Retail Input - a retail consultancy primarily focussed on supporting suppliers and retailers in the UK Convenience and Discount Store market place
I am a strong, cross functional retail and commercial director, with a proven track record in leading change, innovation and profit growth within retail environments. I have a thorough understanding of the retail landscape, the appropriate distribution model and the importance of growing store networks.
My experience is primarily within the UK convenience industry working with leading retailers who have changed the landscape of grocery retailing in the last 25 years. I am results driven and enjoy managing through people. My particular strengths are in business reengineering and strategic direction, team management, manufacturer engagement, contract negotiation and the ability to work with suppliers and manufacturers to drive the right outcome.
Consultancy Skills
Devise business sales and marketing strategies
Nurture a culture of performance and accountability
Coach, motivate and guide teams in achieving aggressive growth targets
Develop new services, new markets and new customers
Optimise pricing, sales turnover, market share and profitability
Resolve contractual and commercial issues
Digitise and future proof retail environments in today’s changing landscape
Direct and instruct businesses
Review and develop operational process flows
Ensure that all stakeholders understand and adhere to contractual obligations and financial aspects and impact of contracts are clear
Oversee financial KPIs
Manage, mentor and train
Credentials
CIM Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing
Member
BA (Hons) Politics & Economics
Events Committee
Member of the IGD professional network
Retail Industry Awards 2020 - Proud to Judge
Clients
Experience
Commercial Director2013 - 2018
Building on thirty years’ of retail experience, I joined Heron Foods in 2013 as commercial director to oversee the development of new store formats, branding, merchandising and marketing throughout the company’s 250-store estate. I set the vision, targets and strategy for the business, taking responsibility for key commercial decisions, getting involved with growth opportunities to deliver tangible results.
In my time at Heron Foods, turnover increased to £275mil, and employment levels in 250+ stores throughout the north of England and the Midlands grew to more than 3,200.
Heron Foods, until August 2017, was a family owned food retailer based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, dedicated to bringing customers the very best value in frozen, chilled and grocery products. The B&M Group bought out the family ownership in 2017 and now operates Heron Foods as a subsidiary within the group.
Retail Director2005 - 2012
I spent seven years as Retail Director at PayPoint, during which time the organisation more than tripled in size from 7,000 to 28,000 store locations, tripled its stock value and entered the FTSE 250.
PayPoint enables payments across a wide variety of markets through its retail networks, internet and mobile phone channels.
I was an integral part of the team that diversified the retail offer to include ATMs, credit and debit, gift cards, Western Union and the Collect+ parcel delivery network.
Positions to Retail Director1976 - 2005
During my time with William Jackson & Son, I held various senior management roles in the Jacksons Retail Stores division operating supermarkets and superstores in the Grandways Group and subsequently marketing and merchandising roles in the Jackson Family Food Stores business. I was part of the team that oversaw Sainsbury’s successful acquisition of 114 Jacksons Stores in 2004.
William Jackson & Son Limited (trading as the William Jackson Food Group) is a British food manufacturer and currently comprises six separate businesses: Abel & Cole, Jackson's Bakery, MyFresh, Wellocks, The Food Doctor and Belazu.