About me

• Managing Director at Clear Presentations Ltd
• Studied: BSc (Hons) Business Studies, 2002
• Contact me on LinkedIn

About my career

My first job after graduating was as a sales executive for BT Local Business. It was the first role I applied for and was offered the role of desk-based sales which I turned down, as I wanted the field sales role with the car and the mobile phone, higher salary. This worked out well, as they ended up offering me the role I wanted, and I started a week later. I had to take holiday to graduate.

I am the managing director of live events and creative communications at Clear Presentations Ltd. We specialise in the production of live corporate events including awards ceremonies, conferences, product launches, fashion shows, press events, leadership days, team building, and anything else that a business might want to stage! The business has been going for 35 years this year and I have been the managing director for 12 months. I have been with the business for 16 years.

The skills that I gained at Manchester Met that I have used most in career are presentation and confidence skills – these have proved to be vital in all aspects of my working life. From pitching for business, going to networking events to hosting meetings. Without these skills being drilled into me on my course, I would have been lost.

During my studies, I did 12 months as a PR and marketing intern at Yates Wine Lodges. I got to travel to Italy and Ibiza and go to meetings in London with some of the biggest alcohol brands in the world. It was exciting, fun and busy. I loved every minute of it and think anyone who can do a placement should as it not only makes your CV stand out but you get to learn so much that you can then apply in final year.

My top tip for students is

Put together a great CV and spell check it. Really sell yourself. Write it all down and practice saying it out loud. If it doesn’t make you smile and get animated as you say it then change the language and sell yourself more. It might be out of character to do this but try it, I find it really works when pitching and introducing my business to people.

Don’t be afraid to take a role that might not be your dream job to start with. We all have to start somewhere. I took a sales role at BT which was not what I wanted to do, but the skills I learnt in business development, presentations, confidence in meetings, working independently have stayed with me throughout my career so I would never go back and change it.

I’m inspired by

People who follow their passion, don’t complain about working hard, remain positive, find solutions, are flexible to change and who show up! Sometimes it is hard and tough out there, but people who consistently show up and do the best they can regardless of their role inspire me every single day.

What I loved about Manchester Met

I loved every minute. The people I met, the fun I had and the skills I learnt. I am always incredibly proud to tell people I went to Manchester Met and still have a smile on my face as I walk past the Aytoun Building and remember how fun and exciting it was to study there.

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