Experience

Innovation SuperNetwork

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Access to Finance Manager

  • Apr 2022 - Present

  Tyne & Wear, England, United Kingdom



North East Growth Hub

• United Kingdom
• Executive Offices
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Growth Hub Connector

  • Jan 2021 - Mar 2022



GM Business Growth Hub

• United Kingdom
• Executive Offices
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Mentoring Advisor - Be the Business Mentoring For Growth Programme with the North East Growth Hub

  • Aug 2019 - Jan 2021

  North East UK Working as the Mentoring Advisor covering the North East and Tees Valley for the Be the Business Mentoring for Growth programme Working with the North East Growth Hub to deploy this fully-funded programme intended to bridge the productivity gap between SME's and corporations. Engaging with qualifying SME business Leaders looking for the right mentor to help them grow, unclog productivity and/or innovate.



Generator Union

• United Kingdom
• Information Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Development Lead

  • Jan 2019 - Jul 2019

  Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom A key network membership organization in the Creative and Digital sector covering the North East and Tees Valley. My role was to build on the membership, support members with business support.



Alcove

• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business Development

  • Aug 2018 - Nov 2018

  North East United Kingdom Alcove is disrupting the global care industry, and specifically the telecare market (you know - pull cords, intercoms and big red buttons around people's necks).



Access Africa Safaris LTD

• Director Of Operations And Business Development

  • 2009 - 2017

  Nairobi Kenya My first entrepreneurial experience, moving into the travel and tourism sector. Developed and grew this organisation, specialising in providing landing, transport, and safari guiding services to travel and tourism businesses. Our operations covered the whole of East Africa, working with Key corporate clients from Pollman's Safaris, Somak Luxury Travel, Gamewatchers to Sarova Hotels, Serena Hotels, and many others



Self-Employed (consulting projects)

• Business Development and Operations Consultant

  • 2009 - 2017

  Companies include; Toyota Kenya, Zahkem International, Braeburn Group of Schools, Camps International Ltd, Rift Valley Adventure Ltd, Captains Club Casino, Creative Kitchen, Aero Club of East Africa, Moniko’s Restaurant and Deli, Bonk clothing brand and retail store and Amara Conservation. - Working with established and start-up businesses and providing expert advice and recommendations on operational streamlining, business development and new system implementation in line with growth… Show more Companies include; Toyota Kenya, Zahkem International, Braeburn Group of Schools, Camps International Ltd, Rift Valley Adventure Ltd, Captains Club Casino, Creative Kitchen, Aero Club of East Africa, Moniko’s Restaurant and Deli, Bonk clothing brand and retail store and Amara Conservation. - Working with established and start-up businesses and providing expert advice and recommendations on operational streamlining, business development and new system implementation in line with growth objectives - Devising, developing and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies tailored to specific business requirements and designed to drive revenue and achieve long-term sustainable growth - Analysing consumer complaints, trends and behaviours to improve products and services - Examining the product mix to identify product performance and analyse financial performance and management - Identifying product streamlining opportunities to improve operational performance and profit margins -Developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for different types of businesses from hospitality, tourism and leisure to retail and industrial sectors. -Identifying, creating and executing Training in keeping with SOPs and the objectives of the business. - Establishing, building and maintaining strong supplier relationships to ensure product consistency, competitive pricing and optimal cost-efficiency Show less



Tribe the village market hotel

• Pre-Opening Development, Food and Beverage Operation

  • 2007 - 2009

  Nairobi, Kenya Part of the pre-opening team for this 5 star Hotel, looking to create a new benchmark of 5* standards within the already established Kenyan hospitality sector. As a result of our accomplishments, Tribe Hotel achieved the number one spot in hotel service delivery, rated by TripAdvisor. - Creating the concept, developing and building the food & beverage department for this 5 star hotel, comprising a flagship restaurant, event and banqueting department, 24-hour room service, two bars… Show more Part of the pre-opening team for this 5 star Hotel, looking to create a new benchmark of 5* standards within the already established Kenyan hospitality sector. As a result of our accomplishments, Tribe Hotel achieved the number one spot in hotel service delivery, rated by TripAdvisor. - Creating the concept, developing and building the food & beverage department for this 5 star hotel, comprising a flagship restaurant, event and banqueting department, 24-hour room service, two bars, purchasing, stores and F&B controls - Leading the recruitment, training and development of 60 staff, including service staff and management - Designing and implementing robust standard operating procedures, employee guides and effective training procedures with supporting documentation - Forming all departmental budgets and material control procedures, purchasing equipment, stocks and perishables for hotel opening whilst maximising cost efficiency at all times - Maintaining cohesiveness between food & beverage operations and other hotel departments - Playing a key role in the layout of back of house and front of house food & beverage areas - Managing a wide range of large-scale events, including weddings, product launches and corporate meetings with renowned customers such as Coca-Cola, Diageo, Safaricom, East African Breweries Ltd and numerous high profile guests and parties during the MTV Africa Music Awards - Reduced F&B costs to an average of 28% within the first four months of opening - Significantly reduced beverage costs to 23% within the first two months of opening - Doubled departmental sales within two months of opening the hotel and maintaining sales of over 85% of the restaurant’s capacity six months after opening - Improved customer experience by introducing a guest feedback system, analysing findings and making subsequent changes to operating procedures Show less



Mediterraneo Restaurant

• Germany
• Restaurants
• 1 - 100 Employee

• General Manager Operations

  • 2005 - 2007

  Nairobi, Kenya Managing this 250 seater well known Italian restaurant with a team of 50 employees, with a capacity of serving up to 1,000 customers in a single day à la carte. A whole new experience in delivering a fantastic dining experience at greater scale.



Sarova Hotels

• Kenya
• Hospitality
• 700 & Above Employee

• Whitesands Food and Beverage Manager

  • 2003 - 2004

  Mombasa, Kenya A great leap in position to take on this prestigious role in 5-star stunning Hotel on the white sands of Mombasa, Kenya. Managing multiple outlets from bars, a nightclub, stunning seafood restaurant to a range of events from corporate to weddings, and the famous Whitesands New Years Party with celebrity entertainment and a kilometer long buffet dinner.



PizzaExpress

• United Kingdom
• Food and Beverage Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Restaurant Manager

  • 2001 - 2003

  London and The North East My first management experience for this fantastic Restaurant group. I will always cherish my experiences and will never forget the first time I was given responsibility and the Keys to a restaurant I was responsible for.