Retail outlet for homeware, imported furniture and Indian textiles. My role has quickly grown to incorporate more responsibility, including pricing furniture, buying, organising deliveries etc.

My own independent, high-end, ladies shoes & accessories shop. My first shop opened in Haywards Heath, followed by Horsham and Battle. Based in Horsham, I visited each shop weekly, to maintain outlets, ensure brand consistency throughout and ensured correct procedures were adhered to. Team of 16 staff reported.• Managed and trained staff in customer facing skills. • Researched each area to establish the needs of the clientele, focussing on the up coming seasons and purchasing stock accordingly, while working to budgets and following current fashion and trends. • Prepared for seasons in advance, visiting Milan shoes fair twice yearly to look for new lines, negotiate prices with suppliers and establish the viability of certain brands, constantly being aware of competition.• Organised and attended events to promote and grow the business, including charity fashion shows, working in collaboration with other local businesses to raise the profile of their respective towns.

The flexibility of a p/t role allowed the continuation of a career while raising a family. Chiropodist (p/t): 1992 – 2000.Chiropodist, Lewes and home visits: 1989 – 1992.P/t Sales jobs whilst studying Chiropody: 1987 – 1989.BMW Motor Cars, Sales Manager : 1983 – 1987.Lancôme Beauty Consultant: 1981 – 1983.Joanna Gray Independent Shoe Shop, Tunbridge Wells - Assistant Manager: 1981 – 1982, aided transition to running own business.Mary Lee (Bentalls), Tunbridge Wells, Sales Consultant, shoe department: 1979 – 1981, then moved to the Boutique for young fashion, and took Management Training.