The accounting app for landlords

Helping entrepreneurs across the world start and run successful businesses

I re-joined FreeAgent to support the extensive partnership activities that were currently burgeoning in this fast growing accounting and banking sector!Very exciting times at FA and I was pleased to be playing my part in the next chapter of the FreeAgent story!

Receipt Bank’s aim is to remove the burden that bills, receipts and invoices place on businesses.Working with bookkeepers, accountants and businesses directly, Receipt Bank has developed its software and service to make the gathering, storage and processing of bills, receipts and invoices as easy and as cost effective as possible.

As the leading provider of online accounting software for freelancers, SME's and start-ups in the UK we are always keen to find ways to assist new businesses gain and maintain control of their finances.At FreeAgent I was again heavily involved in assisting freelancers, sole traders and small businesses to realise their potential. Like it or not, good accounting processes and practices form the very heart of a business and a positive attitude to financial management is key to success. FreeAgent goes a long way to clearing both practical and perceived hurdles many business owners have with their business finances and I was proud to be involved in this accounting revolution!

Following the closure if the Business Link Service, I spent time at PayPal UK – where I was employed to plan and oversee the implementation their UK SME engagement strategy. I also worked closely with government departments such as BIS and the UKTI to find ways of supporting SMEs across the UK

ServicesBusiness support organisation providing expert independent advice and support to small and medium sized businesses across London.RoleSFEDI accredited, my main advisor duties include building a portfolio of clients, conducting business review meetings with them to identify support requirements and broker suitable solutions, writing and delivering workshops and carrying out business surgeries with strategic partners.As Deputy Regional Manager, responsibilities include lead allocation to team members, budget allocation and deputising for the Regional Manager in his absence. I take a central role in planning and coordinating events by liaising with partnership managers, events team and stakeholders to develop ideas for events and marketing and communication campaigns to engage target businesses. I provide training to advisors and the call centre team on a regular basis.Notable achievementsHaving been promoted to Deputy Regional Manager after just six months of employment, I am also engaged on the National Business Link PR panel as a media spokesperson for the Business Link service across the UK. This involves appearing on national television (eg: Working Lunch on BBC2), local and national radio and writing articles for both national and local press on a broad range of business subjects from starting a business to cash flow and growth strategies (my articles have appeared in the Times and the Evening Standard amongst others).

ServicesDesign, manufacture, installation & modification of low voltage switchboards and associated products.RoleManaged key accounts (from specifying consultants to contractors) to get CSL products specified at end user level and explored new business opportunities. Carried out site surveys for project quotations and provided technical and sales support on all CSL products.Notable achievementsI implemented the use of a formal and co-ordinated customer database, designed and produced a company brochure and project managed the development of a company website. I also had to work completely off my own initiative and plan and executed my daily duties with limited direction from the two owner/directors to whom I reported.

ServicesControl and automation products distributor to OEM machine builders, end users and panel builders UK wideRoleI took responsibility for all aspects of the day to day operation of the business including sales and invoicing, order completion, accounting (using Sage), purchasing, and marketing activity (including catalogue production and product brochures). I provided technical assistance to customers and quotations to support sales activity. Notable achievementsDuring this time I gained a great deal of experience of account management at Director level.

ServicesA subsidiary of the global General Electric corporation, they are a manufacturer of control and automation products including industrial computers and electrical drive equipment.RoleEmployed as an Area Sales Manager in the OEM channel, I was responsible for both direct accounts and distribution partners on a day to day basis and provided technical and sales support on all GEPC products. I worked extensively with consultants, contractors and system integrators across the Home Counties specifying GEPC products for end-users. Notable achievementsAppointed as sales and product trainer for all new sales engineers employed from 2002 until my departure from the business.

Other Work ExperienceJan 1998 to April 2000 –HTE Ltd – industrial automation and electrical control equipment – Key Accounts ManagerOct 1994 to Dec 1997 – Jesco UK Ltd – water treatment manufacturer – Key Distribution Partner ManagerJune 1992 to Oct 1994 – Clarks International Ltd - retailer of quality shoes – Store Manager