In the wake of a challenging year and confronting the reality of redundancy after 21 years in the digital innovation sector, I founded DigitalEmber, a consultancy dedicated to igniting transformative growth through cutting-edge digital strategies. DigitalEmber represents the culmination of my extensive experience, harnessing the potential of digital innovation to turn nascent ideas into towering infernos of success.Key responsibilities include:Strategic Digital Consultancy: Offering expert guidance in digital marketing, SEO, web development, e-commerce, and more, tailored to elevate businesses from the ground up.Creative Problem-Solving: Leveraging a blend of technical expertise and creative thinking to devise and implement innovative solutions that drive tangible business outcomes.Digital Transformation Leadership: Employing a visionary approach to digital transformation, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and achieve unparalleled growth.Personalized Client Partnerships: Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, ensuring personalized strategies that reflect their unique goals and challenges.DigitalEmber stands for more than just digital excellence; it's a beacon for businesses seeking to innovate, grow, and thrive in the digital age. Through DigitalEmber, I continue my commitment to transforming digital landscapes, now with an entrepreneurial spirit driving me to explore new horizons in the digital innovation space.

Founded Smoke & Sear to transform my passion for BBQ into a vibrant online community and informational hub, leveraging my technical skills and innovative spirit. This project has not only connected BBQ enthusiasts but also showcased my expertise in creating engaging digital experiences:• Grew the platform to a significant online presence, with website visitors reaching 31,000 in the last 90 days and a Facebook reach of 114.9K, underlining the impactful content and community engagement.• Developed a bespoke AI-powered BBQ Chatbot, providing 24/7 support and enhancing user interaction, demonstrating my ability to integrate advanced technologies for improved user experience.• Managed to build a following of 15K on Instagram, with a notable engagement rate, including 4K interactions in the last 90 days, highlighting effective social media strategies.• Collaborated with leading brands like Bradley Smokers, Ozpig, and Shark / Ninja, alongside numerous butchers and producers.

As the Digital Innovation & Events Manager at Howdens Joinery since September 2017, I have led the charge in harnessing digital technologies to revolutionize our approach to innovation and customer engagement. My role has been pivotal in identifying digital opportunities, enhancing user experiences, and spearheading the design and execution of innovation-driven events. This position required a blend of strategic foresight, technical expertise, and exceptional leadership to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital transformation within the industry.Key responsibilities include:• Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, continually identifying and implementing innovative solutions to enhance user experiences and support business KPIs.• Led the design, planning, and execution of high-impact innovation events and showcases, demonstrating new technologies to senior managers and external suppliers, significantly raising the profile of digital innovation within Howdens.• Managed a team and held P&L responsibility, showcasing trust and autonomy given by the organization to explore and invest in new solutions that drive company growth.• Demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver projects that align with Howdens’ strategic digital roadmap.• Actively contributed to the company's Social Benefit Fund committee, organizing and managing popular employee events, including 3 Live Fire Courses in Milton Keynes and Yorkshire, highlighting my ability to engage and foster community within the workplace.

Led the evolution of digital innovation at Howdens, focusing on enhancing user experiences and integrating ground-breaking technologies. I orchestrated digital innovation events, fostering new technologies to improve sales, marketing, and customer interactions, especially in kitchen design and visualization. I was entrusted with the customer journey mapping, refining the path from initial research to purchase, and held full responsibility for the UI/UX across digital channels, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience. Additionally, I managed web analytics, employing data to enhance web platform efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction.

As Digital Development Manager at Howdens Joinery, I led a dynamic team in revolutionizing the company's digital offerings across web, apps, digital signage, and social media. My role was instrumental in defining and implementing the digital strategy, ensuring agile development practices, and fostering technical innovation. I managed both extensive and smaller-scale projects, aligning digital advancements with business objectives and overseeing complex deployment strategies to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.

As Systems Development Manager at Howdens Joinery, I led multifaceted initiatives across product and marketing, significantly contributing to the company's digital and event planning strategies. Responsibilities spanned managing trade intranet sites, steering online marketing efforts including a new website and CMS system development, and innovating with a digital signage solution to enhance user engagement. Additionally, I played a key role in organizing company-wide social events, showcasing my ability to blend technical leadership with community-building activities. This role underscored my expertise in system development, online marketing, and event management, driving Howdens' digital transformation forward.

Oversaw reporting teams, ensuring operational efficiency, and was tasked with the expansion of Product and Marketing's IT and system developments. Managed recruitment for essential technological roles and oversaw the company's intranet and web presence.

Led a team of analysts in managing, analysing, and reporting on data across the supply chain, supporting the entire Depot network of over 390 locations. Responsible for the development and implementation of data systems and automated processes, enhancing data accuracy and operational efficiency.

Generated detailed reports for senior management, served as Super User for Business Warehouse and Business Objects, and developed Access Databases for comprehensive data management. Additionally, I played a key role in designing the company's intranet, enhancing access across over 300 branches and improving company-wide data analysis and procedural efficiency.

As Owner and Director of No Bull Agency, I've been pivotal in developing and managing comprehensive digital solutions for clients, overseeing everything from infrastructure and server configuration to digital marketing and web development. My hands-on approach has encompassed deep dives into WordPress / WooCommerce, server technologies like Apache, and front-end coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), ensuring optimized, user-friendly websites. Beyond technical expertise, I've crafted compelling copy, managed paid advertising campaigns, and conducted in-depth analytics and reporting, showcasing my versatility and commitment to client success.• Elevated Kronch UK Ltd to over £500k annual sales through comprehensive website management and digital marketing strategies.• Boosted SATURA's online sales by eightfold, transforming their digital footprint and business performance.• Solely responsible for the development, design, and content of high-profile websites such as Richmond Kettles, Workspace AV, and VoicePath, enhancing user experience and brand visibility.• Utilized advanced skills in WordPress / WooCommerce, server technologies, and web development languages to deliver tailored solutions that drive client success.

With LOGiCOM ILC Ltd., a third party service logistics organisation, I was employed as a Commercial Trainee. This was a 2 year training opportunity which was cut short due to company-wide redundancies.While with the company my main achievements were:- Design, plan and implement new operation / warehouse (Project Sesame)- Cost saving of over £40,000 due to developing in-house I.T solutions- Training and development of new and existing employees- Opening over 20 locations (Drop Points) around England and Wales