I am an accomplished business leader with an extensive 25-year career dedicated to driving organisational growth. My professional journey has been fun, encompassing roles in Sales, Marketing, and Corporate Strategy.
Starting in sales and marketing, I learned how to define objectives, design powerful campaigns and deliver communications which could inspire people.
Moving into corporate governance was unplanned, but has been the most rewarding.
Harnessing my communication skills, I have gained skills in mapping the corporate and legislative frameworks needed for efficient and effective governance, developed processes to drive change and effect controls, and then communicate effectively with all stakeholders to gain support and engagement.
I have amassed my wealth of expertise through diverse experiences in both the public and private sectors, which gives me a valuable insight into both.
I have a proven track record of driving organisational growth, leveraging expertise in Sales, Marketing, Corporate Governance, and Change Management. I thrived in high-pressure environments, guiding companies toward success with a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional customer service. In my previous role, I built a robust corporate governance framework, establishing new systems and processes that served as the foundation for growth. By fostering collaboration, team creativity, and a shared passion for innovation, I played a key role in achieving a remarkable £2m turnover during my tenure. I now apply these skills in my work with SEPA, continuing to deliver impactful results.
Recent Projects
Project 01
Development of an ERP for Rocket Exhibitions
Designing, building, and training staff on an ERP system for Rocket Exhibitions in Glasgow was a multifaceted project that required a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Initially, I conducted thorough analyses to understand the unique needs of Rocket Exhibitions. This phase involved engaging with different departments to identify their specific requirements. Based on these insights, I designed a custom ERP solution that streamlined operations, from inventory management to customer relationship management. The building phase involved meticulous programming and system integration, ensuring a seamless user experience. The most crucial aspect was staff training. I developed comprehensive training materials and conducted interactive workshops to familiarize the team with the system's functionality. This hands-on approach not only enhanced their technical skills but also instilled confidence in using the new system effectively. The project was a resounding success, significantly improving operational efficiency and staff productivity at Rocket Exhibitions.
Project 02
Development of ERDF Programme
Leading the team at Zero Waste Scotland to create the governance of a £74 million ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funding programme was a complex and highly strategic endeavor. My role involved establishing a robust framework to manage and audit the allocation of these substantial funds. I spearheaded the development of a meticulous governance structure, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and transparency in fund distribution. The key to our success was building an internal management authority capable of effectively overseeing the entire funding lifecycle. This involved setting up stringent financial controls, audit trails, and reporting mechanisms. My leadership was pivotal in guiding the team through the intricacies of EU funding policies, fostering a culture of accountability and precision. We implemented sophisticated systems to monitor fund utilisation, ensuring that every penny was accounted for and justifiably reclaimed from the European Union. Our efforts not only streamlined the fund management process but also significantly enhanced the financial integrity of Zero Waste Scotland, enabling us to maximize the impact of the ERDF funding in our environmental initiatives.
Project 03
Financial auditor
Working alongside my colleague Shona Watson, we embarked on a critical audit of Rocket Exhibitions' accounts, a task that soon led to the identification of significant theft within the company. Our approach was methodical and thorough, meticulously scrutinising financial records, transaction histories, and internal controls. The discovery of financial irregularities prompted us to take immediate action. We led the initiative to overhaul the existing finance system, introducing a more robust and secure framework. I took the helm in implementing and managing the new system, choosing XERO accounting software for its reliability and comprehensive features. This new general ledger system was a game-changer for Rocket Exhibitions. It enhanced financial accuracy, ensured transparency, and facilitated better business intelligence. The XERO platform allowed for real-time financial tracking, automated key processes, and offered insightful reporting capabilities. This transformation not only restored financial integrity to the company but also equipped us with the tools to make more informed, data-driven decisions, significantly improving the overall financial health and operational efficiency of Rocket Exhibitions.