Alan Barrett

Results-driven Business Development and Customer Success professional with 10+ years' experience across recruitment, technology, further education and retail sectors. Proven track record of generating new business, exceeding sales targets, and managing high-value client relationships. Skilled in consultative selling, CRM management, and cross-functional collaboration. Known for delivering excellent customer experiences while driving revenue growth and client retention.

Business Development & Customer Success Executive at Association of Colleges (AoC) (2022-07 – 2026-03)

The Association of Colleges (AoC) is the representative body for further education colleges in England, providing support, training, recruitment, events and consultancy services to the sector.

• Generated over 30 new business opportunities for the AoC Jobs Board through a combination of telephone prospecting, email campaigns and face-to-face meetings, resulting in more than £120,000 of new income.
• Managed a portfolio of over 60 clients, including organisations such as Capital City College Group (annual revenue £130 million), Milton Keynes College (revenue £58 Million), South Thames College Group (revenue £16 million), Activate Learning (revenue £113 Million) and City & Guilds. Maintaining strong relationships and achieving high levels of customer retention and renewal.
• Built relationships with HR Directors, senior leaders and decision-makers across the further education sector, identifying opportunities to support colleges and organisations with their recruitment needs.
• Worked with clients to review the performance of their recruitment advertising, sharing data on advert views, click-through rates and applications received, and providing advice on advert content and wording to help improve results.
• Identified opportunities to increase client engagement through additional products and services, helping to generate further income and strengthen customer relationships.
• Generated leads for the AoC's Interim Recruitment and Executive Recruitment teams, helping to create opportunities across other areas of the organisation.
• Acted as the first point of contact for client enquiries and technical issues, ensuring a positive customer experience and prompt resolution of queries.
• Worked closely with the marketing, events and recruitment teams to support campaigns and promote AoC services through conferences, events and targeted communications.
• Maintained and updated both the organisation's CRM and JobAdder recruitment database, ensuring accurate records of client activity and business development opportunities. This helped improve internal collaboration and supported cross-selling between teams.
• Won more than 30 new client accounts, generating over £120,000 in new business revenue.
• Elected Chair of the Staff Representative Group, leading a committee of 12 representatives and working with senior leaders to introduce improvements to employee wellbeing and workplace policies.
• Represented the AoC at major sector events, including the AoC Annual Conference, AoC HR & Employment Law Conference and AoC Finance Conference, developing relationships with stakeholders from across the FE sector.
• Served as a Mental Health First Aider for over two years, providing confidential support and signposting colleagues to appropriate sources of help and guidance.

Sales Executive at SWR Group Ltd (2020-10 – 2022-05)

• Managed inbound sales enquiries via phone, email, live chat, and in-person interactions
• Produced accurate quotes and forecasts, supporting effective sales planning
• Demonstrated strong product knowledge across a range of home improvement solutions
• Worked collaboratively with installations, marketing, and support teams to deliver seamless customer experiences
• Maintained CRM data to track sales activity and client interactions
• First salesperson to successfully sell newly introduced product lines, including premium pergola systems
• Recognised by colleagues for outstanding customer service and teamwork
• Consistently developed strong relationships with customers and suppliers

Business Development Manager at Excelerate 360 (2019-04 – 2020-10)

• Delivered outbound lead generation campaigns across retail technology and e-commerce sectors
• Built and maintained strong client relationships through consistent communication and engagement
• Managed key account activity, including wearable technology solutions for retail clients
• Utilised tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator to identify and engage prospects
• Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets
• Awarded "Top Closer" for highest number of consecutive months achieving targets
• Secured meetings with major brands including Diesel, Superdry, River Island, and Estée Lauder
• Contributed to contract extension through strong account performance

Inside Sales Account Manager at RMG Networks (2017-01 – 2019-05)

• Delivered multi-channel lead generation campaigns using consultative sales techniques
• Managed contract renewals worth over £1M annually through strong client relationships
• Produced sales reports and campaign analysis using Excel and PowerPoint
• Built and developed partner relationships with resellers and distributors
• Delivered product demonstrations, presentations, and training sessions to clients
• Received "Above and Beyond" award for teamwork and customer service
• Successfully onboarded and trained multiple reseller partners
• Played a key role in delivering end-to-end client projects, including major retail installations
• Represented the company at international trade shows, including events in Amsterdam

Account Executive / Public Sector Support Specialist at Renault UK (2014-09 – 2016-12)

• Generated and qualified public sector sales leads for internal and field sales teams
• Produced monthly reports for government frameworks and internal stakeholders
• Supported tender submissions and bid processes within strict deadlines
• Maintained and expanded the company database through proactive prospecting

Office Administrator / IT Security Analyst at Parker Hannifin

Details available on request

Yield & Marketing Assistant at Butlins (Bourne Leisure Ltd)

Details available on request

Freelance Caricature Artist at Self-employed (2008 – Present)

• Provide live caricature services at corporate and private events
• Manage end-to-end client engagements, from booking to delivery
• Built a strong repeat client base through excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Delivered large-scale commissions, including events with 100+ attendees

GNVQ Advanced in Art & Design

GCSE