Gareth Bowden

Commercially driven senior sales and business leader with 20+ years' experience delivering revenue growth, strategic account development, commercial improvement and business transformation across construction materials, national distribution, automotive and service-led businesses. Proven track record managing a £10m+ national housebuilder portfolio, delivering 33% revenue growth representing more than £4m additional annual revenue, securing major project packages exceeding £3m, and increasing margins by 12%+. Former CEO with a strong entrepreneurial background, having grown a business from start-up to £1m+ turnover, built an organisation of 100+ employees, secured £500k in local-authority funding, and successfully exited through the sale of a profitable business.

National Housebuilder Manager - Tobermore Concrete Supplies, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland

(2023-01)

Manage a £10m+ national housebuilder portfolio, working across the Top 20 UK housebuilders and major commercial customers.

• Delivered 33% revenue growth, generating more than £4m additional annual revenue through strategic account development, new business and commercial expansion.
• Secured a £3m+ full project package with Barratt David Wilson, contracted over a three-year period.
• Won a £500k+ retaining wall project with Vistry Homes in the North East, strengthening the company's position within a major strategic account.
• Increased margins by more than 12% through commercial negotiation, pricing strategy and improved account management.
• Provide commercial support and strategic guidance to a 25-person commercial team, supporting customer relationships, pricing, projects and commercial opportunities nationally.
• Lead senior-level negotiations, strategic account planning, pipeline development and customer retention.
• Identify market opportunities and develop customer propositions to increase account penetration and long-term revenue.
• Represent the business at major UK trade shows and industry events, developing relationships with key industry stakeholders.
• Support product launches and coordinated commercial activity across customer and internal teams.

Chief Executive Officer - Second Bite CIC, UK - UK

(2016-01 - 2023-12)

Built the organisation from start-up to £1m+ turnover, developing the commercial model and operational infrastructure required for sustainable growth.

• Led an organisation employing 100+ people, overseeing commercial performance, operational delivery and strategic development.
• Developed and established a community hub incorporating 10 regional restaurant businesses, creating employment opportunities for more than 100 people.
• Created an employment academy supporting people who had been long-term unemployed into sustainable employment, achieving 100% retention within the business or connected client organisations.
• Secured a £500k local-authority funding award, working with strategic partners to support business profitability and long-term development.
• Developed strategic partnerships with commercial and community organisations to create new revenue opportunities and strengthen financial sustainability.
• Introduced improved processes, cost controls and commercial practices to strengthen profitability and operational efficiency.
• Led contract negotiations with suppliers, partners and labour providers while maintaining financial and operational controls.
• Successfully sold the profitable business after establishing a sustainable operating model and strong commercial foundations.

National Key Account Manager - Bunzl, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey - Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey

(2014-01 - 2016-12)

• Delivered 40% sales growth through targeted commercial initiatives, account development and market expansion.
• Developed and implemented strategic account plans aligned with customer objectives and commercial opportunities.
• Built long-term relationships with senior decision-makers, procurement teams and key stakeholders.
• Identified new opportunities through competitor analysis, market research and customer insight.
• Managed CRM activity, forecasting, reporting and sales pipeline development.
• Supported onboarding and implementation of new customers and contractual agreements.
• Negotiated commercial arrangements to protect customer relationships while maximising revenue and profitability.

Franchise Owner - Snap-On Tools, Kettering - Kettering

(2004-01 - 2011-12)

Owned and operated a successful B2B franchise business with full commercial and P&L responsibility across a protected automotive territory.

• Managed the full commercial operation, including sales, purchasing, stock control, customer relationships, collections and financial reporting.
• Developed a strong B2B customer base through consultative selling, territory management and repeat business.
• Delivered product demonstrations and commercial presentations to automotive customers, promoting premium tools and diagnostic solutions.
• Managed territory growth, customer retention and profitability through structured account planning.
• Maintained strong customer relationships and developed long-term repeat revenue.

Bachelor of Laws - Law - The Open University