Laura Palmer

Founder at Artisan Candles & Fragrances (2024-12 – Present)

Built a premium candle and home fragrance brand, overseeing operations from the initial concept to sales, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and brand differentiation.
As a sole trader, sourced and negotiated with suppliers to secure ethically produced, organic materials. Established relationships with label and packaging vendors to ensure consistent quality at the best price.
Sole responsibility for fragrance development and materials selection to create high-quality, long-lasting products; implemented rigorous product testing to validate performance and safety.
Developed brand identity, packaging, and marketing collateral: managed label design and production to meet regulatory safety and brand standards.
Owned product costing and margin analysis of all production to ensure optimum profits while remaining competitive.
Planned and executed sales at local events and craft markets. Customer engagement and feedback loops created to drive repeat business.

Advanced Practitioner Sonographer at Ultrasound Direct Barnsley (2020-10 – 2024-12)

Responsible for operating an individual private ultrasound clinic alongside a clinical assistant.
Examinations include – specialised obstetrics, gynaecology, fertility, and general medicine.
Customer facing role using the latest ultrasound equipment. This includes 3D & 4D ultrasound.
Working alongside the NHS to offer specialist clinics.
Formulating a diagnostic medical ultrasound report with all scans. Findings are communicated with the client on the day of the appointment.
Complex cases, including breaking bad news are compassionately communicated with the client on the day. Referrals are then arranged depending on the nature of the findings to either the GP, referring private consultant, local NHS A&E or early pregnancy departments.

Advanced Practitioner Sonographer at The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust (2008-02 – 2020-06)

Work independently in all main areas of ultrasound practice whilst maintaining professional relationships with colleagues and other healthcare professionals, providing excellent patient care and experience.
Offer expert clinical opinions on a range of ultrasound procedures. General areas include obstetrics, gynaecology, general medicine, venography, and testicular ultrasound.
Perform Nuchal Translucency scans as part of the National Screening Program provided for pregnant women in the first trimester.
In-house training in head and neck ultrasound for 2 years. Attended the Morriston Head and Neck Course, Swansea - October 2019.
Flexible working across site aiding and facilitating the demands of the ultrasound service within the Trust.
Participate in monthly audit meetings, maintaining personal continual professional development.
Providing clinical education and support to trainee sonographers, midwife sonographers and junior doctors.
Responsible for reporting equipment faults, following departmental protocols, policies, and procedures.
Close working relationship with consultant radiologists and other healthcare professionals within a given clinical setting.

Trainee Sonographer Radiographer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust (2005-05 – 2008-02)

Assisting alongside a qualified sonographers undertaking a range of medical examinations including obstetrics, gynaecology, general medicine and testicular ultrasound.
Radiographer - performing a variety of diagnostic imaging examinations including general radiography, fluoroscopy, theatre, dental radiography, and mobile imaging.
Utilising a range of different imaging techniques and technology to produce high-quality images, aiding diagnosis and treatment.
Worked unsociable hours as part of a 7-day service.

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