Andy Holland MCIM

Experience

• 

  Various Companies

  Sept 1983 - Dec 1985

  Technical Illustrator

  After graduating, I embarked on full-time employment in a freelance capacity, working with engineering technical consultants, print studios and graphic agencies gaining valuable industry experience.

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  British Aerospace

  Jan 1986 - Mar 1990

  BAe civil division producing engineering maintenance and repair manuals for ATP and Nimrod aircraft. BAe military division, based in Warton, Lancashire, where I continued to produce maintenance and repair documentation in support of the Panavia Tornado ADV & IDS and Hawk trainer aircraft. In 1988, this developed into a role providing graphical support to the ongoing Al Yamamah defence contract between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Around this time, I was first introduced to the Apple Macintosh desktop computer. BAe civil division, producing engineering maintenance and repair manuals for its civil aircraft division in Manchester. It was here that I had the opportunity to develop my engineering illustration process and learn about the latest publication technologies of the time, producing imagery to the ATA 100 specification. My work would be digitally scanned and incorporated into a 'VAX' database system, from there the weighty aircraft manuals were printed on demand for the aviation industry.

  • Technical Illustrator

    Feb 1989 - Mar 1990

  • Technical Illustrator

    Oct 1987 - Feb 1989

  • Technical Illustrator

    Jan 1986 - Oct 1987
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  Visual Eyes Ltd

  Mar 1990 - Dec 1999

  Design Studio Manager

  The emerging desktop PC revolution in illustration and design was the catalyst to join with a graduate colleague in 1990, forming the company 'Visual Eyes', an illustration and design studio based in Stockport.10 years of development and growth produced success in business process, creative marketing, illustration, graphic design, and web development. I developed my skills to an expert level with desktop PC creative applications including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, DTP applications; Quark Xpress, Adobe Indesign and web development system Macromedia Dreamweaver, (the predecessor to today’s Adobe version). Managing a team of designers and graphic artists, I produced all manner of marketing materials from technical manuals to rock music CD packages for a wide ranging industry base. In the mid 90's I further developed my skills in HTML and scripting programs, developing websites for the exciting new medium of 'internet communications', producing and hosting a successful interactive website and online store for the 'Pets at Home' store chain. Other successes included developing a cost-effective photo-visual technique, combining photography, 2D and 3D computer modelling to produce realistic visual representations of proposed construction schemes. Clients included GMPTE, Laing Construction and Yorkshire Water. Show less

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  Finite Logistics

  Jan 2000 - Sept 2004

  Creative Director

  At the turn of the century, recruited by a digital print and fulfilment facility based in Salford Quays as Creative Director. As well as marketing and promoting the company, the role included managing the creative team and database function of the high-volume printing systems. A major achievement was the development and successful implementation of an online, print on demand, document report and management facility for NHS Information Authority. This service provided printed and mailed Commission for health Improvement (CHI) reports, requested by the public via an online portal, of over 11,000 care homes in the UK. Show less

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  Architectural Supplies

  Sept 2004 - Dec 2006

  Creative Consultant

  In search of new challenges, I joined Architectural Supplies in 2004, owned by long-time associate David Furness. The company had grown from a one-man operation in 1992 to be a major supplier of fastener and fixings to the fenestration industry, with a 2004 sales turnover of £2m. With new products being developed, the existing company identity was not considered applicable, so my challenge was to rebrand the company and its products and structure a new marketing initiative. This brought together all my marketing, illustration, and design expertise to create the specialist supplier brand that is now Rapierstar. By delivering sales and marketing tools, the Rapierstar company and product brand awareness was raised across conventional and digital media, doubling sales turnover by 2006. Show less

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  Alpha Creative Ltd.

  Dec 2006 - Jun 2009

  Managing Director

  Specialising in online and offline marketing and promotional collateral for a broad spectrum of industries, including Rapierstar. Despite the global economic downturn, I had success with developing my photo-visual illustrative technique further, producing modified photographic room images for Barefoot Flooring, a derivative of Flowcrete UK.

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  Rapierstar

  Jun 2009 - now

  Providing product and market expertise and developing multiple channel programs to support the company sales process and promote growth. Achieved increased sales turnover of 250% in 2021.With my engineering skills, background and experience, a recent success has been introducing a technical and development resource centre at the company's Cheshire site. Developing this new facility has facilitated new construction innovations, engineering design, and product IP investment. It has also enabled me to boost my core skills by learning and attaining an expert level with Solidworks's 3D model engineering program. Show less Rapierstar brand development. I expanded technical sales support with the introduction of 'Recommended Fixing Manuals' for profile systems aimed at fenestration manufacturers. Completed the development of a new corporate website, facilitating site traffic growth with an improved UI.In 2014, I developed a new Rapierstar brand called PROSHIELD™ under the Rapierstar Protect company. This is an innovative water repellent, environmentally friendly masonry treatment that is quick and easy to apply. It penetrates to provide breathable, invisible protection from damaging water ingress, maintaining building appearance whilst reducing maintenance costs. Show less

  • Group Marketing & Technical Manager

    Mar 2013 - now

  • Marketing Manager

    Jun 2009 - Mar 2013