Example Start Up Experience

Lifestyle searches, recommendations, and ecommerce service prototype developed and built for first round investment.  Data gathered from multiple sources, adding a “lifestyle learning” then run through an AI engine to be understood and to give personalised recommendations.  Sold intellectual property.

While the corporate world was focused on Y2K, and e-commerce was become a new normal, I was imagining how business to business (B2B) was going to change.  Presenting a idea to my leadership I was given the chance to set up a new consulting practice focused on this new "e-business" way of working.  Through, prototypes, real life examples, and imagination, I grew the practice from six borrowed staff members to 47 inside 18 months. It was the right idea, at the right time, with the right backing.

Turned around the international business and entered new geographies.  From a failing business, within 3 months operating at a profit with revenue growth.  Greatly increased global customer satisfaction and sales revenues through CRM.  Developed new services and sales channels to achieve a stable and profitable business, taking the business into Australia within 12 months.

Enabled the expansion into the business travel market for flight, hotel, rail and car ticketing sales.  Establishing a sales and marketing team, creating propositions and sales tools, and reorganising the UK business to operate selling tickets through the Amadeus Global Distribution System (GDS).  Won contracts with seven of the top ten business travel agents within one year.

Challenged to set up a business, that we (me and other founder) had no experience in and no previous interest, to show the principles of business can apply to all industry.  Created a brand, opened six stores (three active at peak), and online, and own range of clothing - and a coffee shop!  the flag ship store was in St David's 2 Cardiff.  After three years, sold the business.