Expertise
- Business Consultancy
- Business Strategy
- Mentor
- Sales
- Project Management
- personnel development
- volunteer management
- shop layout
- visual merchandising
- retail management
- retail training
- charity retail
- soft furnishings
- homewares
- Customer Service
- team motivation
- Leadership/Team Building
- Quality Management
Summary
I have over 20 years’ experience of retail management, most recently 9 within the charity sector.
Drawing on the skills and knowledge I have gained over the years, I advise small and medium sized charities to either develop their existing retail offer or build it from scratch.
I work with clients advising them how to maximise income and generate profit. Auditing and analysing a client's current business model, I provide them with the tools necessary to commercially grow their retail operation and to flourish within their communities.
Successfully building and regularly reviewing the client's model ensures a great reputation for quality and high standards of practice enabling them to become an important public ambassador for their worthy cause.
Specialities include:
Shop Merchandising and Layout
Volunteer and Staff Training
Retail Growth
Strategic Decision Making
Communicating at all levels
Team Building
Learning and Development
Working with People
Experience
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Wright Charity Retail
Consultant
2016 - CurrentI work closely with small and medium sized charities and fully understand the challenges they face within such a competitive market.
My experience of working in and developing charity retail within local communities has shown me the importance of having the support from those groups and has strengthened the belief that charity shops should be encouraged to be the best they possibly can be, to guarantee profitability and be the commercial face of that charity.
I provide individually tailored packages which will provide solutions and direction. My approach is hands on and practical, innovative and creative, friendly and inclusive. I am organised, resourceful, patient and understanding, motivational and will tackle any and all projects with enthusiasm and interest.
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Blythe House Hospice
Retail manager
2007 - 2016My role as retail manager at Blythe was to ensure that the Trading co. business grew and developed in line with the Hospices` overall strategy and provided an ever increasing turnover by generating maximum profit from selling donated goods.I project managed and opened 5 shops, implemented an online sales presence, introduced a gift aid till system and promoted a corporate retail identity, and by introducing a high quality and standards` structure and best practice working methods acheived income growth year on year.
I was directly responsible for the recruitment and retention of both shop staff and volunteers, advocating and practising a mentoring and team building approach, motivating and inspiring personnel. My expertise also includes shop merchandising and layout, compliance with Health and Safety regulations, volunteer and staff training, highlighting potential retail developments and strategic/commercial desicion making/
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Dunelm Mill
Assistant Store manager
2005 - 2006I joined Dunelm Mill at a time of expansion as they opened two new stores and was involve d in setting up and opening the Stockport store.
My role as Assistant Store manager entailed deputising and overseeing the day to day operations of the store in the store managers abscence.
I lead and developed the sales team to achieve weekly sales targets while ensuring cash control and security was maintained, oversaw staff welfare including interviewing prospective staff members and disciplinary hearings, salaries and inventories. Implemented innovative and attractive product merchandising, adhered to stock control procedures and delivered high standards of customer care and followed Health and Safety procedures in accordance with Dunelm policies and procedures.
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Broadstone Mill
Home Furnishings Department manager
2003 - 2005 -
Dorma Group ltd
Factory Shop Manager
2001 - 2003 -
Montgomery Tomlinson
Concession Manger
1998 - 2001
Education History
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Retail Management and Leadership
Derby College
2010 - 2014 -
Home Interior Design
Stockport College
1995 -
Small Business Administration/management
Stockport College
1995 -
Graphic design/Technical Illustration
Barnfield College
1975 - 1979
Qualifications
BA Hons Foundation degree-Retail management and Leadership
