After 35 years as an entrepreneur and business leader, I have stepped back from a full-time commitment to the commercial world to follow my passion of helping people with mental health issues. As a counsellor I support adults with a range of mental health challenges including stress, anxiety depression, bereavement and loss, relationship issues and more. Through Prima Voca Ltd, I am training Mental Health Wellbeing First Aiders, giving them the knowledge and confidence to be the first port of call to support colleagues before their mental health issues escalate. I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society and hold an Advanced Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Level 5) and a Diploma in Hypnotherapy.Not wishing to waste the knowledge and experience gained over a lifetime in business, I am keen to support businesses as a Non-Executive, Fractional Executive Director, or as a consultant working on brand development, marketing strategy or specific projects.I was FTSE100-trained as graduate of the inaugural Electrocomponents plc Management Development Program, with experience of working in Sales, Business Analysis and Market Research at RS Components, and in Product Marketing and New Market Development at fast scale-up Misco, operating in USA, Canada, UK and five countries in Europe. As a founder and Director of XPD Ltd, I had 25 years' experience of creating and developing businesses, with a focus on brand development and differentiation in the SME sector. Startups were in Business Supplies, Computing, Telecoms, Software Development, Promotional Merchandise and Corporate Entertainment. In 2015 I co-founded award-winning growth and design agency, Focus7. I was Chief Marketing Officer with responsibility for the company and its subsidiary, Professional Travel Advisors. During my tenure, Focus7 developed a diverse range of B2B, B2C and B2P clients in multiple industry sectors.I am solutions-focused with passion for purpose-driven and brand-led businesses and organisations. Creative, pragmatic, analytical, literate, and numerate. I am a team player, supportive and keen to nurture and encourage development. I served for 16 years as a NED of the BOSS Federation and as a member of the Marketing Committee and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing and was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year at the BOSS Industry Awards.