Julia Stephenson Email & Phone Number

County Durham, England, United Kingdom

I am a Virtual Assistant offering PA and Marketing services.As businesses cut back on traditional admin and marketing roles, I see the future in offering these services in a virtual, cost effective and flexible way.I am very practical and hands-on, but I can also think strategically and commercially.I was previously Assistant Sales Manager at LEGOLAND Windsor, and Head of Marketing & Visitor Experience at The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. But I have also worked more recently back in the north east as an Executive Assistant in the Pharmaceutical sector and in a land & property consultancy.So I bring great experience which could quickly add value to any business, in a cost effective and flexible way.My business is called Plain Sailing as I aim to make smooth progress in any tasks I am challenged with.

Wolsingham

Provided Executive Assistant support for the Operations Director, Board members and Equity Partners. This included planning and attending board meetings, taking minutes, preparing presentations and reports, and monitoring actions.Key member of the Business Support Team delivering a wide range of projects across the business.

Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Responsible for:* Organising and coordinating office operations and procedures to ensure organisational effectiveness.* Internal communication * Developing and implementing the sales and marketing strategy for the Newcastle manufacturing facility and contributing to marketing plans for the wider group* Part of the New Product Introduction team, finding new customers and ensuring proposals for new business are prepared professionally* A flexible, multi-task resource on a diverse range of management challenges* As a key supporting member of the Site Management Team work closely with all SMT members to ensure consistent management of the site

Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom

* Key role supporting the Site Management Team * Responsible for internal communications and management of reception staff* Manage the site IT and telecommunications requirements* Create, plan and execute meeting and events on and off site* Management of contracts, negotiations and cooperation with external suppliers

Prudhoe And Newcastle

* Work closely with the Managing Director to provide professional PA support to ensure efficiency at all times with travel, diary management and administrative support.* Produce board papers and attend board meetings to take minutes* Organise internal and external events* Book travel for management team and business development team* Book stand space for exhibitions* Work with external marketing partners to develop marketing materials to reflect the SCM Pharma brand

Hexham

I worked on a temporary contract with the team that manages and promotes the stunning World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall. I researched and produced a marketing stategy to develop sales within the Group Sales and Travel Trade sectors.

As part of Britannia’s senior management team, I provided leadership and motivation to two distinct teams: Visitor Experience and Marketing. I helped to ensure that Britannia offered an outstanding experience to all visitors, and became recognised as a leading and successful visitor attraction.I started in the position of Marketing Manager when The Royal Yacht Britannia first arrived in Edinburgh after she was decommissioned from royal service. As my passion for the operational side of the business grew I took on added responsibility and was promoted to the role of Head of Marketing & Visitor Experience. Marketing Working with a team of 4 to deliver Britannia’s marketing strategy and ensure we attracted over 250,000 visitors a year, my responsibilities included: print and distribution, advertising, promotions, partnerships, public relations, internal communications, research, new media, working with the Travel Trade and developing group sales. Visitor ExperienceWorking with a team of 2 Visitor Experience Managers, 17 Visitor Assistants and 6 Housekeepers, my priority was to provide a world-class experience to visitors, while maximising revenue from admissions. My responsibilities included: recruitment, induction and training; customer service excellence; and signage and interpretation.

My time at LEGOLAND started 10 months before the park first opened to the public. This incredible challenge was something I relished and embraced. I made a major contribution to the success of this family park which, from a standing start, went on to attract 1.3 million visitors annually.Assistant Sales Manager January 1996 to July 1998I was responsible for managing and growing admissions revenue within the Group Sales sector, with particular focus on the Travel Trade, Associations, Corporate and Education. I assisted with managing the sales team, and with developing the sales and marketing strategy. Travel Trade Sales Executive May 1995 to January 1996I developed the initial Travel Trade sales strategy for LEGOLAND, including targeting new business, handling enquiries, attending trade shows, setting up office systems and procedures, and carrying out park site visits for clients.

Group Reservations Supervisor July 1994 to May 1995Based at the Head Office of what was the UK’s fifth largest hotel group, I coordinated the Travel Trade contracting for 35 hotels. This involved negotiating rates with the hotels on behalf of clients, and putting in place office systems to provide an efficient and effective service.Group Reservations Assistant January 1993 to July 1994I provided support to the Sales Manager and sales team; handling telephone enquiries, attending exhibitions, dealing with requests from hotels and clients.

Ba Hons, Travel And Tourism

Activities and Societies: Winner of the Carlson Wagon Lits Prize for the Best Graduate in Business Decisions.

Education record

Education record