Courtney Sheppard

• Managed social media platforms to boost brand's online presence.
• Created content for social media platforms, and enhanced social media presence with regular updates.
• Created content for social media platforms, and enhanced social media presence with regular updates.
• Designed digital and printed marketing content such as flyers, catalogues and brochures.

Co-Founder and Creative Lead of OCTAINE Events, dance event brand run by a small, passionate team. Our mission is to deliver community-driven raves built around the music, energy, and atmosphere. I lead all aspects of event planning, branding, marketing, and execution across Leeds and Doncaster - soon to be branching out to Manchester.

• Developed and scaled the brand from concept to reality. OCTAINE is currently a fast-growing name within the scene, recognised as far as Manchester, Newcastle and Hull.
• Designed and executed the creative vision, from branding and visual identity to event themes and marketing materials.
• Created visually-compelling posters, flyers, and digital graphics, alongside promotional videos, to effectively market events and build brand identity online and in-person.
• Created and released merchandise such as branded t-shirts, managing design, production, and sales during events to boost revenue and brand presence outside of events.
• Organised and promoted sold-out and high attendance (130-200+ capacity) events within the first 6 months.
• Built strong relationships and partnerships within the local underground dance scene expand the brand’s reach and influence.
• Organised artist line-ups with known headliners in the scene alongside supporting upcoming local talent to provide a platform for the next wave of DJs and producers.

I Joined the business from it's launch and played a key role in its growth over six years. In this multi-faceted role, I supported all areas of the operation including administration, sales, finance, marketing, hire management, workshop coordination, and customer service. This gave me a well-rounded skillset and required adaptability, initiative, and the ability to manage varied priorities.

Operations, Administration & Finance:

Managed and assisted with day-to-day admin tasks including monitoring calls and emails, scheduling appointments, invoicing, and customer correspondence; carried out basic bookkeeping and reconciliations using Xero.

• Coordinated daily administrative operations ensuring efficient workflow across departments, including managing scheduling for team meetings and customer appointments effectively.
• Developed and maintained filing systems to enhance record-keeping and retrieval processes.
• Handled financial transactions accurately such as invoicing, expense claims and petty cash reconciliation and ensured up-to-date book-keeping.
• Processed purchase and sales invoices accurately, including accurate bank reconciliation using xero.

Sales & Marketing:

Created and maintained online vehicle listings with high-quality images, videos, and written descriptions; advertised vehicles across digital platforms; developed social media content; represented the business at national trade shows to promote and sell vehicles.

• Maintained the company website with accurate, up-to-date information, listings, and company updates; created marketing materials to boost online presence.
• Represented the company at national trade shows, engaging with prospective customers and promoting vehicles; designed and marketing materials such as vehicle spec-sheets and brochures.
• Built strong customer relationships by providing knowledgeable, approachable, and honest advice, assisting customers throughout the purchasing process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Workshop Coordination:

Scheduled workshop bookings for services, repairs, and accessory fittings; organised preparation of in-stock vehicles including MOTs, engine servicing, habitation checks, and valeting; liaised with technicians, suppliers, and customers to ensure smooth operations.

• Coordinated workshop bookings for servicing, repairs, and accessory fittings, ensuring efficient scheduling and customer communication.
• Liaised between customers, technicians and suppliers to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of work.
• Maintained accurate records of workshop activity and vehicle preparation.

Hire Management...

End-to-end handling of motorhome hire service:

Oversaw the motorhome hire service, handling bookings, deposits, and payments; managed invoices and customer documentation; conducted pre- and post-hire checklists; prepared and cleaned vehicles for turnaround between hires.

• Coordinated customer handovers, performing live vehicle working demonstrations and ensuring contracts and insurance documentation were correctly signed and provided.
• Prepared vehicles between hires, including cleaning and turnaround tasks, to maintain high presentation standards.
• Completed pre and post-checklists to verify internal equipment and vehicle condition.

Customer Service:

Delivered professional and friendly support to clients across sales, hire, and aftercare, ensuring excellent service and repeat business.

• Provided ongoing support to customers post-sale, addressing queries and ensuring satisfaction.
• Implemented feedback mechanisms to capture customer insights and inform service improvements.
• Managed customer inquiries and provided solutions to enhance satisfaction; provided excellent customer service, resulting in repeat business.

Due to the nature of working in a small, family-run business, I was involved in a wide range of responsibilities that contributed to the overall growth and daily operations of the company. While this summary highlights key roles, it does not encompass the full scope of my involvement.

Role concluded when the business entered liquidation (for circumstances out of my control).

Completed a Business Administration Apprenticeship while working within the bodyshop team at Head Office, gaining strong administrative and finance skills.

• Processed invoices for insurance repair jobs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with insurer requirements.
• Submitted repair costs to insurance companies and monitored payment schedules.
• Chased outstanding payments from insurers, resolving discrepancies and ensuring timely settlement.
• Maintained accurate financial records and supported the bodyshop team with administration.
• Ensured month-end targets were met.