So here I am – my first blog.
I thought to get us started I would share a tiny bit of my world working with retail and beauty brands over the last 12 months.
My days are pretty much varied and spread across many different business functions.
I am very pleased to say the variety makes the job really interesting – but not without challenges – which of course keeps me on my toes!
COMMON CHALLENGES
What I have noticed is that each brand and client that I work with have similar issues. This is stuff that they are not getting the time to get on top of - but it is the stuff that will ultimately increase profitability and business value – so it is really important it gets done.
Common issues are typically - expansion into new markets, staffing issues and management, cost cutting and margin optimisation, completion and interpretation of contracts and agreements and troubleshooting and efficiencies within the supply chain.
It is impossible to list everything ( or even a fraction ) of what I have been involved in without it reading like a CV !
The basic principle is - WHATEVER NEEDS DONE AND WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET IT DONE
MY PHILOSOPHY
So, what do I enjoy most? - I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a huge buzz from saving money and increasing sales. The satisfaction of getting a positive result is what drives me.
I love working with people and I think age and experience has taught me how to establish and nurture healthy relationships – with staff suppliers and customers. When I think back to myself in the very early days of my career I cringe a little – it did all seem a bit black and white then and I think I may well have been described as hard-nosed! I am still learning but manage these days to take a wider more considered approach !