Having stepped down as Chair, Im stil a big supporter of my industry charity, Supporting the current Northern Branch leadership and leading regional events

Having supported Groceryaid ( NGBF , Caravan ) for many years as Secretary for the North East, I accepted the position of Chairman for the North East and York branch in April 2014. I had a great team that arranged various events to raise funds and awareness for the Grocery Industries key charity.

Groceryaid is the Grocery industry charity and I have been an active supporter for many years, becoming secretary for the North East branch in 2003.

Dee Bee Wholesale is part of The Ramsden Group, a long established and well respected family business that has never lost sight of its traditional values of loyalty and value for money.Today, it is a multi-million pound organisation employing almost 200 people across the retail, On-trade, delivered wholesale and cash and carry sectors. We own and operate our own chain of convenience stores under the 'Todays' facsia, as well as 2 distribution depots and a furniture store. As… Show more Dee Bee Wholesale is part of The Ramsden Group, a long established and well respected family business that has never lost sight of its traditional values of loyalty and value for money.Today, it is a multi-million pound organisation employing almost 200 people across the retail, On-trade, delivered wholesale and cash and carry sectors. We own and operate our own chain of convenience stores under the 'Todays' facsia, as well as 2 distribution depots and a furniture store. As trading director, I lead a great team, dedicated to developing the offer for our customers and supporting our sales team in selling more, aswell as driving the range and development of our own retail store estate. We have an industry leading website which we are continuing to develop at pace, and I'm excited to be part of the future of this business. https://www.deebee.co.uk/ Show less

Petty Wood & Co Ltd are a distributor of a number of brands including Baxters, Canderel, Lavazza & Epicure. In a controller role, I was responsible for driving sales and distribution of these and many other brands across the Cash & Carry and Foodservice sectors, managing a fantastic team of 9 account managers.

AMsalessolutions provided interim management services to FMCG business'es. Previous assignments have included :Cash & Carry account management for Petty Wood & Co. Providing additional resource for the business whilst a number of new accounts & principals are developed. Managing and developing Booker, Landmark group and Hancocks. Development and evolution of a C&C channel strategy encompassing people resource, brand and account development.Providing sales &… Show more AMsalessolutions provided interim management services to FMCG business'es. Previous assignments have included :Cash & Carry account management for Petty Wood & Co. Providing additional resource for the business whilst a number of new accounts & principals are developed. Managing and developing Booker, Landmark group and Hancocks. Development and evolution of a C&C channel strategy encompassing people resource, brand and account development.Providing sales & marketing advice with a new confectionery business, helping to develop the product and gain listings in the market. www.kopiko.uk.comA number of marketing, communication & sales projects with Natural Warmth ltd - a supplier of bespoke low carbon heating solutions, using modern, efficient technology . www.natural-warmth.comDelivering a significant NPD project and developing an independent retailer database for LEAF international. Show less

Business unit controller for impulse (£15M ), with 6 direct and 7 indirect reports, covering all areas outside of the multiple channel, including personal responsibility for the development of Foodservice business via a 3rd party sales agancy.Development of personell and accounts in line with company strategy.

Business Account manager for the TESCO account.

Established and developed a trade marketing function for the Bendicks business, combining hands on sales experience across all sectors, with my CIM qualification in marketing, to deliver focussed solutions for the sales function, whilst delivering marketing objectives. Significant involvement in NPD evolution, category development, pricing and promotional strategies and implemtnation, aswell as control and development of trade commuication for the business.

Business Account manager covering a number of accounts across both impulse and multiple channels. Accounts covered include :Forecourt - BP, ShellImpulse - One-Stop, TM retail, Costcutter, NISA retail, Budgens, SPARMulitple - ASDA, Morrisons, TESCO

Northumbrian were a premium biscuit manufacturer, specialising in retailer brand . They also had some healthfood brands. Responsible for all accounts and business development ( foodservice, discounters 3rd party branded etc ) . Sales and marketing of healthfood ranges ( Prewetts / Sunwheel ) with a value of £1M . Redesigned and relaunched range, sourcing new products from 3rd parties

Stepped across to supply and manufacturing to experience something new. Initially territory manager covering the North East, promoted to Key account manager, managing Walter Wilson, the largest account in the North East.

Moved to Sainsburys - at the time THE business to work for in FMCG retail. Initally worked on the store development team - fitting out the first 4 NE stores ( Whitley Bay, Sunderland, Durham and Mbro ) Later moved into a departmental role in a new area as Department manager for customer services

Opened a new store ( ex Woolco ) as Twilight manager, then Grocery Manager . Lots of skills developed - you have to empathize when managing a team of twilight fillers who are all old enough to be your mother !

Started my FMCG career at the sharp end , in a trainee role with Hintons, which was acquired by Presto ( later Safeway ) the second week of my training scheme . Great experience, learnt a lot about retail, across fresh, ( inc fish / butchery / bakery ) and how merchandise a fixture and how to cut case - in the days when Mr health and safety allowed you to carry a Stanley knife !