After roaming around the tropics as crew on a 60' yacht, my first serious jobs were in publishing and property. In a bid to launch my entrepreneurial career I took an MBA from Edinburgh Business School then founded Urchin where I was MD for 10 years until its sale at the end of 2006.
Subsequently, I launched Nauteco, a new brand in the marine sector, and advised a number of multi-channel SME's on everything from systems and processes to website relaunches, email marketing and brand development. As Interim FD I helped relaunch Sarah Raven's Kitchen & Garden at the beginning of 2009.
I am now CEO and co-owner of Gramar Investments Limited, a private investment company specialising in multi-channel retail and related sectors. I'm currently launching Frank Learning, a company that combines expert advice with fictional stories to create unique online learning programs for business. Their first course, due to be released in February 2010, is Frankly eCommerce, an end-to-end marketing strategy for the ambitious internet retailer. Gramar is seeking additional investment opportunities and I would be pleased to have an informal discussion with anyone interested in finding out more about what we can offer in addition to finance. Find out more at the Gramar website.
I regularly write features for Catalogue & eBusiness magazine and am a member of the judging panel for the coveted annual ECMOD awards - the Oscars of the multi-channel world! Outside the retail sector, I highly value the opportunity to contribute as a Business Mentor for the Prince’s Trust, helping in a small way to nurture young business talent in the West Country.
Born in Edinburgh, and following periods in London and Brighton, I now live with my family in rural Wiltshire near the market town of Marlborough. I try to keep fit playing squash or tennis, depending on the season, and riding my mountain bike. I love taking photos and pottering on our allotment (and would like to become more proficient at both). I'm planning which of the Scottish munros I'm going to tackle next, and trying to figure out how I can manage a diving trip in Mexico next year.
Comments