Academic and professional qualifications

BSc Business Information Systems - John Moores University
MA Higher Education - Manchester Metropolitan University
PGCertAP - Manchester Metropolitan University
FHEA - Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

I have worked within the clothing industry for 20 years, with the majority of that time being spent in various roles in the buying and merchandising division.

As a qualified and effective user of Six Sigma (a highly recognised business improvement methodology), I embraced such principles within organisations resulting in the improvement and enhanced efficiency of a series of business areas, an incumbent part of all the positions held in the clothing industry, training was synonymous with all my activities, which subsequently led to embarking upon the teaching profession. In order to formalise my academic ability further I successfully studied and completed a post-graduate certificate in academic practice (PGCAP) focusing on the effective delivery of knowledge to higher education learners. I have continued my foucus on education by completing a MA in Higher Education with a foucs on student/tutor feedback.

I am the year manager for final year and my focus is employability. We have a huge success in attaining graduate roles; I actively engage and encourage students to apply for graduate roles prior to graduation. This is a successful formula along with the employability master classes and the support of my excellent team of final year personal tutors.

Previous Employment

I completed my first degree whilst working as an Assistant Buyer and soon progressed to managing a department of Assistant Buyers across fashion. My varied product/people experience led to then being selected to hold a pivotal role as a senior team member as part of an internal/external initiative which was responsible for a £45million Retail Integration Project.

This led to the role of Process Analyst working with an IT specialist I developed a web-enabled product data management system which facilitated effective communication between internal and external stakeholders. Presenting results, mentoring and training staff of all levels within the ever-changing trading environment.

Furthering my career, I achieved Business Analyst level where I worked on the Business Operating Model (BOM) in line with the strategic intent of the company. This BOM was maintained, adjusted and presented to the senior board on a monthly basis in order to ensure synergistic relationships between differing areas of the business as the business grew and developed.

Academic service (administration and management)

I hold the position of Exchange Manager for MFI where I encourage students to take the opportunity of engaging in a Worldwide or European exchange as part of their degree course. I also look after the incoming exchange students and regularly link the two sets of students together for further learning and student experience.

I regularly deliver guest lectures to both Masters and Top Up degree courses.

Undergraduate teaching

Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Fashion Business and Management

External examiner roles

London Metropolitan University - Marketing and Fashion BA Degree Course

Attended and contributed to a number of external validation boards internally and externally

Projects and initiatives

As part of my ongoing commitment to enterprise, in addition to attending conferences, I have visited apparel companies across the UK, Europe and Asia. I have also delivered industry-related courses to industry and lectures to overseas students.

Media appearances or involvement

I have appeared on BBC breakfast and a number of local radio shows regarding Fashion Business.

Prizes and awards

Nominated for Staff MMU University Citizenship Award 2021

Nominated for Staff MMU Employability Champion Award 2021