- Enjoy walking my dog and spending time outdoors
- Keen reader with an interest in personal development and fiction
- Horse riding, which has helped develop commitment, patience and responsibility
LAURA FARMER
Redditch,Worcestershire
Summary
Seasoned Executive Support and Office Management professional with over 20 years of experience in supporting senior leaders and managing business operations. Skilled in coordinating international travel and handling confidential information while prioritising competing demands in fast-paced environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
OFFICE MANAGER
AMF Building Solutions Ltd
02.2016 - Current
- Managed company finances, including accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely processing and accurate record-keeping.
- Oversaw VAT submissions, PAYE, workplace pensions and CIS compliance, maintaining regulatory adherence and minimising risk.
- Implemented and managed Xero accounting software.
- Provide comprehensive operational, financial and administrative support for a successful construction business, acting as a trusted partner to company directors and serving as the primary point of contact for clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Produce quotations, invoices and project documentation for commercial and residential clients.
- Prepare Risk Assessments and Method Statements for client projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Ensured smooth day-to-day business operations through effective organisation and meticulous attention to detail, facilitating uninterrupted workflow.
- Developed and maintained company website and social media platforms to improve brand visibility and customer interaction.
ADMINISTRATOR
Thermal Transfer Solutions
02.2013 - 02.2016
- Provided comprehensive administrative and customer support within a busy international business environment.
- Delivered excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Managed customer enquiries and resolved issues efficiently.
- Supported UK and international customers via telephone and email.
- Coordinated customer invoicing and order processing to ensure timely fulfilment and accuracy.
- Maintained stock control systems and inventory records, supporting operational efficiency and accurate reporting.
- Prepared export documentation for international shipments, facilitating seamless logistics and compliance.
- Worked closely with field sales teams to support business objectives.
Temporary Administrative Assignments
e-response recruitment
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Delivered comprehensive administrative support during various temporary assignments in fast-paced office settings.
- Supported teams during periods of staff absence, increased workload and organisational change.
- Prioritised workloads effectively to meet deadlines during short-term assignments.
- Assisted with appointment scheduling, diary management and meeting coordination.
- Coordinated incoming telephone communications, directing enquiries and documenting messages accurately.
- Managed shared email inboxes, addressing routine queries promptly and escalating issues when necessary.
- Maintained accurate records and updated internal databases and spreadsheets.
- Prepared documents, letters and reports using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
- Carried out general administrative duties including filing, scanning, photocopying and data entry.
- Built positive working relationships with colleagues and customers across various placements.
- Provided customer service support at the front desk.
- Embraced new procedures and systems efficiently to different organisations, systems and working practices.
EXPORT SALES MANAGER
Baylis & Harding
05.2007 - 12.2011
- Managed an international customer portfolio across Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa with responsibility for approximately £2.4 million annual turnover.
- Cultivated and sustained strong relationships with distributors and retail partners across various countries and time zones to drive sales growth.
- Travelled extensively throughout Europe on a monthly basis, maintaining relationships with distributors, retailers and key customers.
- Coordinated international travel arrangements, customer visits, exhibitions, and business meetings to enhance client engagement across multiple global territories.
- Represented the business at major international trade exhibitions including Cosmoprof Bologna and industry events in the USA.
- Worked closely with senior management to support international growth strategies.
- Prepared presentations, commercial proposals, pricing structures and product launch materials.
- Coordinated activity across Sales, Marketing, Finance, Customer Services and Supply Chain teams.
- Managed executive diaries, schedules and international travel arrangements for senior executives.
- Delivered exceptional customer service while managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing business requirements to ensure client satisfaction.
Propery Manager
Robert Oulsnam and Company
04.2005 - 05.2007
Operations Assistant
STSS
11.2003 - 04.2005
Flight Attendant
Virgin Atlantic Airways
06.2000 - 11.2003
Education
NVQ Level 3 - Administration
Supervisory & Management
NVQ Level 2 - Administration
Supervisory & Management
GCSEs - 7
Skills
- Project logistics management
- International trade coordination
- Executive assistance
- Complex diary management
- Stakeholder management
- Office administration
Interests
Timeline
OFFICE MANAGER
AMF Building Solutions Ltd
02.2016 - Current
ADMINISTRATOR
Thermal Transfer Solutions
02.2013 - 02.2016
Temporary Administrative Assignments
e-response recruitment
01.2012 - 02.2013
EXPORT SALES MANAGER
Baylis & Harding
05.2007 - 12.2011
Propery Manager
Robert Oulsnam and Company
04.2005 - 05.2007
Operations Assistant
STSS
11.2003 - 04.2005
Flight Attendant
Virgin Atlantic Airways
06.2000 - 11.2003
NVQ Level 3 - Administration
Supervisory & Management
NVQ Level 2 - Administration
Supervisory & Management