Reporting to UK Director of Finance, initially implemented, and subsequently ensured adherence to, controls and policies for capital expenditure. Promoted into position as result of structured approach & achievements in Retail Business Development role.Key Achievements•Created and evolved a function and processes for the review, analysis, critique and approval of financial appraisals where commitment to significant capital expenditure was required.•Established a template for documenting business cases to provide structured narrative in support of financial appraisals.•Developed a Capital Expenditure Policy as a reference document for use by the global business when preparing financial appraisals. •Introduced a “Quick Start” document which allowed users to navigate the detailed policy, whilst being able to immediately use key documents for appraisals.•Developed a Post Audit Review template for use after 3 months, 1 Year and 3 Years post project completion.•Implemented processes to ensure that all documents were approved and submitted to the Autogrill Board within imposed time constraints and in a consistent format.•Developed relationships with global business partners to ensure that appraisals & business cases were robust and commercially viable.•Established monthly reporting for global capital expenditure for Alpha and World Duty Free business.

Reporting to the Retail Commercial Director, provided commercial and financial input to a newly implemented business strategy following increased competitive activity coupled with the launch of a store rebrand.Key Achievements•Worked under time pressure with business partners on tender preparations for new business.•Co-ordinated financial input in the team which developed a franchise relationship with Starbucks for introduction of brand into several regional airports.•Prepared several financial appraisals which were successful in either securing contract extensions at key sites in the portfolio or dissuading the business from entering into a contract.•Created and enhanced business partnering relationships with internal departments.•Directed regular meetings with business partners to discuss financial appraisals, communicating business critical issues arising from assumptions made by partners.•Developed strong relationships with airport authorities to develop and interpret sales forecasts.•Assisted with preparation and review of Heads of Terms for contract negotiations.•Presented business cases to UK board, airport authority boards and senior managers.

Reporting to the Retail Commercial Director, provided commercial and financial support to the Operations Teams.Key Achievements•Analysed Monthly Profit and Loss Accounts for all retail units with operations & board commentary.•Co-ordinated and prepared the annual budget for the Retail Division.•Prepared Key Performance Indicators for issue to internal business partners and board, articulating the complex relationships between passenger delivery, footfall and store sales.•Directed regular meetings (both one to one and group) with unit general managers to communicate KPI performance and overall business performance.•Developed relationships with airport partners involving monthly and ad hoc meetings to provide insight into current and forecast performance.

Reported to UK Operations Director with a remit to rebuild, manage and develop a support function to provide commercial support to a network of 200 franchise businesses.Key Achievements•Recruited & directed team responsible for financial forecasting / business planning to the network.•Led the finance team in a group established to implement an alternate method for fee collection.•Managed plans for crisis centres, developing financial forecasts to ensure trade continued.•Provided financial forecasts to banks that assisted the survival of struggling businesses.•Reported directly to board on interpretation of network sales results and trend development.•Advised franchisees on optimum methods and timings of marketing strategies and investments. •Prepared financial plans for new franchisees entering the business.•Planned for business expansion and relocation of franchise outlets.•Developed training course for Operations Team on Financial Awareness and Business Planning.•Developed and implemented training course for new franchisees on Best Financial Practice.•Provided capital investment appraisals to businesses for acquisition of new equipment.