Experience

Fire Label Merchandising

• United Kingdom
• Retail Apparel and Fashion
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Operations Director

  • May 2013 - Present

  After relocating to new premises in May 2013 I accepted the role of Operations Director to allow me to concentrate on Supplier Liaison, Price Structuring, Inventory and to establish an in-house HR department. I have recently completed a ILM Level 3 Award in HR Topics and I am delighted to say that we have won another ECMOD Award - 'Best Multi-Channel Business up to £5M 2015 following our successful entry in 2014 where we achieved Best Women's Wear Category. 2019 saw Fire Label achieve a FEEFO Gold Customer Service Award and in November of 2019 we moved to our new larger premises in Pershore. In 2020 we will be working to increase our product ranges and offer a variety of delivery options that should make the ordering process even better for our customers.The global Pandemic COVID-19 seriously affected our customised service due to suppliers being unable to offer the same levels of service and prices previously enjoyed, and our customer base has been severely hit. This has resulted in our customised division being closed permanently with consequent redundancies. I would like to thank everyone who was involved with this service for the hard work and determination put in over many years. You will all be greatly missed.Going forward Fire Label has expanded its offering of plain garments and associated products with new lower pricing, increased discounts and FREE delivery from just £50.00. In addition we have opened up the website to Consumers along side our Business Customers allowing everyone to take advantage of our quality ranges at competitive prices. Since June 2020 this new way of working is already bringing enormous benefits and we now look forward to continuing to supply customers old and new for many years to come.

• Director

  • Sep 2008 - Apr 2013

  General Directorship role helping to build Fire Label as a leading supplier of promotional merchandise. Recruitment and training of sales and purchasing staff together with sales and marketing planning, targeting and supplier liaison.



Lockjaw Records

• Worcester, United Kingdom

• Joint Owner Founder

  • 1997 - 2009

  During the period from 1995 to establishing Lockjaw Records I worked in the music industry as a manager of a punk rock band signed to Polygram offshoot Go! Discs. I helped to establish independent record label in 1997 with family members which I ran until selling on in 2009. The label is now in the very capable hands of new young owners. I wish them well for the future. During the period from 1995 to establishing Lockjaw Records I worked in the music industry as a manager of a punk rock band signed to Polygram offshoot Go! Discs. I helped to establish independent record label in 1997 with family members which I ran until selling on in 2009. The label is now in the very capable hands of new young owners. I wish them well for the future.



Dore Dore

• United Kingdom

• UK Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator

  • 1990 - 1995

  In charge of UK based sales and operations for French Hosiery and Knitwear manufacturer, Dore Dore. Recruited area Sales Agents and London based Sales Consultants and Merchandisers. Controlled sales targets, forward planning of sales, trade exhibitions, new seasons ranges and the credit control function. Sadly the factory in France has closed and the Company is now in the hands of a new owner in Italy. In charge of UK based sales and operations for French Hosiery and Knitwear manufacturer, Dore Dore. Recruited area Sales Agents and London based Sales Consultants and Merchandisers. Controlled sales targets, forward planning of sales, trade exhibitions, new seasons ranges and the credit control function. Sadly the factory in France has closed and the Company is now in the hands of a new owner in Italy.



VF Corporation

• United States
• Retail Apparel and Fashion
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sole UK Sales Agent

  • 1985 - 1990

  Sole UK Sales Agent responsible for sales, credit control and distribution. Introduced Shops within Stores at Dickens and Jones and Selfridge London and store chain Allders. Recruited instore Sales Consultants and area Sales Agents. Increased turnover substantially and helped to create UK based stock holding and distribution system. Sole UK Sales Agent responsible for sales, credit control and distribution. Introduced Shops within Stores at Dickens and Jones and Selfridge London and store chain Allders. Recruited instore Sales Consultants and area Sales Agents. Increased turnover substantially and helped to create UK based stock holding and distribution system.



Sole UK Sales Agent for various Lingerie / Swimwear Manufacturers

• United Kingdom

• UK Sole Agent

  • 1979 - 1985

  Sole UK Sales Agent for various French and Scandinavian Lingerie and Swimwear Brands selling to high end shops and stores. Sole UK Sales Agent for various French and Scandinavian Lingerie and Swimwear Brands selling to high end shops and stores.



D L James and Associates Ltd

• North of England / Scotland

• Area Sales Agent

  • 1977 - 1979

  Self Employed Sales Agent selling lingerie to retail on behalf of importer / distributor DL James and Associates Ltd. Self Employed Sales Agent selling lingerie to retail on behalf of importer / distributor DL James and Associates Ltd.



Card Cavern Retail Stationer

• Manchester, Eccles, Lancaster and Gatley

• Business Owner

  • 1972 - 1976

  Owner / driver of small retail chain of greeting card and stationery shops. Owner / driver of small retail chain of greeting card and stationery shops.



James Beattie Plc

• Birkenhead Cheshire

• Store Buyer

  • 1967 - 1972

  After training in the main store in Wolverhampton in Menswear I was promoted to position of Buyer for China and Glass, Silverware and Stationery in the Birkenhead branch. Group now under ownership of House of Fraser. After training in the main store in Wolverhampton in Menswear I was promoted to position of Buyer for China and Glass, Silverware and Stationery in the Birkenhead branch. Group now under ownership of House of Fraser.