Business Owner & Operator
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I have worked alongside my partner to assist, establish & develop his businesses. This began at first with the setting up of a UK based Chinese flooring manufacturer in Preston for a 3 month period – establishing all their HR, Health & Safety & Staff recruitment to be able to open & operate within the UK. In February 2016, my partner opened a Flooring Retail business which I assisted with running, more from the accounts point of view using Sage & again, establishing systems & processes needed to operate efficiently, transparently & robustly.
In June 2017, the site developed further when he saw an opportunity for better use of the space & we set up a Café/Ice Cream Parlour alongside the Flooring business. I worked operationally in setting this up from scratch & for a short while I worked operationally in this business, which I thoroughly enjoyed before recruiting to roles that then allowed me to take a step back to the heavy background workload needed – accounts, marketing, HR etc. In January 2020 he purchased a Soft play frame to further develop the site into a Café/Ice Cream Parlour with a soft play on site.
We opened this once all COVID restrictions were lifted July 2021. In May 2024, we took on a second site to offer a tranquil & welcoming experience by the river in Garstang for food & drinks along with it being a venue for private hire.
Development, Accounting, HR & Marketing have been strong skill sets I have learnt, developed & shared in all my roles. I have always had a passion for cooking & in this last 18 months I have particularly enjoyed creating home cooked quality food for our customers from breakfasts, to grazing boards, to desserts.
Business Owner & Operator - Partner's Businesses - Preston, Garstang
(2015-10 - 2026-07)
I have worked alongside my partner to assist, establish & develop his businesses. This began at first with the setting up of a UK based Chinese flooring manufacturer in Preston for a 3 month period – establishing all their HR, Health & Safety & Staff recruitment to be able to open & operate within the UK. In February 2016, my partner opened a Flooring Retail business which I assisted with running, more from the accounts point of view using Sage & again, establishing systems & processes needed to operate efficiently, transparently & robustly.
In June 2017, the site developed further when he saw an opportunity for better use of the space & we set up a Café/Ice Cream Parlour alongside the Flooring business. I worked operationally in setting this up from scratch & for a short while I worked operationally in this business, which I thoroughly enjoyed before recruiting to roles that then allowed me to take a step back to the heavy background workload needed – accounts, marketing, HR etc. In January 2020 he purchased a Soft play frame to further develop the site into a Café/Ice Cream Parlour with a soft play on site.
We opened this once all COVID restrictions were lifted July 2021. In May
Chief Executive Officer (Interim then Permanent) - Age UK Blackpool & District - Blackpool
(2009-07 - 2015-07)
Business Development Manager - Fylde Coast YMCA - Fylde Coast
(2009-10 - 2009-07)
I worked as Business Development Manager for Fylde Coast YMCA on a part time basis, assisting the work of the CEO. During my time there my particular focus was on tender writing and the vast business development needs around the Lakeside project, based in the Lake District.
Centre Manager - Great Eccleston Village Centre - Great Eccleston
(2007-01 - 2009-07)
Community ICT Tutor - The Adult College in Lancaster - Lancaster
(2004-05 - 2009-03)
I returned to a part time teaching role for The Adult College in Lancaster. I was a Community ICT Tutor, delivering a series of short courses at village centres & libraries – assisting in the development of courses within the Community & developing progression opportunities for learners. I was also involved with the delivery of a short course for a group of older disabled learners, based around the use of Digital Cameras.
In August 2004, I took on an 18-month contract with the Lincolnshire & Rutland Hub (Learndirect), supporting Sage Line 50 learners, on-line.
Business Support & Training Consultant - Family Business & Freelance - North West
(2003-10 - 2004-03)
Predominantly, I had time out from Further Education to help with the expansion of a family business. This enabled me to become involved on a part time basis, with the setting up of rather a complex stock control system which was a very rewarding challenge. At the same time, an opportunity also arose for me to assist in the development of a small company where I carried out freelance training projects across the North West – mainly for the small business market.
This was also on a part time basis – in all areas of computers, including Sage products. I also became involved in the promotion & support of Learndirect courses working in partnership with a Lancashire based Learndirect Business Centre.
Lecturer & Curriculum Leader - Blackpool & The Fylde College - Ashfield Road, Bispham
(1996-10 - 2003-10)
Teaching Practitioner - St John Rigby R.C. Sixth Form College - Gathurst Road, Orrell
(1995-10 - 1996-03)
Teaching Practitioner - Montgomery High School - All Hallows Road, Bispham
(1995-01 - 1995-06)
GCSEs - General Education - Highfield High School (1985-09 - 1990-05)
AS Level - English Literature/Language - Blackpool & The Fylde College (1990-09 - 1994-05)
A Level - English Literature/Language - Blackpool & The Fylde College (1990-09 - 1994-05)
HND - Business & Finance - Blackpool & The Fylde College (1990-09 - 1994-05)
BSc (Hons) - Business Education - Edge Hill College (1994-09 - 1996-06)
