Currently undertaking consultancy assignments to support retail SME businesses. This includes Involvement in budgeting, strategic planning, site location, store design, sales forecasting and general systems management. Giving advice and guidance based on an extensive experience cultivated over many years of successful business and operational implementations within multi channel operations.

Oversee the development of the retail division within a multi channel structure, focusing efforts on owned operations to monitor performance and profitability. Facilitate the National Account Manager with cultivating and nurture positive relationships with multiple companies including Hobbycraft, The Range, Paperchase, The Works and John Lewis while sourcing potential business expansion opportunities. Control all retail opportunities from conception through to completion, negotiating with Property Agents and Landlords to deliberate rates and finalise agreements. Train and educate staff members on best practices for retail and vehicle usage. Assess the level of skills and techniques used by sales team to identify weaknesses and suggest improvements to drive sales strategies and achieve KPI's. Formulate and execute retail strategies designed to drive sales and promote owned stores across the region. Selected Contributions:• Successfully harnessed strengths in operational functions to establish retail chains nationwide and initiate sales strategies to penetrate markets and close profitable sales. • Orchestrated the development and management of day-to-day trading / operational structures to facilitate with the progress of the new store acquisition programme; recruited retail architects surveyors, solicitors and shop-fitters to ensure completion within deadlines and budgets. • Utilised the marketing mix to accurately segment the market and influence communication methods to maximise impact and sustain market position. • Redefined the purpose of administration systems to focus activities more on customer issues rather than back room functions; enabled a customer orientated environment which increased satisfaction.

Envisioned and implemented innovative sales strategies and retail initiatives for owned and franchised operations within a multi channel environment.Managed the day-to-day functions of retail stores and implementing effective trading practices to enable operational change to reflect changing demands. Standardised office support practices through the introduction of EPOS and stock management functions, empowering team members to seamlessly track and update information. Interfaced with property agents and landlords to discuss building rates, propose alternatives and validate contracts. Strengthened capabilities and optimised potential of team members by introducing a ‘mentor’ or ‘buddy’ approach. Researched the external marketing environment for alternative sales techniques and integrated new approaches into existing practices. Selected Contributions:• Forged solid and positive relationships with prestigious companies including Realm, McArthurglen, Boundary Mill and Edinburgh Woollen Mill to identify and secure potential business opportunities. • Directed and controlled the complete new store acquisition process from start to finish, inspecting quality of work completed to ensure alignment with agreed blueprints and layouts. • Established retail chains across the country to develop brand and build awareness, controlling all operational and logistical functions associated with the project.

Managed and coordinated the complete sales and marketing function of the company within Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for over 80 stores. Supervised and motivated up to 7 Area Managers and store teams to drive sales objectives and promote customer service best practice to retain custom. Forecasted overhead costs and calculated sales budgets. Initiated recruitment strategies to fulfil employment needs and enrolled staff on training programmes to bridge skill gaps and maximise productivity. Engaged with high-profile clients including L’Oreal, Wella and Clynol to identify sales opportunities within the region and boost contributions received by the company. Identified under performing stores and suggested improvements in conjunction with the business plan to promptly address and manage issues, mitigating risks. Selected Contributions:• Exponentially surpassed regional sales targets by advancing bottom line contributions and gross profit margins; secured £25M in revenue. • Integral team member charged with successfully transitioning the business model from wholesaler supplier to mainstream high street retailer, as a result of introducing customer focused training programmes. • Steered internal negotiations to discuss the creation of an operations and procedures manual for all employees; established a regionally based HR support function to consolidate efforts and improve efficiency.

Liaising with head buyers and directors of major retail multiple organisations within the footwear industry on a direct sale or concession basis to achieve new business opportunities and maximise performance of existing clients.Responsibility for managing premier accounts such as Clarks, Scholl, Stead and Simpson, AIS (buying consortium) and Arnotts Group (Southern Ireland), providing advise on product selection, sales forecasts, promotional activity, stock control, performance analysis and general client relationship development.Reconnaissance of new sites, site planning, lease negotiations and shop and the fitting out of all own managed Rohde retail outlets.Developing the brand, through in-store promotional activity, staff training, and initiating point of sale requirements and advertising. In addition responsibility for recruitment, staff development scheme and implementing health and safety policy for company shops.Full profit and loss responsibility for over 250 concession locations and own managed retail outlets.Direct responsibility for managing the Retail Merchandise Manager, concessions administration staff and associated field support personnel.

Encompassing aspects of both wholesale and retail activity, which involved:Managing the day-to-day activities of the sale force, merchandisers and retail support team.Developing strong relationships with major multiples such as Clarks, British Shoe, K Shoes, Scholl and John Lewis.Overall control and running of approximately 500 independent retail accounts.Buying for all Rohde concession outlets together with full responsibility for their profit and loss margins.Costing of ranges; range building and stock control where Rohde maintained ownership of inventory.Setting, achieving and monitoring of budgets for all operations.

Achieved an increase in sales from 23,000 to 39,000 pairs per annum with independent footwear retailers in the South East of England.Main aim being to achieve and increase sales targets.Prospecting towns in search for new business opportunities. Maintaining a successful working relationship with existing customer accounts. To liaise with Rohde concession outlets in area of control. Managing customer debt control.

Various Roles:During this time, improved retailing skills and developed customer and commercial awareness. Training involved being seconded to various departments including branch auditing, security and visual imagery. Nominated to represent division on a consultative ‘Think Tank’ committee. As Branch Manager in the following areas, the main role was to achieve sales targets, motivate staff and organise in-store systems. Saxone Sutton, Bexleyheath, Croydon, Jersey, Lewisham, Woolwich and Lilley & Skinner Bromley.