Experience

University Centre Shrewsbury

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business Development Manager

  • Jan 2019 - Present

  I am able to bring nearly twenty years of experience of Project Management and developing European business support programmes to this role. I am keen to engage with businesses and other support agencies to look at how we can support the business community in Shropshire. My current role on the Digital Solutions project involves identifying eligible SMEs throughout Shropshire who are keen to develop the technical capabilities to create new business opportunities. I work closely with businesses to help them understand how they can progress the business using digital technologies. I also work with digital companies who require support in getting their new products and services developed and out to market. I spend time with companies to understand their issues and to review options for support which is fully funded through the project. I help with scoping projects and identifying sources of support. This can also include creating collaboration opportunities and identifying further funding for the business to access.I thoroughly enjoy meeting the diverse range of people and businesses and working in partnership to find ways of progressing the business. Being able to assist a business in finding solutions to problems is extremely fulfilling.



Ginger and Green Coffee Shop

• Coffee Shop Owner

  • Nov 2011 - Sep 2018

  In 2010 I decided I wanted to change my life, move to the countryside and take on a new challenge. I established a new independent Coffee House in Church Stretton with a focus on ensuring a high quality brand. It was built up over a seven year period and gained a significant reputation as a venue for high quality coffee alongside a popular, locally sourced menu. The business was fast paced and had up to 10 staff at any one time. It was by no means a hobby business, having a rapid turnover of tables and a significant customer base of regulars and tourists. The best part of owning this business was working with many different people and learning from them as well as supporting them.The Coffee House was a great opportunity to build a brand and sell a successful going concern having exceeded turnover and profit margins usually seen within this type of business. I also gained a skill as a great barista!



Lancaster University

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Project Manager

  • Oct 2002 - Jun 2010

  I continued my work as a Project Manager taking on this role to oversee several ERDF programmes delivering digital support to SMEs throughout the North West. The initial project was a revenue project which supported a capital bid for the building of Infolab21, a world class research, development and business centre. I successfully managed the delivery of the first ERDF project to be undertaken with the Department of Computing and Communication Skills and established delivery mechanisms across the two departments including the development of the Infolab21 Graduate Academy which I managed for four years.The highlight of this role for me was the development and delivery of the Graduate Academy. We supported close to 20 graduates in internships over the time I was there. I developed a programme of support to ensure that they were able to gain experience in delivering a range of digital consultancy support. I also incorporated a range of careers support including the identification of potential careers paths, further skills development and CV writing and interview techniques. We had a great team with complimentary skills that was supportive, creative and highly innovative. Seeing these people flourish and move on to have successful careers is one of my proudest achievements.



PRESTON COLLEGE

• India
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Manager

  • Oct 1996 - Oct 2002

  This was my first role as a Project Manager and a great opportunity to gain experience across a range of business and educational sectors. I was responsible for securing ESF funds and co-ordinating delivery and audit trails for over 20 ESF programmes delivered across the North West in a variety of industry sectors and disciplines.I worked with a great team of people in the Trade Union and Labour Studies department, being fortunate to work across the whole department with over 100 staff and 10 different locations across the North West. I was given the opportunity to develop a funding support team and to expand delivery for the Department via a range of innovative support programmes.