Chris Smalley Ward

I have experienced many aspects of business from; customer service, schedule and route planning, finances, inventory and social media management. I grew the business by 66% in the space of 3 months as a result of an innovative business idea, which created a large social media following and local publicity.

Taylors Carpentry are a family run business specialising in all carpentry aspects on new development sites. To enable me to work on site I achieved my CSCS Green Card, which gives me a level 1 in operator health and safety. Once on site I received intensive training to operate within building regulations, erecting roof trusses, joists, stud work walls, staircases and other aspects of carpentry whilst conforming to safety regulations. This was on a self employed basis as a sub-contractor. As this was a new start up business I designed and developed the website, branding and customer communications for the MD, after expressing my keen interest into developing my skills further.

Kent Europe supply the motor trade with specialist workshop products/consumables. I had the benefit of understanding the technical products from my mechanical background and therefore was able to consult customers and sell more effectively. I was field based covering a large area conformed of the RG, SL postcodes and received in my first week, sales training at the UK HQ in Dunfermline, Scotland. My job was to develop the original area of RG and SL postcodes having only inherited roughly 20 active accounts. Whilst maintaining current relationships and pushing new products to them, I had to open new accounts through ‘cold calling’ or referrals, as well as reactivating dormant accounts. I researched and approached all new accounts without any ‘warm’ leads from the office. By the end of my first year I had 140 buying accounts which was a great personal achievement, as a result as I was also given a new area in the UB postcode. Main Duties: • Sales - ensuring targets were met • New business development and account management • Exceptional customer service • Management of customer stock levels including administration • Up-selling and promoting new/ alternative products to existing customers, increasing sales • Researching and planning daily routes including new prospects • Daily Communication with Regional Manager and other members of the sales team

I was offered a share in my family’s contract window cleaning company. I was offered the opportunity to increase our commercial client base focussing on business development and contractual negotiations. Due to our business being a family run company consisting of a small number of employees, I was also accountable for workforce management and leading our small team of cleaners. Main Duties: • Business development consisting of sales calls and contract negotiations • Maintaining our existing client base ensuring the highest standards are adhered to • Workforce management and resource scheduling • Equipment management and liaising with product suppliers • Maintenance and upkeep of company vehicle fleet • Work at ground level and use ladders to reach upper floor windows • Work at heights, cleaning windows on high buildings and tower blocks using power-operated work platforms

After leaving college in 2006, I went into a full time Apprenticeship as a Vehicle Technician. I worked at Martins Renault Basingstoke for 3 years, completing my Apprenticeship. I gained NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair as well as ATA accredited, becoming a fully qualified vehicle technician. I was selected to compete in “Apprentice of the Year Competition” for Renault. I was selected as one of 6 out of 600 apprentices across the UK, I came second in the competition narrowly missing out on first place. This was a great privilege and I felt proud to have been recognised for my work and selected to compete. Main Duties: • General maintenance of customer vehicles as well as diagnosis and repairs • Making sure the workshop was at a clean and safe working environment • Assisting my mentor and the wider team • Face-to-face customer services including carrying out a 2-week full time assignment as a service advisor. This led to further responsibilities to cover sickness and holidays • Vehicle parts management, checking stock and making sure customers had their parts on time and in an appropriate manner