Helen Cooper

Founder and CEO at Helen Cooper School of Luxury and Sustainability
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Contact Information
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(386) 825-5501
Location
UK
Languages
  • French -
  • Swahili -

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Susan Curtis

I worked with Helen for just over 2 years at Neal’s Yard Remedies and I was impressed not only by her deep knowledge of the Beauty and Wellness industry, but also her commitment to the ethical and sustainable values that are so important to our brand. She has the ability to see the bigger picture and identify commercial opportunities from a strategic viewpoint, and this really helped to focus the team. She is a tremendously hard worker, dedicated and determined, and stood out as someone who was very approachable in her style, whether talking with the management team or workers on the factory floor.

Anu Sharma

It has been a very positive experience working with Helen. She is clear, focused and positive at all times. Generous with her time and motivational at all times. If you have any opportunity to work with Helen, I would highly recommend that you take it up. Helen can see the forest in the trees and trees in the forest. Anu

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Experience

    • India
    • Professional Training and Coaching
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Founder and CEO
      • Jun 2020 - Present

      Sustainable Luxury: Made in India For generations India has been giving the world stunning luxury goods, crafted using skills passed down through families and communities, and bought by some of the wealthiest individuals in society. Many western luxury brands already sell these items, but now it's time for India to reveal its own luxury brands to the world. Our school helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and ambitious employees in India create greater value for themselves and their businesses in the growing local luxury market, by training them in luxury brand skills & innovation. Unlike other luxury branding courses, we focus only on Indian luxury brands, to create new role models and encourage pride, confidence and awareness in what is possible. Our mission is to help shift India from being a highly skilled (but under-valued) service provider for luxury brands to confidently create and appreciate luxury brands of their own. These brands respect their culture, tell their own story, and demonstrate their high levels of craftsmanship, creating connections with consumers all over the world. By promoting the drive to make India a global centre for sustainable luxury brand creation and manufacturing, we will increase commercial opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans, helping them discover brand opportunities that deliver growth and long term value for themselves and their employees through creativity, sustainability, and innovation, in India and around the world. We have developed our equivalent of an NVQ in Luxury, with high quality training, that is practical, easy to apply, and tutor guided so that students learn the necessary skills to create and commercialise their own luxury brands, together with a greater understanding of how Sustainability can be their competitive advantage.. To find out more and to read the Programme prospectus visit www.helencooperluxury.com. If you have any questions please contact us at learn@helencooperluxury.com. Show less

    • Owner
      • May 2018 - Present

      I work with a variety of FMCG businesses in the UK, especially entrepreneurial start ups and early stage companies, to help them be more focused on their branding and discover their brand specific innovation opportunities for growth. Using the findings of a survey conducted over the last 6 months with over 30 entrepreneurs, and my own extensive experience and expertise gathered throughout a 35 year career, I have developed the Decoding: Business series of skills training guides. These are focused on specific topics that younger businesses often find challenging. This includes brand marketing for non-marketers, negotiation skills, and stakeholder management. You will find the whole series on www.primaverita.com. However, if you are already well established, but struggling to grow, my 5-Day JumpStart programme could help you discover new products that have the potential to be a springboard to your future. Whether you want to save, sell or grow your business you need to be sure that your product portfolio is working, as products are the only way that your customers truly interact with your brand - and the reason they come back again in the future. If your Product Strategy is weak or unfocused, or if it doesn't truly reflect your brand, you could be wasting a fortune. Top tip: Launching too many products every year is very unlikely to deliver a strong ROI. I can help you quickly identify strong consumer-centric, brand specific propositions using my 5-Day JumpStart innovation accelerator programme, and then work alongside you to create fantastic products that will drive your growth, or demonstrate your potential to a future buyer. Book a quick chat with me at www.helencooper.com. It's free, friendly, and could be the start of something very exciting! Show less

    • United Kingdom
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Vice Chair & Non Executive Director
      • Oct 2018 - Present

      Non-Executive Director with multi-academy Trust in Bristol, comprising of 4 schools each in socially deprived areas, seeking to bring educational equality to the next generation. Working with the Board members to develop the strategy that will deliver turnaround and growth over the next 2 years. I also lead a project on 'Building an even better Board' that focuses on CPD for the NEDs and LGB Chairs in the Trust. Also a member of the Finance, Audit, and Operations committee. Non-Executive Director with multi-academy Trust in Bristol, comprising of 4 schools each in socially deprived areas, seeking to bring educational equality to the next generation. Working with the Board members to develop the strategy that will deliver turnaround and growth over the next 2 years. I also lead a project on 'Building an even better Board' that focuses on CPD for the NEDs and LGB Chairs in the Trust. Also a member of the Finance, Audit, and Operations committee.

    • United Kingdom
    • Consumer Goods
    • 400 - 500 Employee
    • Director of Gifting
      • Dec 2018 - Mar 2020

      Strategic project role creating a cornerstone luxury new business within a world renowned British brand. Development of a highly differentiated opportunity based on utilising 1100 years of assets and expertise in precious metals and coins, to inspire British designers and artisans to create premium jewellery and high quality gifts that could only be from The Royal Mint. Supporting British industry, and helping to grow 6 independent UK businesses in the last 12 months, the strategy also highlighted an opportunity to design and make men's accessories at the manufacturing centre in Wales, securing employment and skills development. Project handed over to in-house team to continue growth. Show less

    • United Kingdom
    • Cosmetics
    • 200 - 300 Employee
    • Managing Director
      • Jan 2016 - May 2018

      Board level global role reporting to Chairman, for brand operating in 25 markets, including franchise businesses. Soil Association and COSMOS accredited. Multi award-winning eco-brand, with a passion for sustainable and ethical ways of doing business, and specialists in natural and organic personal care, with the UK's largest range of certified organic products. Premium positioning with a focus on high performance facial skincare and aromatherapy, plus the widest range of natural remedies and herbs available on the high street. Sold in multiple sales channels - Retail, Wholesale, online, and Home Direct Selling in both the UK and US. Show less

    • Managing Director
      • Jun 2011 - Apr 2015

      A fast paced, challenging-but-energising role that required flexibility in approach and excellent time management skills. My time was split between juggling the demands of creating leading edge NPD with limited resources, ongoing investor liaison, and operational planning to ensure delivery of stock as required. Having invented the Hopper Pot, the business focus shifted to investigating patent licensing opportunities, requiring me to speak at conferences and developing licensing proposals for global companies to utilise this new packaging format. Show less

    • United Kingdom
    • Manufacturing
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Interim Commercial Director
      • Oct 2014 - Mar 2015

      The main purpose of the assignment was to 'join the dots' between the owners and different functions to ensure a smooth delivery of sales targets and New Business Opportunities. - Mentoring the sales teams to ensure all Opportunities are maximised - Identifying recruitment needs and working to bring in fabulous new team members that enhance the whole business - Working with the Export team to adopt a new approach to overseas business growth and more secured commercial arrangements - Developing the Trade Marketing function to tap into consumer insights on a regular basis - Bring in new POS partners to improve operational efficiency and ROI Show less

    • Managing Director
      • May 2009 - Jun 2011

      Key projects undertaken were: Alex Reid Ltd - Interim Managing Director (May 2010-Dec 2010) B2B division of Johnsons Service Group Plc, operating in laundry and dry cleaning sector. Project required strategic and commercial turnaround and Change Management involving review of all functions with implementation of recommendations, whilst fulfilling day to day General Management role. Based initially in Leicester and Croydon, although Croydon was closed as part of this project remit. Baylis & Harding - Interim Commercial Director (May 2009 - April 2010) Privately owned personal care and gifting company. Project required management of Brand Strategy and Commercial Management of business, recruitment and integration of high quality teams, and more General Management role in restructuring organisation and financial P&L reviews. Show less

    • Marketing Director
      • Jul 2006 - Feb 2009

      Privately owned business operating in FMCG Personal Care branded sector. Responsible for strategic and NPD management of total owned brand portfolio, some post-acquisition (M&A), involving consumer and Trade research, face to face negotiations with various suppliers and customers, and management of a team of 8. Based in Camberley. Privately owned business operating in FMCG Personal Care branded sector. Responsible for strategic and NPD management of total owned brand portfolio, some post-acquisition (M&A), involving consumer and Trade research, face to face negotiations with various suppliers and customers, and management of a team of 8. Based in Camberley.

    • International Director
      • Jan 2005 - Dec 2005

      Direct Selling and Retail business operating in cosmetics and Personal care sectors, part of the wider Virgin Group. Responsible for delivery of business strategy to extend brand globally, implementation of major launch project in South Africa, and brand turnaround with Virgin Spa franchisee group. Based in Chichester. Direct Selling and Retail business operating in cosmetics and Personal care sectors, part of the wider Virgin Group. Responsible for delivery of business strategy to extend brand globally, implementation of major launch project in South Africa, and brand turnaround with Virgin Spa franchisee group. Based in Chichester.

  • Golden Wonder
    • Market Harborough
    • NPD Director
      • Jan 2004 - Dec 2004

      Privately owned by Middle East group, operating in snack food sector. Responsible for development of NPD pipeline to support strong Branded and Own Label business in Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and WMM. Based in Market Harborough. Privately owned by Middle East group, operating in snack food sector. Responsible for development of NPD pipeline to support strong Branded and Own Label business in Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and WMM. Based in Market Harborough.

    • United Kingdom
    • Retail
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Head of Brands
      • 2001 - 2003

      Responsible for full product lifecycle with strategic and NPD development on a range of Boots Own Label and Licensed brands, including Botanics, Ruby & Millie, 17 and Natural Collection, plus management of team of 12. Responsible for full product lifecycle with strategic and NPD development on a range of Boots Own Label and Licensed brands, including Botanics, Ruby & Millie, 17 and Natural Collection, plus management of team of 12.

    • Founder
      • Apr 2000 - Dec 2001

      Responsible for start up of own online company offering secure 24/7 childcare recruitment platform, in conjunction with offline agencies recruited against strict selection criteria to ensure Best Practice operation. Responsible for start up of own online company offering secure 24/7 childcare recruitment platform, in conjunction with offline agencies recruited against strict selection criteria to ensure Best Practice operation.

    • Global Brand Director
      • 1999 - 2000

      Responsible for global integration of Yardley of London brand post acquisition in 1998. Relaunch of repositioned brand simultaneously in 14 markets within 12 months. Responsible for global integration of Yardley of London brand post acquisition in 1998. Relaunch of repositioned brand simultaneously in 14 markets within 12 months.

    • Cosmetics
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Head of NPD and Global Category Director
      • Jul 1995 - Dec 1998

    • M&S Account Manager
      • 1994 - 1995

    • Various Marketing roles
      • 1989 - 1994

    • English Teacher
      • Sep 1983 - Aug 1986

Education

  • University of Warwick
    B.Ed, History, Education, Music
    1980 - 1983
  • PRINCE 2
    Qualified Practioner, Project Management
    2009 - 2009
  • St Aelreds

Community

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