Having founded my own business - Bee Communications - I went onto shape it for sale, and successfully negotiated the transfer of assets to Ai-Media in October 2013, at which point I joined as the UK General Manager. Within three months we opened our first UK office, and went onto employ 15 staff. I reported on progress at Board Meetings to the parent company (based in Sydney), and remained a Director on the UK board following the acquisition. Crucial to our early success was… Show more Having founded my own business - Bee Communications - I went onto shape it for sale, and successfully negotiated the transfer of assets to Ai-Media in October 2013, at which point I joined as the UK General Manager. Within three months we opened our first UK office, and went onto employ 15 staff. I reported on progress at Board Meetings to the parent company (based in Sydney), and remained a Director on the UK board following the acquisition. Crucial to our early success was communicating the sale. A six month transition plan incorporated suppliers, clients, and influencers. Strong employee engagement, with a focus on mentoring and developing promising staff, built the foundations for the new business to continue Bee Communications’ track record. I developed an open and vibrant employee culture, in which the new team shared my mission to use technology as a force for good.My focus on business development was crucial as we expanded into primary and secondary education: providing our service to hundreds of pupils. I sought to grow our network and build new connections in the education sector by identifying and nurturing decision-makers and influencers.In particular I launched a new product and project managed its development phase in an Education Endowment Foundation funded pilot. The pilot ran in 10 schools, supporting 30 teachers in the classroom across the UK, helping 450 pupils. Following this, Nesta Impact Investments made a £200,000 investment into Ai-Media. Show less

Bee Communications, the business I founded, pioneered the use of online captioning for deaf people in the workplace and in education. It grew rapidly, ultimately employing a team of 17 freelancers. By combining digital technology and highly skilled captioners, Bee Communications provided live access to the spoken word for deaf people. It revolutionised the market by providing an on-demand, online service.Bee Communications more than doubled its revenue every single year, without… Show more Bee Communications, the business I founded, pioneered the use of online captioning for deaf people in the workplace and in education. It grew rapidly, ultimately employing a team of 17 freelancers. By combining digital technology and highly skilled captioners, Bee Communications provided live access to the spoken word for deaf people. It revolutionised the market by providing an on-demand, online service.Bee Communications more than doubled its revenue every single year, without taking on any debt. It was a highly efficient business model: using a network of sub-contractors and outsourced professional services, fixed costs were kept to a minimum. I sought to grow revenue through low cost, high-impact digital marketing - more than doubling sales every year, whilst maintaining margin. We built influence and reputation within our target sectors, and, within six months, I had become a respected thought-leader, sought after to speak at conferences and write articles relevant to the industry. Initially, Bee targeted deaf individuals, who then became ambassadors for the business – driving sales. Once we had proof-of-concept, our expansion was rapid. I pitched and sold into a broad range of markets; in particular Higher Education, the public sector and blue-chip corporates such as Barclays, BT, KMPG, and other household names. Show less

Initially, I coordinated a team of 10 full-time and 20 freelance transcription writers, who serviced clients in sectors including pharmaceutical, finance and Government. My role expanded to take on the logistics for high-value bookings involving interpreters and AV equipment. Towards the end of my employment at Ubiqus, my remit had grown from solely to production to a combined production and sales role, with responsibility for over £800k of turnover per annum.Alongside my operations… Show more Initially, I coordinated a team of 10 full-time and 20 freelance transcription writers, who serviced clients in sectors including pharmaceutical, finance and Government. My role expanded to take on the logistics for high-value bookings involving interpreters and AV equipment. Towards the end of my employment at Ubiqus, my remit had grown from solely to production to a combined production and sales role, with responsibility for over £800k of turnover per annum.Alongside my operations responsibilities, I grew our deaf communication services revenue. Starting by reactivating our existing and dormant clients, I went on to significantly improve our internal understanding of this sector and push through an update in our marketing materials. Sales grew from less than £10,000 to over £50,000 in one year. It was this success that inspired me to start my own business.The role relied on the ability to accurately assess a clients needs, negotiating delivery deadlines with a sales team, manage expectations, assign staff and monitor through to delivery of service. This was a cross-departmental role that demanded superb communication and the ability to multi-task with tight deadlines and under pressure. Show less

Selected from thousands of candidates globally to act as an Event Host for one of the Olympics global sponsors, McDonalds. Managed groups of up to forty guests, including top-level executives such as the CEO and President of McDonalds. Created immediate, strong client relationships, ensuring an enhanced service that catered to each individual’s specific needs.Delivered wide-ranging on-site hospitality including hosting at the games, managing clients’ hospitality requirements… Show more Selected from thousands of candidates globally to act as an Event Host for one of the Olympics global sponsors, McDonalds. Managed groups of up to forty guests, including top-level executives such as the CEO and President of McDonalds. Created immediate, strong client relationships, ensuring an enhanced service that catered to each individual’s specific needs.Delivered wide-ranging on-site hospitality including hosting at the games, managing clients’ hospitality requirements and supporting clients during their business commitments.Coordinated a team of eight Event Hosts, mentoring a multi-national team that delivered the highest standard of service in a high-pressure environment. Problems had to be dealt with in a professional and confident manner as often they occurred on-site, with clients. Perfected communication skills in a climate where English was not the first language for many (including Hosts, clients and drivers).Superb logistical execution; Carried out site inspections, liaised with and co-ordinated venues, tickets and transport. Maintained attention to specific logistical detail, whilst retaining an overview of the entire project. Show less