Alison Lowe Email & Phone Number

Manchester Area, United Kingdom

I have continued to work within the retail industry of Lighting & Homewares and build on my already extensive knowledge, directly with retailers and with suppliers.During my freelance journey so far I have been lucky enough to have worked on some major retail accounts both old and new to me, including George ASDA, Homebase, Wilko, Joe Browns, Poundland, Poundstretcher, Dunelm, Boyes and B&Q.I have also undertaken another office design and refit, which I really enjoyed doing.

Swinton, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

As Head of Design I was responsible for the creative direction of the company overseeing four main categories of Lighting – Christmas, Solar, Everyday & Novelty, Domestic. Originally brought in to be buyer and product lead on domestic lighting, I quickly proved my adaptability to effectively transfer my experience and skills to any product area.*Working closely with the Directors formulating company strategy and work processes. I instigated a work flow and supporting procedures for the… Show more As Head of Design I was responsible for the creative direction of the company overseeing four main categories of Lighting – Christmas, Solar, Everyday & Novelty, Domestic. Originally brought in to be buyer and product lead on domestic lighting, I quickly proved my adaptability to effectively transfer my experience and skills to any product area.*Working closely with the Directors formulating company strategy and work processes. I instigated a work flow and supporting procedures for the whole team to follow. This proved to be highly successful.*Excellent management skills, mentoring and developing others both within my department and throughout the company. *Due to my extensive experience across all areas of designing, sourcing and buying I offer invaluable insight and knowledge to both support and guide the rest of the team.* I posses all the skills and abilities needed to provide full sketch to shelf cycle.* Buying and sourcing across all categories in the far east, which includes negotiating terms and costs. I was solely responsible for the Domestic factories.*Design, product management and range building for some of the major retailers including TJ Morris, Poundstretcher, Asda, Argos & Sainsburys, Homebase, Factory Shop, Dunelm, Heatons, Studio.*Translate customer briefs and trends into innovative designs. *Create and build cohesive product ranges capturing the design and direction of the customer whilst always considering price, consumer and factory base.*I initiated the critical path of the buying cycle by creating category specific trend packs and Look Books for sourcing and development.*Numerous Far east and European trade shows and supplier visits bring an in depth knowledge of manufacturing, sourcing, buying and negotiation. *Due to business expansion when we relocated I was tasked with designing and project managing the new office space. I interior designed the space considering all the employees wants and needs. Show less

Bolton, United Kingdom

In this role I managed the Design team and was responsible for the company design strategy.*Designing and developing a wide variety of commercial homewares products for the retail market including Furniture, Lighting, Wall Art, Cushions, Vases, Dinnerware, Bedding, Storage, Kids, Bathroom Furniture and Storage, Frames and Mirrors, Giftware & Accessories. *Design/Account Manager for some of our biggest customers, which include Wilko, Dunelm, Tesco, Matalan, Urban Outfitters, Shop Direct,… Show more In this role I managed the Design team and was responsible for the company design strategy.*Designing and developing a wide variety of commercial homewares products for the retail market including Furniture, Lighting, Wall Art, Cushions, Vases, Dinnerware, Bedding, Storage, Kids, Bathroom Furniture and Storage, Frames and Mirrors, Giftware & Accessories. *Design/Account Manager for some of our biggest customers, which include Wilko, Dunelm, Tesco, Matalan, Urban Outfitters, Shop Direct, JD Williams, B&M, Poundstretcher, Original Factory Store, The Range and many more. Responsible for building and developing ranges, monitoring sales performance and reviewing cost prices to maximise profit margins.*The ability to interpret & develop customer briefs. Working to tight customer deadlines and budgets, for range and promotions. Ensure key dates are met including red/gold seal samples, specs, certification/testing requirements, artwork/packaging and product launch. This includes taking into account manufacturing time scales and capabilities.*Extensive experience in designing pattern and applying pattern successfully to products.*Full product development life cycle experience, which includes, concept of design, sourcing of supplier, product data collation and sampling process through to sales analysis. *Post sales review to assess amendments where necessary, either to improve design or production process, QC, cost or expand successful product areas.*Regular visits to the Far East, with extensive experience in all areas of buying and developing products/ranges.*Providing vital support for Sales Team.*Researching, forecasting trends and creating mood boards to assist customers to visualize new trends, ideas and colours. Also exceptional knowledge and a keen interest of the relevant market.*Attending trade fairs UK and overseas.*I was responsible for the NPD, management, photography and launch of our annual in-house catalogue. Show less

Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester, United Kingdom

Bachelor Of Design (Hons), Design, 2:1

Btec National Diploma Foundation Studies In Art & Design, Merit

A Level Art & Design. A Level Textiles. Gnvq In Art & Design, 2* Grade B. 1* Distinction

8 Gcse Grades A-C