Becky Holden-McGhee

I have successfully run my own celebrant business for the past five years, providing a personal and professional service to individuals, couples and families during significant life events.

My role involves building strong relationships with clients, understanding their individual needs and providing a friendly, supportive and customer-focused service. I write and officiate bespoke wedding ceremonies, vow renewals and funeral services, managing each booking from the initial enquiry through to the delivery of the ceremony.

Key responsibilities and skills include:

• Providing excellent customer service and building positive relationships with a wide range of clients.
• Communicating sensitively, professionally and confidently, adapting my approach to suit different individuals and circumstances.
• Managing client enquiries, appointments, bookings and correspondence.
• Organising my own workload, prioritising tasks and working to important deadlines.
• Producing bespoke written materials and maintaining accurate client records.
• Demonstrating excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Managing all aspects of business administration independently.
• Working independently, using initiative and maintaining a professional and reliable approach at all times.

During my 13 years with Blackpool Council, I worked within Housing Options, undertaking a number of roles supporting individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties, including street homelessness.

My primary responsibility was to help clients access safe, affordable and sustainable accommodation, providing advice, support and guidance tailored to their individual circumstances.

The role involved daily contact with a diverse range of people and organisations, including vulnerable clients, landlords, estate agents, property developers and Environmental Health. I worked collaboratively with these groups to identify suitable accommodation and develop a pool of safe and sustainable housing options.

Key responsibilities and skills included:

• Providing a professional, approachable and supportive service to members of the public.
• Building positive working relationships with people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
• Communicating effectively, showing empathy, patience and understanding, often when dealing with challenging or sensitive situations.
• Identifying individual needs, assessing circumstances and finding practical solutions.
• Liaising and negotiating with landlords, estate agents and other professionals.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• Managing competing priorities, maintaining accurate records and working to deadlines.
• Using computer systems daily to manage client information, maintain accurate records, update case files and undertake general administrative duties.
• Demonstrating discretion, professionalism and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

During my eight years with Disney Cruise Line, I held a number of positions within a fast-paced, international hospitality environment, where delivering exceptional guest service was at the heart of everything we did.

Working as part of a team responsible for the experience of up to 2,700 guests, my role was to ensure every guest received outstanding service and enjoyed a memorable holiday. I consistently upheld Disney's Seven Service Guidelines, which focus on creating positive guest experiences through excellent communication, attentiveness, friendliness and a genuine commitment to service.

In my role as Shore Excursion Manager, I was responsible for leading and managing a team of 18, ensuring high standards of service and supporting the team in delivering an exceptional guest experience.

Key responsibilities and skills included:

• Delivering consistently high standards of customer service in a busy, demanding environment.
• Building rapport with guests from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and nationalities.
• Managing guest enquiries, complaints and concerns, taking ownership of problems and finding effective resolutions.
• Remaining calm, professional and approachable when dealing with challenging situations.
• Leading, motivating and supporting a team of 18 as Shore Excursion Manager.
• Maintaining high service standards and encouraging a positive, guest-focused team culture.
• Demonstrating excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across different departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Consistently applying Disney's Seven Service Guidelines, principles of excellent customer care that continue to influence my approach to customer service today.