Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Mark Furniss

Leeds,West Berkshire

Summary

Dynamic sales professional with extensive expertise in customised selling techniques and CRM software utilisation, including Salesforce. Proven track record in lead generation, cross-selling, and achieving targets through strategic sales approaches. Adept at using digital marketing tools such as SEO and PPC to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Skilled in contract preparation, revenue generation, and client retention, with a strong focus on communication effectiveness and conflict resolution. Committed to maintaining health and safety compliance while driving team leadership and product knowledge application.


Driven Sales and Retention Specialist with expertise in customer relationship management and problem-solving. Skilled in communication and negotiation, bringing strong ability to understand client needs and foster loyalty. Committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and driving revenue growth.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Sales and retention specialist

Plusnet
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2017 - Current
  • Developed persuasive pitches that highlighted unique selling points of products and services. FTTP and introduction of Digital Voice. Look at increasing revenue from customers services by moving to more specific package of between 20 to 40 percent per account.
  • Handled difficult customers professionally, diffusing tense situations effectively. Open complaints when required and handle objections or queries.
  • Optimised client experience by understanding their unique requirements and offering tailored solutions.
  • Streamlined sales operations using up-to-date CRM systems and software tools.
  • Improved product knowledge to provide detailed information and recommendations to clients. Spend time explaining difference of products and advantages.
  • Tracked key performance indicators periodically, ensuring timely course-correction when necessary.
  • Boosted customer loyalty by developing personalised retention strategies. Keeping customers loyal by introducing new services once available.
  • Responded promptly to customer queries, reducing resolution time significantly.
  • Encouraged repeat business through building strong relationships with customers.

Finance executive

Post Office
Leeds, West Yorkshire
03.2013 - 07.2017

Identify new sales leads and implement them where possible.

  • Improved bottom-line results by identifying new revenue streams.
  • Applied advanced Excel skills to efficiently analyse large data sets.
  • Designed dashboards to enhance Business Intelligence and KPI reporting.
  • Made strategic resource recommendations to improve business profit potential.
  • Formulated strategic financial plans for organisational development.
  • Acted as first point of contact for clients to deliver outstanding customer experience.
  • Improved existing client relationships to increase total assets.
  • Maximised referral opportunities and reciprocal business by delivering exceptional consultancy service exceeding client expectations.
  • Dealt with 30 to 50 customers per day to improve their experience and possibly increase revenue for company.
  • Boosted overall performance by implementing cost-saving initiatives.
  • Bolstered financial decision making by creating detailed reports and presentations.
  • Developed strategic financial plans to drive business growth.
  • Conducted risk assessments to mitigate potential losses.
  • Identified and explained variances between actual and forecast results for management review.
  • Managed cash flow and liquidity, optimising investment opportunities.
  • Reviewed activity reports and financial statements to accurately determine progress against objectives.
  • Drove continuous growth by continually monitoring industry trends and identifying business opportunities.
  • Developed strategies to increase profits and cost savings.

Credit collections specialist

Lowell Financial
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.1998 - 12.2009
  • Coordinated legal action against customers who defaulted on loans as a last resort measure.
  • Analysed customer's financial status to assess creditworthiness, resulting in safer lending decisions.
  • Assisted with the application of payment plans for customers, improving overall cash flow.
  • Performed regular audits of client accounts, ensuring accuracy and reliability of data at all times.
  • Provided excellent customer service during debt recovery calls, minimising customer complaints and dissatisfaction.
  • Facilitated negotiations with clients for repayment plans, reducing financial risk to the business.
  • Kept abreast of changes in credit laws and regulations that could impact company policies or procedures.
  • Developed tailored repayment schedules based on individual client needs, maximising chances of recovery whilst maintaining goodwill.
  • Managed and resolved delinquent accounts which resulted in reduced outstanding balances.
  • Worked closely with Credit Control Manager to devise improvements in debt recovery procedures.

Customer Service Officer

First Direct
Leeds, West Yorkshire
1988 - 1991
  • Streamlined information flow through organised record keeping.
  • Learnt new software systems rapidly, enhancing overall work efficiency.
  • Adapted quickly to product changes or updates, resulting in minimal disruption to service.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing prompt and efficient service.
  • Delivered high-quality service with attention to detail and professionalism.
  • Addressed customer queries, resulting in enhanced customer confidence.
  • Promoted welcoming atmosphere, leading to increased return customers.
  • Utilised strong communication skills for handling customer complaints effectively.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge about products and services, assisting in informed decision making.
  • Prioritised tasks as per urgency, ensuring completion of all tasks within shift.
  • Followed company guidelines to ensure consistent quality of service.
  • Met daily targets by efficiently managing workload within set timelines.
  • Responded to customer queries and provided excellent customer service.
  • Recorded and processed customer data accurately.
  • Maintained working knowledge of available products and services.
  • Provided professional and helpful support to new and existing clients.
  • Applied best practices to comply with customer service procedures.

Education

Higher National Diploma - Business & Finance

Park Lane College
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.1985 - 07.1988

Skills

  • Customised selling techniques
  • Used Salesforce and Linked in to identify right companies and people to contact
  • CRM software usage
  • Digital marketing understanding
  • Lead generation
  • Advanced numeracy
  • Search Engine Optimisation and Pay per click
  • CRM proficiency
  • Client retention
  • Revenue generation
  • Direct sales
  • Technical product knowledge
  • KPI tracking
  • Complaint handling
  • Communication effectiveness
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Team Leadership
  • Product knowledge
  • Product knowledge application
  • Cross-Selling proficiency

Accomplishments

Winner of the "Elite 2000" award that ran for 12 months and targeted on all target areas, 20 top prises given from over 5000 sales staff. This one was a all exposes trip to Arizona with daily events including, Hot air balloon ride, a flight over the Grand Canyon there were daily events.

When returning I then won a trip to Royal Ascot amongst many other prises to award achievements.

Timeline

Sales and retention specialist

Plusnet
09.2017 - Current

Finance executive

Post Office
03.2013 - 07.2017

Credit collections specialist

Lowell Financial
01.1998 - 12.2009

Higher National Diploma - Business & Finance

Park Lane College
09.1985 - 07.1988

Customer Service Officer

First Direct
1988 - 1991
Mark Furniss