Version 1 of my career involved working in market research from1988, beginning my career as a consumer researcher - including 9 years with Research International Consumer Division, working on sales volume estimation, branding and packaging. My specialization in shopper research took hold in earnest in 2000, leading to the decision towards the end of 2004 to set up Shoppercentric Ltd as a specialist shopper insight agency. At Shoppercentric I was lucky enough to work with a wide variety of retailers, suppliers and agencies in the area of shopper research providing BP, Cadbury, Coca Cola, Mattel and Kerry Foods amongst others with shopper inputs to their trade strategies.Not only did I work with some great clients, we also had a fabulous team - all highly experienced shopper researchers who were deeply passionate about what we did. We worked hard, but also had a huge amount of fun as we challenged ourselves and each other to deliver the best shopper understanding we could for our clients. I use the full breadth of my experiences in the way I now work with independent businesses in the South West. When I moved back there after years living and working in Hertfordshire this was a chance for a reset, a time to find a version 2 career that was in tune with my new rural life by the sea.I found myself inspired by the wealth of independent businesses making the most of the gorgeous South Hams region. The vibrancy, passion and entrepreneurship in towns and villages is inspiring. Many businesses are small enterprises, who have to flex to the natural ebbs and flows of a region heavily reliant on tourism, along with economic and social change. It's a challenging environment, so my aim now is to use my experience to support and boost these businesses as best I can. And I love it!