Sarah Ludford

Experience

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  The Rank Group plc

  Jan 1992 - Jan 1999

  Regional Retail Adviser & Operational Management

  Provided advisory function across 28 sites for profit maximization initiatives, regulatory compliance, legal and accounting procedures Interrogated margins on premium and brand leading products assessing sales mix and target audience purchasing patterns and preferencesImplemented and trained operations management across EPOS/ERP Oracle and SAP systemsProvided consultation to sites to avoid stock deficit, fraud and risk exposure

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  Diageo

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2001

  Business Account Manager

  Client account management / contract negotiation

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  Own business - high growth enterprise

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2007

  Director

  Established highly successful niche outsource solution for SME’s, Professional Bodies, Associations and Voluntary Groups operating profitably without external investment from launch to saleRecruited and managed teams of up to nineteen, additionally subcontracting resources in response to specific client outsourcing specialist requirementsDelivered solutions across Legal, Medical and Professional Services sectors including financial, administration, sales and marketing services encompassing event, sponsorship and media/ online media management Led new business generation, corporate branding and supplier and client engagement adapting business model to respond to market and client demands in a proactive, versatile mannerSold business within 6 years with target expansion plan achieved and a defined target growth strategy and strong client base Show less

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  Mears Group PLC

  Nov 2006 - Dec 2007

  Business Account/ KPI Manager

  Ensured contract profitability through costing, billing and P&L analysis, improving process execution and driving reduction in work in progress period to payment conversionCreated and interrogated business processes (IT/ERP systems and physical capabilities) ensuring the model delivered on client expectations, in a compliant manner, with maximum efficiencySupported the continuous process improvement and contract delivery success through transparent costing analysis implementation

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  Business Link North West

  Jan 2008 - Nov 2011

  Business Adviser with interest in innovation

  Engaged over 300 multi sector businesses providing diagnostic through to strategic growth planning, resulting in new business profit growth and improved performancesManaged change and transition programmes to optimise market penetration and return, tailoring programmes according to client objectives and business modelsIdentified opportunity for business advancement proactively to secure business stability

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  University of Salford

  Nov 2011 - Nov 2014

  Accounts Payable / Procure to Pay (P2P) Manager

  Responsible for process improvements and key control review in decentralised AP environment.Agresso (Unit 4) based systems, integration of credit card data for real time reporting.Monthly performance report design and implementation, trend and variance analysis.Contract and policy compliance reporting. Team management (local and remote).Aligning AP function to P2P project.

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  GM Business Growth Hub

  Nov 2014 - Sept 2021

  Senior Business Advisor

  Senior Advisor within the Business Growth Hub, Manchester, responsible for managing a team of specialists to deliver on ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) outcomes. In addition, previously led the Brexit/ EU Transition project within the Growth Company, to deliver commercial advice for businesses across the NW and UK. Specialising in diagnostic business reviews, business planning & strategy planning. Delivered analysis the Brexit EU Transition agenda then onto Covid 19 response, advice and recovery Show less

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  Think

  Sept 2021 - now

  Business Development Director

  • Business Development Director

    Sept 2021 - now

  • Account Director

    Sept 2021 - now