staff and volunteer teams to give excellent customer service.Using good communication and local knowledge I created a network of trade sales for Colman’s Mustard to garden centres and specialist food outlets.Developed and delivered a programme for marketing Colman’s and Caley’s brands to WI’s and other groups using talks and product tastings.

Successfully trained to be an Accounts Administrator. The duties included using Sage Line 50, processing sales and purchase invoices, petty cash, banking, credit control and dealing with account queries.

Maximised gross profit by using the epos system to evaluate current suppliers, ranges and review pricing and margins.Effectively planned space in new brand development stores and used good communication skills to communicate to management and empower teams to deliver the strategic changes.Developed strategy and sourced products for increasing sales and developing the brands for retail and web-based sales platforms.Weekly produced good quality advertising copy to support the promotional items purchased.

Started as Store Manager but due to my successful merchandising and management of the Harleston store was given the extra responsibility of Merchandiser and Manager Trainer for the South East of England. This also included training the managers and teams for the introduction of computerised stocktaking.Major input into store refits and new store openings.Developed marketing strategy to encourage tourist coach visits.

Progressed from Electrical Sales Assistant to Manager/Buyer for several departments in the store including, Stationery, Gifts, Confectionary, Housewares, Electrical, Gardening, Travel and Christmas.Won Viner’s Associated Independent Stores Store of the Year Award.