I have been working in the world of business for a really long time! I graduated from Queen's University with a degree in Biochemistry and worked for Randox Laboratories in an international sales and marketing role, working with distributors across the globe. I returned to University to study my Masters in Business Studies graduating in 2001 (I also gained my MBA in 2007) which lead me to working for a venture capital company, which funded high tech start-ups. I then worked in the area of Economic Development from 2003 - 2009, working with a vast array of businesses from start-ups to growth businesses as well as social enterprises. During this period I worked for the World Trade Centre Network, connecting with businesses and Economic Development professionals across the globe. I project managed international networking events including trade visits and managing trades stands promoting Belfast at large events including MIPIM and MAPIC. In 2009 I established True Channel, offering freelance services mainly to local Government with business support programmes. I worked mainly with start-up, early stage small businesses in a wide range of areas from business planning, product idea development, marketing strategy development, brand development and financial planning. I also delivered my own series of branding masterclasses to companies across Northern Ireland. In 2017 I set up my own brand - Plumpy Balms, which are natural vegan beauty balms. I spent four years developing the unique silky smooth texture and creating the Plumpy brand. I started at a small Christmas market and grew the business from there. Over the years I have grown the range and my customer base, selling online, to shops and at local artisan markets. The experience I have gained can not be put down in a few sentences but it is alot! From product development, cosmetics compliance, packaging design, direct sales, managing an online store and everything that comes with running a consumer facing business!I get business, I understand all the different parts of running a business. I am strategic, operationally experienced and creative. I know how to look under the bonnet to really see what is going on. I also love to work with business owners - to knock heads together, diagnose issues, develop solutions and help business owners seize opportunities and elevate to the next level.