Amanda Trotter

I am a hard working, enthusiastic professional with expertise in all aspects of running a business. I am friendly, approachable and a driven individual with strong communication and problem-solving skills, coupled with ability to adapt to new challenges quickly. Organised and dependable with 35 years of experience in a range of working environments from hospitality to the care sector, as well as running my own business.

Successful at managing multiple priorities with positive attitude. I am willing to take on greater responsibilities to meet team goals.

Director at Beautiful Beginnings Photography (2009-11 – 2026-06)

• Managed day-to-day business operations, maintaining smooth workflows and consistent service.
• Streamlined workflow by maintaining and organising equipment effectively.
• Collaborated with clients to understand their vision for resulting in personalised photo shoots.
• Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail whilst reviewing prints for quality control purposes.
• Sourced props and backdrops to enhance the visual story being communicated in each shoot.
• Managed production workflow to meet demanding project timelines.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends to stay ahead in the market.
• Created a comfortable atmosphere on set, optimising model performances.
• Produced striking visuals by experimenting with lighting setups and camera angles.
• Built strong relationships with clients through consistent delivery of high-quality work.
• Coordinated with stylists and models to create compelling visual narratives.
• Enforced budget adherence with frequent reviews of expenditures.
• Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, smoothly handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
• Managed budgets and expenditure to keep production profitable.
• Oversaw financial planning, ensured fiscal stability of the organisation.
• Led negotiations with vendors and suppliers, securing favourable terms.
• Formulated business plans to increase growth and minimise cost for company.
• Designed business strategies to obtain short and long-term goals for company.
• Managed business operations, financial performance and investments of company.

Direct Care Manager at Arran Pharmacy Ltd (2000-08 – 2009-10)

• Set up patient direct-care (minor ailments) files, recorded entitlements for each patient.
• Improve community access to care by enabling pharmacy consultations for minor illnesses.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
• Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
• Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
• Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
• Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
• Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
• Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
• Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
• Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
• Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
• Completed customer orders with speed and accuracy.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Oversaw daily operations to achieve high productivity levels.

Front of house team member at Auchrannie Country House Hotel (2000-03 – 2000-08)

• Greeted guests warmly upon arrival, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Prepared meeting rooms before appointments, enhancing professionalism.
• Facilitated efficient communication amongst staff members by promptly delivering messages.
• Handled sensitive information with discretion to maintain confidentiality.
• Optimised office procedures through effective use of IT systems.
• Ensured smooth running of reception area by managing incoming calls and visitor enquiries.
• Provided excellent customer service for positive client relationships.
• Maintained tidy reception area, creating an inviting environment for visitors.
• Enhanced company image with professional greeting and handling of guests.
• Handled high volume of inbound calls whilst providing exceptional customer service.
• Cultivated warm and welcoming atmosphere to greet clients upon arrival.
• Managed reception area, ensuring high presentation standards at all times.
• Maintained accurate and up-to-date records for smooth handovers.
• Handled complaints effectively, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
• Checked guest satisfaction regularly, addressing any issues promptly.
• Adapted swiftly to changing situations for uninterrupted service quality.
• Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring accurate financial records.
• Delivered consistent professional service whilst handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Promoted special offers or events to increase awareness among customers.
• Ensured smooth operation of the front desk by managing reservations and walk-ins.
• Enhanced guest experience with a friendly and helpful attitude.
• Served high volumes of guests in fast-paced service environments with exceptional customer care.
• Contributed to team success by maintaining cleanliness and organisation in work areas.

Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care – Open University

HND in Photographic and Imaging: Photography – Dumfries School of Art (1998-08 – 2000-06)

HND in SNNEB: Nursery Nursing – Dumfries and Galloway College (1991-08 – 1993-05)