Dorset Creative creates cloud-based software applications for businesses & the public sector, such as the health technology prescribed by GPs to diabetes patients in remission, to improve their health & fitness so to keep them off medication. Our virtual learning systems change the lives of their patients. We also specialise in immersive technology, bringing emerging functionality (like VR) to our customers, to enhance the user experience & keep them relevant.Laura attends monthly board… Show more Dorset Creative creates cloud-based software applications for businesses & the public sector, such as the health technology prescribed by GPs to diabetes patients in remission, to improve their health & fitness so to keep them off medication. Our virtual learning systems change the lives of their patients. We also specialise in immersive technology, bringing emerging functionality (like VR) to our customers, to enhance the user experience & keep them relevant.Laura attends monthly board meetings to advise, mentor and support executive directors in policymaking and business planning, in relation to vision, values and good governance. Show less

Attends monthly board meetings to advise, mentor and support executive directors in policymaking and business planning, in relation to vision, values and good governance. Undertook change champion for GDPR compliance.

AsOne theatre company is a not-for-profit social enterprise delivering engaging, original and educational theatre. The business relies on sponsorship, funding, seat sales and its committed volunteers to bring art to the community. It has a board of four, and a further six volunteer executive ambassadors.

Examples of freelance & interim project assignments include:1. Business, Leadership & Management Training ... Workshop facilitation (see link below for examples of bespoke sessions) Monthly webinar delivery for SEED Mentors Lecturing for Business Modelling at Bournemouth Arts Uni Teaching HNC/D Business Studies at Weymouth College2. Project Evaluation ... Evaluations conducted and reports completed, included focus group facilitation, online… Show more Examples of freelance & interim project assignments include:1. Business, Leadership & Management Training ... Workshop facilitation (see link below for examples of bespoke sessions) Monthly webinar delivery for SEED Mentors Lecturing for Business Modelling at Bournemouth Arts Uni Teaching HNC/D Business Studies at Weymouth College2. Project Evaluation ... Evaluations conducted and reports completed, included focus group facilitation, online survey questionnaires on behalf of Dorset & M3 Local Enterprise Partnerships JP Morgan sponsored Get Set for Growth pilot project & evaluation3. Finance ... Investment readiness assessor for SEIS investors SWIG business start up loans4. Speaking ... Facilitated the Good Funeral Awards workshops twice Hosted the SW Open4Business Award Ceremony Hosted Burn's Night Supper Also delivers a monthly chat-show podcasts on Sound Business Advice (see link below)Whilst the projects are varied they all rely on her innate ability to listen carefully, understand the motivation of other parties. Then communicate in their language to get what needs to be done and done well. Show less

Set up the GetSet for Growth programme, a 12 month pilot project to support and sustain business start ups in Bournemouth, sponsored by JP Morgan. Achievements include:Setting up and delivering the masterclasses and ongoing support programmeDelivering 20% over target numbers of business supported with businesses that produced a 37% increase in growth and created 25 new jobs

Responsible for: client diagnostics and business support reports for up to 100 clients each year. Also developing and managing the unique peer group learning and support programme, BusinessXchangeAchievements include:Supporting some 700 small businesses in their growth aspirations Adding up to 16% GVA to supported businessesAchieving 96% customer satisfaction rating Delivery of Innovative Growth MasterclassesManaging a cost effective programme of delivery for 11… Show more Responsible for: client diagnostics and business support reports for up to 100 clients each year. Also developing and managing the unique peer group learning and support programme, BusinessXchangeAchievements include:Supporting some 700 small businesses in their growth aspirations Adding up to 16% GVA to supported businessesAchieving 96% customer satisfaction rating Delivery of Innovative Growth MasterclassesManaging a cost effective programme of delivery for 11 years Show less

Responsible for: managing retail growth through the buying and marketing functions, a personnel of 300 FTE, the P&L and balance sheet of a fashion retail chain of 31 stores across the South of England and a head office and distribution centre in Weymouth. Achievements Include:Identifying serious, hidden P&L discrepancies within one month of joining the companyManaging the precarious cash-flow position which making difficult strategic turnaround decisions Pragmatically… Show more Responsible for: managing retail growth through the buying and marketing functions, a personnel of 300 FTE, the P&L and balance sheet of a fashion retail chain of 31 stores across the South of England and a head office and distribution centre in Weymouth. Achievements Include:Identifying serious, hidden P&L discrepancies within one month of joining the companyManaging the precarious cash-flow position which making difficult strategic turnaround decisions Pragmatically placing the business into administration maximising the liquidation of assetsCarrying out the above in an honourable manner seeing the task through to conclusion Show less

Responsible for: founding, running and subsequently selling Welcome Home, a retail business in Warwick Street, which specialised in paint treatments, painted furniture, unusual home accessories. Focussing on buying, stock control, marketing and finance Achievements include:Successfully launching a retail business that became profitable within 15 monthsCreating a stock and sales analysis system for £30k worth of stock at any one timeEstablishing the Warwick Street… Show more Responsible for: founding, running and subsequently selling Welcome Home, a retail business in Warwick Street, which specialised in paint treatments, painted furniture, unusual home accessories. Focussing on buying, stock control, marketing and finance Achievements include:Successfully launching a retail business that became profitable within 15 monthsCreating a stock and sales analysis system for £30k worth of stock at any one timeEstablishing the Warwick Street Traders Association with the newly appointed town centre manager Show less

Responsible for: leading, inspiring and managing in excess of 1300 employees in 85 stores with a turnover of £85mAchievements include:Delivering a critical analysis of current cross functions in the store opening processDeveloping the New Store Opening Gantt Chart incorporating a matrix organisation delivery modelOpening 18 new stores in a 6 week period in time for peek Christmas tradeSelected to act up in the absence of the Sales DirectorDeveloping a team of… Show more Responsible for: leading, inspiring and managing in excess of 1300 employees in 85 stores with a turnover of £85mAchievements include:Delivering a critical analysis of current cross functions in the store opening processDeveloping the New Store Opening Gantt Chart incorporating a matrix organisation delivery modelOpening 18 new stores in a 6 week period in time for peek Christmas tradeSelected to act up in the absence of the Sales DirectorDeveloping a team of highly effective and empowered area managers that produced above average results in all key performance indicators over an 18 month period. Show less

Responsible for managing key performance targets of 1.5m turnover store, line managing a team of 8 FTEAchievements include:Becoming Regional Induction Training Manager for area and branch managersDoubling turnover expectations of the Brighton Store 12 months ahead of scheduleReducing shrinkage from 3.8% to 1.8%Winning the store card credit competition and a trip on the QE2!

Responsible for Various combinations of different departments over the five years, finishing as Ground Floor department manager, reporting to the store director for key performance targets and 14 FTEAchievements include:Evaluating space management projects on behalf of the Store DirectorDelivering the highest returns per square foot in the storeEstablishing self as a natural spokesperson for other experienced departments managers at management meetings