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Text Box: In this section the focus is on my professional life. Since 1990, I have been a professional in the field of retail property management - a career I have excelled in probably due in part to my honesty, openness and tenacity. I pride myself as being a first class business manager in all disciplines, adapting to ever changing challenges and striving for achievement in everything I do. As a result I am highly results motivated. Below is an online copy of my career history to date - for privacy, contact details are removed although contact can be made using the button on the left of this page.   Business
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Text Box: PERSONAL PROFILE I have proved throughout my career to be a successful and effective business manager. The majority of my expertise to date has been gained in the effective management of multi retail shopping centres where I have gained the reputation as a vibrant and intuitive manager, able to react positively to market forces and predict potential growth. These factors, coupled with personal qualities, have earned me an exceptional reputation in my career to date. It is fair to say that I am a calculated risk taker – continually striving to push boundaries to the benefit of my business whilst always maintaining strict control of budget. CAREER SUMMARY   1998 to Present            Crosslands Properties Limited (Cushman & Wakefield) Position                       Centre Manager – Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline   On assuming management of the Kingsgate Shopping Centre in 1998, I was faced with the situation of taking over the property following the death of the previous incumbent. To compound this issue, I identified that no formal management, accounting or operational structure had been in place, nor policies and procedures, since the opening of the Kingsgate Shopping Centre in 1985. I rectified this situation immediately with systems established to facilitate the continual and organic growth of the property from then on. Additionally, accurate budget control of £1.2M service charge which has been consistently under or on budget since 1999. During 2001, I managed the Kingsgate Shopping Centre through a significant refurbishment programme totalling in the region of £1.1M. This refurbishment of the existing malls was a 20 week programme involving the replacement of all mall floor tiling, replacement of mall ceilings, replacement of mall pilaster finishes, replacement of all lighting and a number of essential services. Throughout these extensive works, the shopping centre remained open for trade and, as such, priorities were contractor management, maintenance of consistently high trading levels, Health & Safety management and effective PR and marketing. This refurbishment resulted ultimately in an increased yield for the Client and eventually contributed to a profit on sale within 2 years of £11M. In October 2006, works were commenced in the development project to create “Phase 2” of the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, this involving the creating of 160,000SqFt of additional retail space anchored by an 80,000SqFt Debenhams store and 720 new car parking spaces. This developed the centre from a 130,000SqFt predominately “local” shopping centre to a 320,000SqFt “sub regional” destination. I input to design discussions from an early stage, commenting in detail on design, construction management and letting matters in addition to facilitating discussion with key local authority figures and departments – such input continued throughout the development in regard to building functionality. Additionally, similar to the previous refurbishment programme, I effectively managed the business of the existing retail offer ensuring footfall remained at a high 180,000 visitors per week. On behalf of the Client, I was also responsible for the management of Health & Safety, particularly at the interface of the existing centre and the development site. Throughout the development process and at the conclusion, I effectively marketed the Kingsgate Shopping Centre and coordinated the eventual launch of the enhanced offer. From February 2009, I also added international experience to my portfolio in that I was seconded by my Clients to advise and oversee management of their Romanian property – Liberty Centre, Bucharest 1996 to 1998                 Allied Dunbar Assurance / Threadneedle. (Workman & Partners) Position                       Centre Manager – Mitchell Arcade Shopping Centre, Rutherglen   I assumed the management of the Mitchell Arcade Shopping Centre in 1996 following the retiral of the previous “traditional” ex-services Centre Manager. Management systems for the control of both operations and service charge management were established from the outset and from a basis of no systems in place. The Mitchell Arcade operated with a fully “in house” operational team (with the exclusion of contract cleaning). On assuming management I established that the personnel were operating with no direction. This was taken in hand and converted to a professional working team through a process of training, development and, where required, disciplinary action. Whilst Centre Manager of the Mitchell Arcade, I was a member of the steering group responsible for the installation of town centre CCTV within Rutherglen and Cambuslang, this being successfully completed and installed in early 1999. As a member of this group, I was actively involved in high level discussions with politicians, potential funding sources and high ranking Police officers.       1994 to 1995                 M.A.B Preservation Limited Position                       Building & Preservation Surveyor   Whilst in the position of Building & Preservation Surveyor with M.A.B. Preservation, I developed skills in both understanding of building structure and also business development. In terms of business development, I established a role in which I liaised closely with surveyors and conveyancing solicitors throughout Central, Fife, Lothian and Glasgow regions in offering a service to both buying and selling residential clients a full building preservation service. Through this role, I developed my skills in terms of building structure, maintenance and potential detrimental issues. This allowed me, on returning to management, to fully understand the requirements of properties of various ages and conditions – essential in contributing to and performing dilapidation surveys.   1993 to 1994                 In Shops Centres Plc. Position                       Centre Manager – Various locations (West of Scotland)   Following the administration of Fleeting Property Limited, my employment transferred to In Shops Plc. as first Centre Manager in Greenock and then various locations throughout west central Scotland.    1990 to 1993                 Fleeting Property Limited Position                       Centre Manager / Regional Manager (Scotland) – Various Locations   Commencing as Centre Manager in Edinburgh in 1990, I inherited a reasonably well performing independent retailer shopping  centre in addition to a “speciality” retail offer and suite of offices in Dunfermline. Throughout my period with Fleeting Property, I was instrumental in driving retail rentals upwards, refining operations and developing accounting systems. I also, from an early stage, performed the role of Training Manager for new members of staff. This eventually led to my appointment to the role of Regional Manager for Scotland. In 1992, I developed my skill in business development through an active role in recruiting new retailers to new centres in Dudley and Hull. ACHIEVEMENTS WITH EXTERNAL BODIES   BCSC Whilst having been a member of BCSC Scotland since its inception (under the British Council of Shopping Centres nationally) in 1998, I developed a significantly more active role in 2005/06. An example of this proactive attitude, I took prime responsibility for the delivery of the first electronic version of a Scottish Shopping Centre directory – a similar concept having been in existence under the previous Association of Scottish Shopping Centre Managers (ASSCM). Following this, I identified the charitable organisation Retail Trust and pioneered a cross involvement between BCSC Scotland (on a voluntary basis) and Retail Trust.   In October 2007, I assumed the role of Chairman of the Centre Managers’ Group, Regional Representative and Regional Secretary (Centre Managers) for the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) in Scotland. Such responsibility has enabled an active networking within the Scottish industry, more for the gain of the Scottish region than that of personal gain. This is recognised by the views and opinions of the Scottish Centre Managers’ membership.   RETAILERS AGAINST CRIME   In early 2006, I became a member of the then Retailers Against Crime Scotland (RACS) board. Within 3 months, I was then elected unanimously by the members to the position of Vice Chairman. During the following 12 months, Retailers Against Crime grew both financially (increase of £27K per annum) and geographically into Northern Ireland. At the commencement of 2008, Retailers Against Crime became two separate and distinct businesses – Retailers Against Crime Scotland and Retailers Against Crime Northern Ireland. This was then further developed by the board in that, by the end of 2008, Cumbria and North East England were added to the business coverage. As a result, the board decided to “rebrand” as simply Retailers Against Crime with each region being a distinct cost centre. My role within Retailers Against Crime is to represent the interests of all Scottish shopping centres.   Additionally during 2008, I achieved a cash injection for Retailers Against Crime in securing commercial sponsorship of £15K per annum for 5 years. This cash injection allowed onward business development and investment in IT systems.   LOCAL ACHIEVEMENTS   On commencement as Centre Manager of the Kingsgate Centre, Dunfermline, I became a member of the Dunfermline & West Fife Community Safety Panel. Within 12 months, I was then elected to the office of Treasurer within this organisation. Whilst supporting a vast range of community safety projects, I am most proud of the development of the “Youthstart Initiative”. This initiative involves the personal development of a number of vulnerable youths in 3rd / 4th year at Inverkeithing High School who are on the borderline of anti social behaviour or being productive members of society. Along with P.C. Martin Bamfiord of Fife Constabulary, I act as a mentor for approximately 10 youths per annum and have close to a 100% success record.   In 2000, along with Community Safety Officer Martin Bamford, I instigated the Shopsafe retail radio link within Dunfermline. This initiative followed extensive research into a number of comparable systems before the decision was made as to the best option available. The Shopsafe system has been unquestionably successful and, as a consequence, in 2006 investigation was commenced in regard to extending this service into the evening economy, this having been fully adopted in 2007.   As Centre Manager of the Kingsgate Centre, I was invited to be a founding Director of Dunfermline & West Fife Town Centres Management – a position I still hold. One of the major achievements in this role is that of event management within Dunfermline. Following a low key public music event in 2005, I assumed primary responsibility for the delivery and growth of the annual “Gig In The Glen” music festival, this attracting approximately 10,000 visitors to Dunfermline. This festival continues to grow – bringing established headline acts to Dunfermline whilst also developing the local music scene. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   MEMBERSHIPS OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES   BCSC (Affiliate Member) – Chair BCSC Scotland Centre Managers Group / Regional Rep Retailers Against Crime – Vice Chairman Dunfermline & West Fife Town Centres Management Limited – Director Dunfermline & West Fife Community Safety Panel – Treasurer   EDUCATION   2002                 Oriel Training Services, Glenrothes – NEBOSH General Certificate for Health                           and Safety   1985 / 88           Napier College, Edinburgh – HND Electrical & Electronic Engineering     HOBBIES & INTERESTS   Music   Photography     Hillwalking         Computing & Web Design