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PPH Certified
Self Certified
About Me
I work in three different fields.
A strong background in sales and customer satisfaction and service means I am active in the small business sector. I ran my own leisure business- a children's play centre and cafe- for 6 years. I now work as a consultant in customer satisfaction and cost management. BusinessLink recruited me because of my private sector experience. I spent 9 months there, advising a broad range of SMEs on how to do better, before returning to the private sector early in 2010.
I graduated in English from Oxford University, then spent 20 years with NatWest. I am a creative writer, book reviewer (commercial and other) and a private tutor, specialising in the analysis of texts and exam technique. I have excellent teaching references.
My tutoring website is [Link Removed]
As an entrepreneur with a strong sales focus, I can help with coaching, strategic planning and the day-to-day interim management of businesses. As a practitioner, not a theorist, my mission is to energise the people I work with.
I live my philosophy; that satisfied customers are the only customers worth having; that we can all add value; and that when we do, the buzz we get makes us want to do it again and again.
Areas covered: West and South Midlands
Skills
PPH Certified
Self Certified
Job Reviews on PPH
by Raspinder S on 02 Nov 2011
Gavin offers great work, on time and reliable. Highly recommended
by Marlene d on 21 Feb 2011
Happy with his communicaiton. He did excactly what i asked. I
by Gary V on 30 Oct 2010
Mr. Smithers performed excellent and comprehensive work on the task given. I would highly recommend him for future work and would not hesitate to use his services again. He went above and beyond the standard tasking to provide important feedback that will ultimately benefit my project's future performance and public image. A+
Work Experience
I worked in retail banking for 20 years. I set up and ran my own service/leisure business, and sold it in 2008. It was a runner up in the local Chamber of Commerce start-up category in 2004.
I now operate as a business consultant. I also teach English GCSE and A-level for an agency, and through personal recommendation.
I spent 9 years as a borough councillor and I have extensive campaign experience as a candidate in local and general elections
Education
MA in English, Oxford University
ACII Financial Planning Certificate and Advanced FPC
ACII Financial Planning Certificate and Advanced FPC
