Lara Jackson

Reliable and hard-working professional with over 30 years of experience across retail, hospitality, customer service and care. Has run two businesses of her own and managed a busy licensed premises. Calm under pressure, a quick problem solver, and equally comfortable working independently or leading a team. Seeking permanent employment where these skills and experience can be put to good use.

Owner at Hugo's on the Square (2024 – 2025)

Ran this café single-handedly for just over a year, covering every aspect of the business.

• Responsible for cooking, serving customers, taking payments, cleaning, sourcing produce, invoicing and supplier relationships.
• The café closed at the end of 2025 as trade was not sufficient to cover running costs.

Sales Assistant at Miller Group, 8 till late store (2022 – 2024)

• Worked independently on board the ferry, opening and closing the shop and keeping it clean, tidy and well presented throughout the day.
• Received and put away deliveries, checked stock dates and returned expired goods, and restocked shelves and fridges after each crossing.
• Arranged the store according to the planogram and prepared daily orders for next-day delivery.
• Processed cash and card payments and gave a high level of customer service, including assisting tourists facing a language barrier.
• Downloaded daily imports and reported queries to HR by email.

Career Break – Family Carer (2021 – 2022)

Took a year out of employment to care for my elderly father, who had dementia.

Sales Assistant at Ta Dirijanu (2020 – 2021)

• Served customers at the checkout, handled cash and kept the cash area clean and tidy.
• Assisted with deliveries and online orders as required.

Soft Furnishings Sales and Maker at HP Designs (2019 – 2020)

• Greeted customers and advised on fabrics and designs for soft furnishings.
• Made the chosen items from start to finish, took payments and packaged orders.

Sales Assistant at Chef's Choice (2019 – 2019)

• Served customers, took payments, controlled stock and issued change to staff from the safe.
• Placed orders, received deliveries, processed returns and kept the store clean.
• Maintained regular contact with head office by email and phone.

Housekeeper at Belview Homes (2018 – 2019)

• Cleaned and maintained holiday apartments to a high standard and reported repairs to the maintenance department.
• Checked in guests, took payments, issued keys and ensured guests had everything they needed.

Sales Executive at Fundrazor (2017 – 2018)

• Built call lists and organised spreadsheets, working to a tight schedule.
• Made cold and warm calls to potential and existing clients, taking bookings and payments.
• Recorded details on the company IMS system and emailed clients regarding their accounts.
• Liaised with companies about booked events and made regular follow-up calls to keep every booking running smoothly.

Dress Fittings and Alterations Coordinator at Princess Bridal UK (2014 – 2017)

• Organised dress fittings and alterations for brides and their wedding parties.
• Ensured all alterations were completed to the highest standard within very tight timescales.

Owner at LJ's Soaps and Candles (2002 – 2014)

• Ran a retail unit in a large shopping mall alongside an online shop, managing stock, displays, customer service, cash handling, banking and accounts.
• Developed new handcrafted products and fragrances.
• Managed the website, product photography, online payments, packaging and postage.

Manageress at Morrells of Oxford – Cricketers Arms (2001 – 2002)

• Managed a busy and successful public house, including recruiting staff, payroll, rotas, ordering stock and equipment, banking and stock rotation.
• Organised events and catering and dealt with customers.

Bar Staff at Cotgrave Miners Welfare (2000 – 2001)

Customer service and cash handling.

Sales Assistant at Co-op (2000 – 2001)

Customer service, cash handling and stock rotation.

Care Worker at Northview Nursing Home (1999 – 2000)

Day-to-day care of elderly residents.

Care Worker at Church Farm Nursing Home (1998 – 2000)

Daily care of elderly residents in the EMI unit.

Care Worker at Westcliffe Nursing Home (1995 – 1998)

Day-to-day care of elderly residents.

Sales Assistant at Situls Gift Shop (1993 – 1995)

Customer service, cash handling, deliveries and stock organisation.

Bar Staff at Punters Wine Bar (1991 – 1993)

Customer service, cash handling and stock rotation.

Post-education qualification in Passed all qualifications required to become a licensee, including cellarmanship, accountancy, health and safety, COSHH, fire safety, management, food hygiene, events management and catering, together with the required computer training. – British Institute of Inn Keeping A Level

• BTEC National Diploma in A Level: English (B)
• BTEC National Diploma: Art and Design (Level 1), Pattern Cutting (Level 1), Tailoring (Level 1) – South Nottinghamshire College of Further Education (1991 – 1993)

GCSEs in English (B, with grade 2 in oral communication)

• English Literature (C)
• Biology (C)
• German (C)
• Child Development (C)
• Art and Design (D)
• Mathematics (D)
• Physics (D)
• Geography (E) – West Bridgford Comprehensive School (1985 – 1990)