Professional businessman with wealth of knowledge of business from initial concept through to sales
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A professional businessman who brings a wealth of knowledge of business from initial concept through to sales. An experienced commercial all-rounder with an entrepreneurial view who is well organised and focused to achieve. A leader of people with excellent communication skills, an in-depth experience of business and ability to interface between creative, sales, buying and manufacturing functions. A clear-thinking team builder with strong IT skills who is target driven and customer focused.
Owner & Director at Men @ 107 (2018-10 – 2026-01)
Opened a retail shop specialising in unusual gifts and accessories for Men. Within two years, moved two doors away to larger premises and added Men's Clothing to the offer. Responsible for all aspects of the business from staffing, buying, merchandising, overall concept and sales.
Became known as the 'go to' shop for men's gifts and clothing in North London stocking brands such as Barbour, Gant and Secrid. Customer service was paramount and the staff & I took time to help customers, ensuring their experience in our shop made them want to come back, time after time. We received regular praise from everyone.
Director at Accessory Heaven (2012-02 – 2018-10)
Started and ran a sourcing operation, specialising in leather bags and other allied accessories, working with factories in India and the Far East. Customers included Hotter Shoes & White Stuff.
India & China/Hong Kong on numerous occasions to work on product and with factories to ensure we delivered the very best quality for each customer order. Employed a Designer to work with customers, making sure their needs were met and negotiated all prices with the factories to ensure these came in at targets given.
Sales & Brands Director at Acompany Ltd (2000-08 – 2012-01)
Designers and importers of bags and accessories for the fashion trade. Stock suppliers to independent and departmental stores in the UK and abroad and made to order specialists for major multiple groups with an annual turnover of £15m. Directly responsible for eight staff.
Partner & Director at Marida Ltd (1998-04 – 2000-07)
Designers and manufacturers of millinery to the fashion trade employing 80 staff. Increased the customer base and updated and improved factory procedures, staffing levels, range content and sales in the UK and Europe. Responsible for bringing in new sales in the first year of over £1m by working with the design team to update and widen the appeal of existing ranges and introduce new contract customers to the company.
Brands Manager at Jacques Vert Plc (1994 – 1998)
Ladies wear manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer specialising in co-ordinated clothing, shoes and accessories collections (colour related) for the mid market, with a turnover of £45m per annum. Ensured division was continually thriving to achieve excellence in design and sales. Responsible for controlling the strategic direction of all aspects of two global fashion, shoe and accessories brands.
Design Manager at Jacques Vert Plc (1990 – 1994)
Responsible for driving the business from a small Company to a successful well known international brand. In charge of the development of all brands, shoes and accessories.
Accessories Manager at Jacques Vert Plc (1986 – 1990)
Set up the accessories division from scratch to complement the established clothing brands and achieved sales of £3m in the first year's trading.
Extensive sales, buying and retail management experience for a group of high-end accessories, jewellery & luxury gift stores selling branded ranges to include Gucci & Charles Jourdan. Travelled regularly to European trade fairs in Italy, France & Spain to ensure the product selected was not only of outstanding quality and design, but also in many cases unique to the UK.
