Heidi Rigden

I purchased the business in 2020 , whilst on maternity leave. Delivering Pet Treats to convenience stores around Devon & Cornwall.

I have spent time building the business up, introducing new products and new ways to increase trade.

• Ensuring timely deliveries to clients, boosting reliability factor.
• Implemented updated health and safety protocols, ensuring compliance.
• Cultivated strong supplier relationships to secure competitive prices.
• Increased customer satisfaction with improved service standards.
• Maintained stock levels with regular inventory checks.
• Oversaw financial transactions to ensure profitability.
• Coordinated daily operations for smoother functionality.
• Improved invoices and billing processes for better financial management.

I started as a Kitchen Designer at the Camborne branch for 10 years, before taking a promotion at Penzance to Assistant Manager. The opportunity arose for me to move back to Redruth in 2016 , where I stayed until December 2020 when I decided to spend my working time on my own business, which allowed me to bring up the children

As a designer I built up a good working relationship with builders, which resulted in them consistently sending their customers to me for designs. When I moved branches, I maintained some of these builders as loyal customers.

My role as Assistant Manager was to deputise and support the Manager in the day to day running of the branch, as they are run on an individual basis. This included keeping on top of leads, which I also did as a designer and ensuring a good experience from start to finish , whether purchasing a latch or a kitchen.

• Coordinated with management on operational issues providing solutions for better efficiency.
• Delegated tasks to team members efficiently improving overall productivity.
• Handled stock control duties diligently preventing overstocking or shortages.
• Provided excellent customer service leading to repeat business and customer loyalty.
• Provided support to manager during audits, ensuring accurate reports.
• Ensured health and safety compliance, maintaining a safe working environment for all staff members.
• Managed cash registers accurately reducing discrepancies at end of day reconciliation.
• Minimised inventory loss for improved profit margins.
• Handled customer complaints effectively, restoring trust in our brand.
• Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the shop floor.
• Maintained high standards of store cleanliness, enhancing shopping experience for customers.
• Assisted in recruitment process to build an effective workforce.
• Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.

Homebase Truro was in the process of opening a new Kitchen, Bathroom and Furniture showroom and I was part of the team when it opened.

This was my first design job, and everything was drawn by hand which helped me to gain the experience for measuring and accurate layouts. I also designed and sold bathrooms as well as various items of furniture

• Delivered presentations outlining proposed design solutions convincingly to potential clients.
• Prepared accurate cost estimates for customers based on their specific requirements.
• Established good relationships with clients through excellent customer service skills.
• Designed and implemented bespoke kitchen layouts for optimised functionality.
• Coordinated delivery schedules efficiently, avoiding delays in project execution.
• Suggested appropriate appliances and fixtures to complement overall kitchen design theme.

• Assisted in visual merchandising tasks, enhancing store presentation and appeal.

After my parents decision to close the family business, I was taken on by PC World when their store opened in Truro. I was on the service team, which was mainly helping with Computer Servicing, Customer returns. I was the main Salesperson on the digital camera area and would occasionally assist customers on the sales floor.

• Provided product information, influencing purchasing decisions positively.
• Ensured safe working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Collaborated with team members to improve overall service delivery.
• Promoted sales offers to enhance customer interest in products.
• Participated in staff meetings actively, contributing towards team development.
• Assisted colleagues during busy periods effectively, ensuring a seamless service provision.
• Processed transactions swiftly, ensuring smooth checkout process for customers.
• Handled customer complaints professionally for resolution and satisfaction.

Working for my Parents I assisted in sales, administration and payroll