Trading as Earthfare, an independent ethical retailer selling a range of organic, vegan and vegetarian health foods, superfoods, supplements and eco-friendly products. Reporting to the Board of Directors, I had responsibility to plan for growth in acquiring new stores, fitting them out ready to trade, and advising on general business matters.

Following the successful sale of Symonds Forecourts & Symonds Retail in November 2019. I took some time off for traveling, before seeking a new challenge.

Both companies were wholly owned subsidiaries of Symonds Property Management LLP with ten service stations in the West Country. Reporting to the Group CEO I had full responsibility for the operation and profitably of the businesses employing circa 170 staff. The sites were branded either BP, Shell or Texaco on the forecourt and Budgens or Londis on the shop.Key Achievements:• Built and opened a flagship new to industry service station with a Budgens convenience store and Greggs• Increased company shop margins by 3.76% on a like for like basis• Company net profits increased by 31% on a like for like basis• Successfully sold the businesses in November 2019

An independent family owned company that arranges daily dairy supplies across the whole of the UK. Working with 60 plus dairies, ranging from small local farm dairies to the large processing dairies. Deliveries cover many sectors including catering, hospitality, coffee shops and convenience retail. Reporting to the General Manager I was responsible for managing and developing the dairy requirements for National Account customers with retail shops, along with recruiting new customers from the retail and foodservice sectors. I also managed a number of the key suppliers to ensure we received the best prices and service for ourselves and our customers.

Promoted to this position, reporting directly to the Marketing Director, and having direct responsibility for the profitability and income streams arising from the forecourt shop business conducted through the nationwide company owned service station network. Involved in all purchasing/trading and operational shop matters with spend with approved suppliers in excess of £90m per annum. Management responsibility for the entire non fuel operation of the network, with a team of 3 Regional Managers, 3 Senior Area Managers, 12 Area Managers and 1 Network Manager direct report. Key Achievements:• Consistently exceeded supplier income growth targets of 3% per annum. Increased supplier income to £6.4m in 2013 compared to £5.1m in 2011• Successfully negotiated the renewal of the Company’s main shop supply deal in 2013 which doubled Murco’s income from this supplier• Grew the number of supplier and manufacturer agreements from 47 to 55• Developed, introduced and managed the shop promotional booklet to give guidance to sites and deliver greater compliance which improved Murco’s income and support from suppliers

Reported to the General Manager Non Fuel for all operational shop matters on the 228 company owned service station network including 3 direct Regional Manager reports.Key Achievements:• Increased shop income (facility fees) by 10% in 2010 to £9.26m, surpassing the target of 5%• Successfully recruited Area Managers; developing four Area Managers into Regional Managers• Between 2008 – 2011 planned and completed 138 shop refits with a value of £3.3m on time and below budget

Reported to the Sales and Development Director for managing and developing the strategically vital Costcutter partnership with Murco Petroleum including 4 direct Area Manager reports.Key Achievements:• Successfully grew Costcutter / Murco sites from 6 to 220 between 2000 – 2008• As a result Murco became Costcutter’s largest customer accounting for 17% of their turnover• Increased sales to Murco from £20.8m (2002) to £69.2m (2008)• Established and sustained successful relationships with key internal and external stakeholders

Reporting to the General Manager South for developing the sales and business of 30 franchised stores along with 15 company owned outlets

Reporting to the National Recruitment Executive for securing new retailers in the South of England.

Reported to the Property Director with responsibility for identifying suitable businesses for conversion to the Community Stores

Reported to the Property Director with a responsibility for producing new store merchandising layouts; ordering shop equipment & fittings, liasing with and overseeing contractors and ensuring all stores were fully stocked and merchandised to company planograms prior to trading. Managed the refitting of existing branches and opened new stores throughout the South of England and the Midlands.

Reported to the Operations Director with responsibility for managing the profitable, efficient running and development of the stores in 3 regions .

Managed 4 stores, culminating in the company’s highest turnover branch – a 2,000 sq. ft unit with 22 staff