Laura McHarrie

Current

Freelance Communication Specialist at The Hidden Edge
Business Adviser at Business Link

Past

Managing Director at Excel Clothing
Area Manager at Mackays
Regional Controller at New Look

Branch Manager at Evans - Arcadia Group
Department Manager at Debenhams PLC

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Education

Bath Spa University
Woking College

Recommended

16 people have recommended Laura

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Public Relations and Communications

Laura McHarrie’s Summary

My career history supports my level of professional experience in the retail industry, other than a brief period which isn't listed here, where I opened a retail outlet of my own with my now ex husband. (Tells a tale in itself)!

Welcome Home made a trading profit in its first year, based on a thoroughly researched business plan and is still trading some 13 years on. I am quite proud of that. The closure of Excel Cothing in 2000 gave me a huge insight into managing trading difficulties which until then, I had no real experience of. My subsequent foray into teaching, training and freelancing has given me another level of experience. The sum of which I draw upon to give impartial advice to companies as part of my Business Link advisory role.

I am organised, have a strong tendency towards detail, consistancy and accuracy. I hate to miss a dead line. These are tempered by naturally strong interpersonal skills which seem to engage and enthuse others. All skills that are linked strongly in the retail trade.

In terms of goals! At a bit of a cross roads at the moment so will hold back on sharing what direction I am heading in until I have cleared the fog a bit.

Laura McHarrie’s Specialties:

Project planning, operational management, and business development. Public Speaking, presentation, training courses, written and verbal communication,. Copy writing and PR, active mentoring.

Laura McHarrie’s Experience

Freelance Communication Specialist

The Hidden Edge

(Writing and Editing industry)

September 2003 — Present (6 years 3 months)

The choice of words you use in your written and verbal communications are really important if you want the message heard clearly. If you are having a problem being understood by yourself, your staff, or your customers then 'talk' to me!

I have been communicating since I was born and have been honing the skills through the positions I have held ever since. It is not easy to communicate clearly, particularly from a distance, especially in writing. But the way that you present your words will indicate your stance and your tone of voice. These are your hidden edge.

If you want to hear more about my view points on communication see My Blog http://thehiddenedge.wordpress.com
Business Adviser

Business Link

(Government Agency; Management Consulting industry)

November 2002 — Present (7 years 1 month)

Business Link recognises that business owners and managers can often feel isolated. I run the brilliant BusinessXchange programme in Dorset. Lively and friendly these non-competitive business-to-business networks brings together like-minded owners and managers of small and medium businesses to share ideas, knowledge and resources.

The BusinessXchange programme crosses all sectors of industry and provides an informal and energetic forum for business owners to meet and share experiences. Members discuss solutions to business issues, creating peer groups that understand the complexities and challenges businesses have to face.

The BusinessXchange programme concentrates on finding practical solutions to the issues that most affect the bottom line in every business. If an issue is too thorny for a group discussion then I will employ business advisory skills during a one to one discussion to sift through the fog and identify a way forward.
Managing Director

Excel Clothing

(Privately Held; 201-500 employees; Retail industry)

1997 — 2000 (3 years )
Area Manager

Mackays

(Privately Held; 1001-5000 employees; Retail industry)

1995 — 1997 (2 years )
Regional Controller

New Look

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Retail industry)

1989 — 1994 (5 years )
Branch Manager

Evans - Arcadia Group

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Retail industry)

1985 — 1989 (4 years )
Department Manager

Debenhams PLC

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Retail industry)

1980 — 1985 (5 years )

Laura McHarrie’s Education

Bath Spa University

Cert Ed , Further and Adult Education , 2002 — 2002
Woking College

1978 — 1980

Additional Information

Laura McHarrie’s Interests:

Business Interests: Management and personal development, Online retailling, Copywriting, Business Development, media, writing, Personal Interests: Skiing, my Black & Chocolate Labs,, Reading, Writing, Blogging, Socialising and my herb Garden