Since I left college 25 years ago I have gained a great deal of experience in many aspects of business, especially the leisure, retail, tourism, food, construction and property sectors. I have level 3 and 4 qualifications in Building Design and Home Inspection. I worked for several years in the design and fitting side of the retail and leisure industry, ending up at Daniel Thwaites PLC in Blackburn. I then moved to Scotland and started my own activity holiday company.
For the last 16 years I have been self employed. I have offered book keeping and secretarial services, working in office environments and performing a wide range of administrative and managerial duties. Recently I have gradually moved to more administration, systems and strategic planning and value action plans and business plans as essential business tools.
My main interests however are branding, marketing and PR. I have a creative approach to business and originally trained as a designer. I also have a lot of contacts with designers and talk their language. I love to brainstorm with business people but also like to keep it realistic.
I used to be a magistrate and work with a solicitor and a barrister so be assured confidentiality is second nature. I have a huge respect for anyone who steps into the ring of self employment or running their own business.
Recently I have been involved with many aspects of my local community in Rossendale, including the Local Strategic Partnership, Waterfoot Forward, Valley at Work, PEER Support and Your 5 £ocal Heroes (a support network for independent retailers). I also founded and managed (along with other voluntary Executive Officers), a national association of Home Inspectors and energy assessors (Property Reports Network, now renamed Pro DEA, a Community Interest Company).
