An experienced Retail Manager, Small Business Owner and Digital Communication Specialist with a passion for Customer Service, Developing People and all things Web 2.0
So far I have lead an interesting life, not without it’s twists and turns. Since as far back as I can remember I have always displayed an entrepreneurial flair, be it selling miniature army figures at school that I hand painted for a bit or extra pocket money, or by taking charge of tasks and such like at school, college, and in the workplace. I have always been a go-getter and still to this day am always trying to better myself.
At the age of 16, upon leaving school with very few qualifications I took on a job with the Co-op, as a way of paying for a place at my local College where I went on to study Public Services for three years. At the time I was desperate to join the armed forces, with my eyes set on the Royal Marines. Sadly after discovering I had a family medical condition, kindly passed down the generations, I was informed that I would be unable to pursue the career that I had been hoping for.
I stayed with the Co-op for seven years, working my way from the bottom as a Part Time Sales Assistant, through the ranks of Supervisor and Assistant Manager to the point of becoming a Store Manager at the tender age of just 21. It was at this point I decided I needed a change and took a job as a Store Manager working for a family run Outdoor Sports Retailer and Manufacturer. I was only there around six months before I realised that I wanted to be my own boss, and so I left to set up my first business selling Musical Instruments, Sheet Music and various other Musical Accessories.
After a couple of years the recession started to bite, and luckily the opportunity arose to dispose of the business, which I did, just in time.
I then went on to work in the Catering and Hospitality market, taking a position at a local US Military Installation as a Recreation Specialist. I enjoyed the position but it really lacked the challenge I was looking for. From there I joined Somerfield, the supermarket chain, as a Trading Manager, which The Co-operative then took over, and I once again became a Store Manager for them.
Since 2007 I have run a number of small businesses, specialising in Web Hosting, Web Design, Graphic Design, Search Engine Optimisation, Local Business Advertising and more. The experience that working for myself has given me, coupled with my experience in managing turnovers of up to £5m a year and large numbers of staff has meant that I have been able to help other small business owners to grow their businesses and achieve financial success.
My current venture is PJBS, and along-side I also run Friscuss.com and SeeYork.co.uk as pleasure rather than business.
You can read more about my many different involvements using the navigation tabs at the top of the page, as well as through the blog. Thanks for visiting, and if you would like to get in touch then please feel free to use the contact link at the top of the page.
