Solve Design Management Ltd is a design-led production company, primarily involved in building bespoke displays, exhibits, props, merchandising solutions and the like.We specialise in the weird and wonderful and most stopping-off places in between.I am the sole Director of the business and am responsible for all projects.Our team is deliberately small.We are supported by a network of very carefully chosen partners and suppliers, many of whom we have known for 10+ years.We get to work with some very high profile businesses and on some great brands.Several of our clients appoint us to carry out work on commercially sensitive projects.For the last five years we have become increasing involved in high-end digital marketing work. We have become a key partner with one of the country's most innovative consultancies.

This was my first role working outside a design consultancy, since beginning my career.Solve was set up as a specialist supplier to the design profession. It also serviced several direct clients for design-related project work.Following my position at Hutchinson Leek being made redundant, I was approached by a key supplier, with a view to establishing a service to designers and the like.In effect, I became a 'go-to' person for the outsourcing of production-related products and services.The business was fronted by me but I also had the backing of two other collaborators, working in the background.

A small design consultancy with a great client base. It was formed by two ex-Protocol colleagues.I worked on some very interesting projects, across a diverse range of media.Many of the projects were packaging and merchandising based.I was responsible for:Taking production briefs from clients and the Directors of the business.Advising the design team on appropriate processes and materials.Testing new processes and methods to ensure appropriate performance levels.Negotiating prices for all levels of procurement, to up to £500k spend per project.Identifying processes, methods and technologies for future projects, Being responsible on-site for HL merchandising installations across most of Europe.Liaising with installation teams at merchandising sites in USA and Far East.Delivering quality end products, on time and within budget.Driving quality of execution in all aspects of work.Working on the production aspects of substantial new business pitches.Presenting production proposals to clients.Being a good ambassador for the business.

A fast-growing design group, with some very high profile accounts.I was responsible for:Working with design and account management staff (in Manchester and Edinburgh offices) to establish budgets and timeframes.Liaising with designers to understand the look and the feel of the concept.Sourcing and selection of products and suppliers.Negotiating prices for all levels of procurement, to up to £100k+ spend per project.Identifying processes, methods and technologies for future projects, Designing and implementing cost control and project management systems.Delivering quality end products, on time and within budget.Representing the business with clients and client 3rd party specialists.Driving the highest quality of service and product in all aspects of work.

The position of Account Manager in the design division of a well-respected Agency became available.Despite only working at Poulter for a short time I had the pleasure of working on some great accounts, including Leverton (Caterpillar).

My first role as a Project Manager, where I was not working at all as a hands-on designer. This was a new challenge.The design aspect of many of Corporate Culture's projects was only a small part of a much bigger story. Marketing, PR and copywriting were all offered in-house.I missed not being as closely aligned with the design profession as I would have liked.

Promotion to Associate Director saw me become more involved with the running of the business and working with colleagues in the London Office.My role included some new business development and regular client contact.Inevitably, project management was now overtaking design as my main activity.Visitor Attraction projects were a key part of the BDDA repertoire at this stage. I relished the challenge of working as part of a multi-disciplined team, to create and deliver high profile solutions.

Bowes Darby was a key consultancy in the Manchester design community.I had the pleasure of working on some great accounts, including Trafford Park Development Corporation, Littlewoods, Mersey Ferries and Tower Bridge.My interest in graphics on a large scale was well catered for, with many projects involving exhibitions, display, retail, signage and design for visitor attractions.

Building Design Partnership (BDP) offered me a position within its Manchester Graphics Team. As a firm employing 1,000+ people at the time, the work was a combination of collaboration with 'internal' colleagues and for clients outside the firm. My time at BDP allowed me to develop my skills as a member of a team.

Building on valuable experience gained in my previous job, I moved to London, to join Tayburn. It was here that I was given the opportunity to work on some very high profile accounts. Much of the work was based on branding, packaging and financial print, for clients such as Guinness, Boots and The Dorchester Hotel.

I was delighted to be offered my first job by one of my visiting tutors at college - Myles Pinfold.As part of a small team, I worked hard, learned fast and gained invaluable experience.(in those days, we sat at drawing boards and took pride in our hand-crafted design solutions).