Adam Simpson

Following redundancy from Stokes Sauces in 2006, I pursued my passion for fine food and wine and joined Averys Wine Merchants as a Wine Sales Advisor. I progressed rapidly through Senior Advisor and Senior Account Manager roles, before moving into Lead Account Manager and ultimately Senior Account & Product Manager—two roles created specifically in recognition of my high performance and willingness to take on additional responsibility.

In my current position, I manage a diverse portfolio that includes fine wine, everyday drinking wine, corporate supply, investment advice, and En Primeur sales. I have consistently been the top performer in a 20 strong sales team and have never missed a monthly sales target.

Alongside sales, I play a key role in recruitment—interviewing candidates and supporting initial training. I work closely with buyers, merchandisers, and suppliers to secure commercially strong and interesting parcels for the team. I also lead weekly Quality Control tastings, deliver training for new starters, host internal and external tastings, and support fine dining events. My role has also included hosting supplier visits and participating in overseas trips across Europe.

With 20 years in the wine trade, and almost 15 years working closely with two Masters of Wine, I have developed deep product knowledge and a genuine passion for the wine trade. As Product Manager, I continued to lead sales while taking responsibility for sourcing new wines and ensuring the team had compelling products to offer.

My time at Averys has confirmed my commitment to the industry—combining loyalty, enthusiasm, and strong commercial instincts with a longstanding passion for wine.

Drove the regional launch of two new premium condiment rangesthrough the South West & Wales, securing rapid distribution across farm shops, delis, and multi-site retailers. Built a strong new business pipeline while growing existing accounts, resulting in the fastest growing territory nationally. Represented the brand at tastings and food events, using product knowledge and face to face interaction and rapport building to convert interest into sales.

Key Achievement: Delivered £250k+ annual revenue and opened 273 new accounts, from House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols to local independents.

Gained international experience teaching English across India and South East Asia, developing strong communication, cultural awareness, and adaptability. Returned to the UK for family reasons and undertook temporary roles, including a local artisan baker and I worked a longer temporary contract at Volvo as a Sales Executive.

I then progressed into the Yell Group. Whilst working as part of a team I was ultimately responsible for my individual targets of 30k per month. My main role was to exceed quarterly targets for revenue and total advertising portfolio’s sold and in addition to sell new media products to clients that would benefit and renew the following year. Despite a fiercely competitive market, I consistently hit all parameters of my quarterly targets and earned extremely healthy bonuses.

When joining MGN as Field Sales Executive responsible for the South West Region (motor advertising with targets of 10k per week), I was quickly able to increase revenue generated, month on month. After implementation of a new bonus scheme, yields had to be increased dramatically to earn equivalent bonus. Following this, not only did I retain existing advertisers despite higher rates, but I was able to attract many new advertisers, as well as bringing back several major clients who no longer used MGN. I consistently surpassed my targets by at least 10%, and my yield was either highest or second highest in the country.

Sales Advisor through consistently exceeding targets and regularly winning Call Centre awards for my performance and support given to my Sales Manager.

As Sales Manager my key responsibility was to lead and motivate a telephone based sales team to deliver outstanding customer interactions, sales, productivity quality and targets whilst being accountable for every aspect of the teams performance. Key achievements whilst performing this role were consistently exceeding targets by at least 20% on a monthly basis, helping maintain 100% compliance with BT and OFTEL guidelines for zero complaints, introducing weekly motivational team coaching.

Supervising refurbishment of Service Station forecourts.

Part, then full time employment. Responsibilities included acting Restaurant Supervisor / Head Chef Jun 1993 – Sept 1996.