Over the years, I have been fortunate to work for some great businesses in industries I have a real passion for.
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, a number of commercial and operational roles for two well known hospitality companies taught me how seasons, location, demographics, competition and even changes in legislation can fuel the challenges of managing nightclubs, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and hotels, regardless of how strong the brand name is above the door.
With this knowledge and experience of running multi site retail businesses, moving on to work for a leading distributor to the cycling retail market showed me just how important it is to partner very closely with retail customers to better understand how demand is being driven by consumer trends. Only through buying the right stock from suppliers can expensive storage costs and cash flow problems be avoided. 2020 has forced many retail businesses to review their trading model and invest more heavily in other sales channels or even diversify. Bike shops for example are not only reaching out more to customers through e-commerce, some are even turning small sections of their traditional retail floor space in to coffee shops.
What is your view on how diversification and innovation can save traditional retail?
With a passion for helping SMEs to grow and the experience of working in a variety of e-commerce, retail and distribution businesses within the fast moving consumer goods sector in particular, I decided to set up Fluid FD Limited to offer my experience and support on a part time or interim basis. For a free initial chat about how I may be able to assist you in your business, email me directly at paul@fluidfd.com.