In this role, I’ve collaborated closely with our internal publishing departments, the web development team, third-party software developers and external partners to successfully launch a new online marketplace. This exciting venture spans multiple industries, including outdoor leisure, hobbies and arts and crafts. As a result of my efforts, I've secured key commercial relationships that account for over half of our company's expansion into the e-commerce sector. It’s been rewarding to play a pivotal role in shaping our industry strategies, driving growth and responding to evolving consumer demands while carefully navigating the complexities of market dynamics.One of my significant achievements has been resolving technical and integration issues by working hand-in-hand with our web development team and third-party developers. This collaboration led to the successful implementation of solutions on platforms like Magento 2.4.7, DotDigital and Naviga CRM systems. I also leveraged cloud storage solutions (BOX) and floorplan software (EFD) to enhance our platform’s functionality and performance, identifying capability gaps and implementing improvements that directly boosted our store's performance.

As the Sales Manager for the exhibition’s sales team, I took the reins to ensure our team consistently met targets while effectively budgeting and forecasting alongside the Head of Events and Head of Marketing. Drawing on my six years of key account management experience, I led by example, driving sales performance and actively supporting my team's individual development needs. Maintaining high motivation levels during the ever-changing event cycles was crucial and I believe my industry knowledge and respect within the sector, combined with a focus on long-term goals, helped us achieve over £1 million in annual turnover, despite facing significant challenges.Throughout the pandemic, which severely impacted the events industry and created ongoing global supply chain issues, I played a key role in keeping our events operational as vital sales channels for the industry. While many events were forced to close, we successfully continued to grow and build stronger foundations. In fact, we were one of the first large-scale events to resume operations during COVID. After cancelling all shows in March, we relaunched "COVID-safe" events by July. I ensured that public safety measures were in place, conducting daily inspections with local councils and environmental health to create a secure environment for everyone involved. This effort was essential in keeping the business and many traders' businesses afloat during these unprecedented times.

I consistently overachieved sales targets by proactively developing new business opportunities and effectively identifying the needs and routes to market for advertisers. By taking the time to understand what each advertiser was looking for, I was able to create tailored solutions that not only met their needs but also exceeded their expectations. This approach not only boosted our sales figures but also strengthened our relationships with advertisers, ensuring long-term partnerships and ongoing success for everyone involved. Through strategic outreach and a keen understanding of market dynamics, I helped unlock new avenues for growth, driving impressive results for the team and the business as a whole.

I’ve built a consistent track record of overachieving sales budgets by effectively implementing strategic sales initiatives. By carefully analysing market trends and customer needs, I was able to craft targeted strategies that not only resonated with our audience but also drove impressive results. My approach involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and maximise impact. As a result, we surpassed our sales goals and I was proud to contribute to the overall growth and success of the organisation. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how these initiatives not only elevated our sales performance but also strengthened our market position.