Abi Selby
Newbury,United Kingdom
Summary
A results-driven professional with expertise in building and selling a business, public relations, account management, and strategic partnerships. I have demonstrated exceptional skills in building a team through trust, providing constructive feedback, and fostering proactive mentoring to support decision-making and encourage self-awareness. Resulting in winning numerous individual and company awards.
Adept at empathetic listening, emotionally intelligent communication, and motivational speaking to inspire teams and drive personal development. Running Spabreaks.com has resulted in skilled employee management, wellbeing mentoring, and strategic networking to cultivate meaningful connections and enhance organisational success.
I remain committed to leveraging inspirational leadership to promote growth, collaboration, and long-term professional relationships.
I am a hugely driven individual with talent for guiding and inspiring others. I possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with knack for problem-solving. In future NED and advisory roles, I aim to foster personal growth and development, while driving and creating meaningful and lasting change.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Founder
Spabreaks.com
Central London
03.2008 - 11.2025
- Founded Spabreaks.com in 2008, establishing it as Europe's leading spa booking agency.
- Collaborated with over 900 global spa destinations to enhance customer choice.
- Assisted more than 16,000 clients monthly in selecting appropriate spa experiences.
- Led a team of 90+ staff members at UK-based offices to drive operational success.
- Promoted accessibility within the spa industry by offering diverse price points and options.
- Advocated for inclusion by addressing barriers for clients with serious health conditions.
- Implemented streamlined booking processes to improve user experience and satisfaction.
- Established company brand for improved visibility and recognition.
- Fostered an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, boosted employee morale considerably.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, secured competitive pricing and terms.
- Drove sales through effective marketing strategies.
- Was shortlisted for and won dozens of National Awards for Women in Business.
- Envisioned and spearheaded creation of successful business, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive and vision.
Chairperson of the Board
UK Spa Association
03.2017 - 11.2025
- Facilitated open dialogue among board members for more informed decision-making.
- Set annual budgets to maintain fiscal discipline across departments.
- Established strategic business directions by overseeing board meetings.
- Provided financial advice and insights, contributing to sound decision making.
- Organise and run 3 events a year, including sourcing sponsorship and public speaking.
Advisory Board Member
Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care
London
05.2023 - 11.2025
- A group of passionate industry experts working together to achieve the gold standard in holistic cancer care; with a shared vision to ensure that every spa, salon and independent therapist has the skills to provide touch therapies for anyone with, being treated for or recovering from cancer, with confidence.
- Ensured statutory compliance, safeguarding company's reputation and operations.
- Advised on the aesthetic look and feel for the website and all asset creation.
- Deliver talks and presentation on the charity and its mission.
Mentor
Virgin StartUp
London Area, United Kingdom
10.2024 - 11.2025
- Implemented peer mentoring programmes allowing mutual growth and learning opportunities for all participants.
- Organised group discussions promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills among participants.
- Organised industry exposure visits for enhanced practical understanding of theoretical concepts.
- Trained new mentors on effective mentoring techniques that benefit both parties involved.
Founding Director
Pink Fudge PR
Newbury
06.2006 - 06.2008
- Founded Pink Fudge PR in 2006, establishing a diverse portfolio of 15 accounts in hotel and travel sectors.
- Acted as external PR and marketing partner, managing photoshoots, press communications, and brochure production.
- Oversaw website design projects and executed targeted marketing campaigns to enhance visibility.
- Provided consultancy services, offering strategic advice for daily operations of hotels, spas, and restaurants.
PR and Marketing Manager
The Vineyard at Stockcross
Newbury
01.2003 - 06.2006
- Managed PR and marketing for Peter Michael Collection including hotels, spas, and golf club.
- Highlighted unique attributes of each property to enhance brand visibility.
- Collaborated with diverse teams across The Vineyard at Stockcross, Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa, and Peter Michael Winery.
- Fostered lasting relationships with the group over three successful years.
Marketing Manager
Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants
London
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Contributed to sales and marketing initiatives for Maritime Underwater Security Consultants.
- Executed design and implementation of comprehensive security solutions across 14 global ports.
- Developed all marketing materials for both offline and online channels.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Journalism
Cardiff School of Journalism
Cardiff 09.1999 - 07.2000
BA(Hons) - Communication and Media Studies, Communication and Media
University of South Wales
Cardiff 09.1996 - 07.1999
GCSEs - 9 GCSEs A-C
Teign School Secondary
Kingsteignton, Devon 09.1989 - 07.1996
Skills
- Public Relations
- Account Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Constructive feedback
- Proactive mentoring
- Decision making support
- Employee management
- Motivational speaking
- Inspirational leadership
- Professional networking
Languages
English
A level French
A level German
Awards
- Brighton and Hove Business Person of the Year
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year, London and South Winner
- Dynamic Business Awards Business Woman of the Year 2022
- MT35 Women under 35 Award Winner
- Young Guns Award
- Second in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100
Publications
- Spa for All Video
- Abi Selby - UKSA Chair - Board Advisor SATCC
- Founder - Spabreaks.com
Timeline
Mentor
Virgin StartUp
10.2024 - 11.2025
Advisory Board Member
Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care
05.2023 - 11.2025
Chairperson of the Board
UK Spa Association
03.2017 - 11.2025
Founder
Spabreaks.com
03.2008 - 11.2025
Founding Director
Pink Fudge PR
06.2006 - 06.2008
PR and Marketing Manager
The Vineyard at Stockcross
01.2003 - 06.2006
Marketing Manager
Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants
01.2002 - 01.2003
Postgraduate Diploma - Journalism
Cardiff School of Journalism
09.1999 - 07.2000
BA(Hons) - Communication and Media Studies, Communication and Media
University of South Wales
09.1996 - 07.1999
GCSEs - 9 GCSEs A-C
Teign School Secondary
09.1989 - 07.1996