Alice Ward
Thame,United Kingdom
Summary
Bilingual (French/English) Business Development and Strategic Partnerships professional with more than 20 years' experience delivering commercial growth across financial services, foreign exchange, mortgages, taxation and real estate. Proven track record of developing strategic partnerships, managing key accounts and expanding business opportunities across the UK and France.
Experienced in building trusted relationships with banks, wealth managers, solicitors, property professionals and international clients within regulated environments.
Commercially driven and relationship-focused, with extensive experience leading business development initiatives, identifying new market opportunities and collaborating with multiple stakeholders to deliver long-term business growth. Recognised for combining strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to developing partnerships and providing exceptional client service.
Overview
2
2
Languages
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Business Development Manager / Senior Account Manager
Currencies Direct
London
2023.10 - Current
- Develop strategic partnerships with wealth managers, banks, solicitors, estate agents, introducers to generate leads.
- Identify and secure commercial partnerships through targeted business development and networking initiatives.
- Manage established partner portfolio to strengthen relationships, maximise long-term revenue and retention.
- Represent business at domestic and international partner meetings and industry networking events.
- Research target markets and competitor activity to uncover opportunities for commercial growth.
- Deliver consultative international currency solutions for client needs.
- Onboard new partners and clients while maintaining customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
French Tax Adviser
Charles Hamer
2022.01 - 2023.10
- Managed a portfolio of approximately 750 clients requiring specialist French tax advice.
- Built trusted long-term client relationships through proactive communication and ongoing support.
- Prepared and submitted French tax returns, ensuring full compliance with French regulations.
- Advised clients on tax efficiencies and available reliefs relating to overseas property ownership.
- Worked closely with legal and financial professionals throughout complex client cases.
French Mortgage Broker
Charles Hamer
2016.05 - 2022.01
- Advised UK and international clients purchasing residential and investment properties in France.
- Built and maintained relationships with French banking institutions to secure competitive mortgage solutions.
- Managed transactions involving banks, solicitors, estate agents, architects and clients from initial enquiry through to completion.
- Developed new banking partnerships and maintained knowledge of changing lending criteria.
- Delivered a high-quality client experience throughout complex cross-border property transactions.
Sales & Events Coordinator
Addington Palace
London
2016.01 - 2016.04
- Managed enquiries, client relationships and event sales.
- Coordinated weddings, corporate functions and private events from planning through delivery.
- Consistently exceeded client expectations through excellent organisation and customer service.
Sales Manager – French Business Development
SEGARD
2014.01 - 2015.01
- Developed B2B partnerships and expanded commercial networks across France.
- Managed a sales network of more than 100 independent sales agents.
- Analysed market trends to identify commercial opportunities and support business growth.
Sales Manager – French Business Development
HMD Promotion
2013.01 - 2014.01
- Managed business development activities and sales growth within the French market.
- Expanded commercial relationships through direct sales and partner engagement.
Sales manager
NP Diffusion
, France
2011.01 - 2012.12
- Managed national sales activities for investment property developments.
- Built relationships with professional intermediaries and commercial partners.
Sales Manager / Sales Administration Manager / Sales Administration Assistant
Groupe CECIM / Equalliance
2001.01 - 2010.01
- Progressed through increasingly senior commercial roles within a national property development business, gaining extensive experience in sales, business administration, customer relationship management and commercial operations.
Sales Administration Assistant
Group CMF
1999.01 - 2001.01
- Supported the sales and administration functions within a national real estate development company.
Education
CeMAP 1 Training -
English Language Training - undefined
Wall Street Institute
Baccalauréat STT - undefined
FranceBEP Communication & Administrative Assistance - undefined
FranceSkills
- Salesforce
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Zoom
- Gmail
- CRM Systems
LANGUAGES
French – Native
English – C2 Proficient
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Business Development
- Enterprise & Partnership Sales
- Key Account Management
- Banking & Financial Services
- International Business Development
- Commercial Negotiation
- Relationship Management
- Market Expansion
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Sales Strategy
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Client Retention
- Networking & Business Development
- CRM (Salesforce & Internal CRM)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Dual French & British Nationality
- Full Clean UK Driving Licence
- Willing to travel internationally
Timeline
Business Development Manager / Senior Account Manager
Currencies Direct
2023.10 - Current
French Tax Adviser
Charles Hamer
2022.01 - 2023.10
French Mortgage Broker
Charles Hamer
2016.05 - 2022.01
Sales & Events Coordinator
Addington Palace
2016.01 - 2016.04
Sales Manager – French Business Development
SEGARD
2014.01 - 2015.01
Sales Manager – French Business Development
HMD Promotion
2013.01 - 2014.01
Sales manager
NP Diffusion
2011.01 - 2012.12
Sales Manager / Sales Administration Manager / Sales Administration Assistant
Groupe CECIM / Equalliance
2001.01 - 2010.01
Sales Administration Assistant
Group CMF
1999.01 - 2001.01
BEP Communication & Administrative Assistance - undefined
Baccalauréat STT - undefined
English Language Training - undefined
Wall Street Institute