Phil Bates
Chorley,Lancashire
Summary
A dedicated professional, known for exceptional planning and preparation skills. Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement initiatives and excels in data analysis and reporting. Proven ability to mentor peers and manage accounts effectively, contributing to organisational success.
Creative Business Development Manager with impressive track record of improving sales and growing company customer base. Innovative program management, strategic planning and team leadership skills. Successful team builder with exceptional communication abilities.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Business Development Manager
Croner
2025.10 - 2026.08
- Q2 2026 - £221k revenue (Bonus achieved for achieving all targets)
- Q1 2026 - £125k revenue (Bonus achieved for achieving all targets)
- Consistently met all performance targets, demonstrating commitment to team goals.
- Facilitated health & safety solutions through risk assessments and compliance management, enabling businesses to maintain safe and legally compliant work environments.
- Delivered HR & employment law support by drafting contracts, managing disputes, and providing practical, up-to-date advice on employment laws.
- Software Solutions: Our all-in-one management platform simplifies the complexities of HR and health & safety, automating tasks and providing reminders to keep you compliant.
- Accident Management & Legal Protection: We offer round-the-clock support to manage workplace incidents effectively, backed by legal protection if required.
- Training & E-Learning: We offer a wide range of training courses designed to ensure your staff are skilled, certified, and compliant.
DURING SABBATICAL - Part-time Postie
Royal Mail Group
Chorley, Lancashire
2025.05 - 2025.09
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Business Development Manager
On The Market | CoStar
North West, Liverpool and North Wales
2024.08 - 2025.04
- Creating strategies to successfully reach new business opportunities
- Drove growth by expanding OTM products and services market reach to increase revenue
- Cultivated strong relationships with new and existing customers to enhance client retention and satisfaction
- Executed targeted activities to consistently meet and exceed key performance indicators
Key Account Manager | National & Regional
Hiltl
2024.03 - 2024.09
- Devised, coordinated, and delivered strategies to maximise profitable potential of assigned key accounts by aligning key initiatives with customer goals.
- Developed high-level networks within customers to enhance relationship management and identify growth opportunities.
- Collaborated closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure project alignment with performance criteria, schedules, and budget expectations.
Senior Field Business Development Manager
Street Group
2023.06 - 2024.03
- Attracted new business through in-depth knowledge of area, industry, and strategic networking.
- Conducted face to face meetings to showcase Street.co.uk (CRM software supplier) to potential clients that are based in estate agencies around the North West
- Represented street.co.uk as brand ambassador, driving solution-led sales strategies to enhance client engagement.
- Nurtured client relationships by conducting follow-up calls and effectively managing large prospect pipelines.
- Worked collaboratively with our marketing and technology departments to evolve our sales and onboarding strategy when new features are introduced
- Used my industry knowledge to identify, scope out and prioritise any issues or feature requests communicated by clients
- Communicated effectively across all levels of business hierarchy, fostering collaboration.
- Demonstrated discipline and organisation in managing tasks and workflows effectively.
Senior Field Sales Consultant / Account Manager
rightmove.co.uk
2004.08 - 2023.02
- Served as the first Field Account Manager at rightmove since 2004, achieving significant growth in agent usage from 14% to 97% over nearly 19 years.
- Managed long-term customer relationships, total annual revenue of £2.5M.
- In those early years the focus was to increase from the 14% of agents using rightmove, to what we see today, 97%. Also, year on year I was responsible for increasing revenue with new and existing customers; in 2004 charges were £195 pm, in 2023 the highest monthly membership is over £3000 pm.
- Exceeded targets in a fast-paced changing industry for a FTSE 100 company.
- Recent target achievements included: 176% & 282% over target winning Sales Growth Award 2021.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering long-term commitment and loyalty.
- Strived to act as a business partner for customers, ensuring they maximise benefits from their membership through tailored support and solutions.
- Consistently went above and beyond job requirements, regularly exceeding targets and expectations.
- Accountable for territories covering all areas of the North West, Lancashire, Liverpool, Cumbria and County Durham, including Manchester and surrounding areas.
- Worked closely and assisted with daily business duties amongst my team and other teams across the company.
Account Manager
Viacom Outdoor
2002.12 - 2004.08
- Achieved financial and geographical targets, consistently meeting daily, weekly, and monthly revenue goals alongside appointment targets.
- Provided high-quality customer service to existing customers while establishing a new relationship with a new account, strengthening client retention.
- Promoted Viacom Outdoors' portfolio of outdoor advertising (buses, London Underground, trains & trams) to new and existing accounts across North West area, enhancing market presence.
Account Executive
Manchester Airport
2001.02 - 2002.12
- Constructed business plan to achieve annual targets, aligning strategies with client needs and market trends.
- Managed advertising accounts at Manchester & Cardiff airports, enhancing client relationships and revenue opportunities.
- Introduced clients to a broader range of advertising proposals, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
Account Executive
Avis International
2000.01 - 2001.02
- Cultivated strong relationships with business customers across the UK, enhancing customer loyalty and retention.
- Developed new accounts with innovative marketing strategies.
- Negotiated contracts on behalf of clients, ensuring best possible terms and conditions.
- Collaborated with a small team to manage Lex Car Rental Account, ensuring client satisfaction and service delivery.
- Coordinated sales presentations to increase brand awareness.
Advertising Executive
Mirror Group
1998.03 - 2000.01
- Secured new business for newspaper group in Birmingham and South Staffordshire, expanding market presence and client base.
- Established strong industry partnerships for mutual business growth.
- Developed robust business plans to ensure market competitiveness.
- Influenced positive organisational change with effective leadership techniques.
Telephone Sales Executive
Express & Star
1997.06 - 1998.03
- Drove high-level B2B sales meetings to secure large scale contracts, enhancing market presence significantly.
- Navigated challenging negotiations, achieving successful deal closure without compromising on profitability.
- Streamlined sales process to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
- Promoted and sold advertising to various newspapers in Wolverhampton area, enhancing brand visibility for clients.
Telephone Sales Executive
Midland Media
1996.10 - 1997.06
- Boosted sales revenue through aggressive and targeted marketing strategies.
- Developed customer loyalty with excellent customer service, leading to repeat business.
- Prioritised important tasks effectively under pressure situations ensuring seamless operations during peak times.
- Created advertising accounts for the recruitment section of a free newspaper in the Wolverhampton area.
Education
Masters of Science in Management - Management
Manchester University
Chartered Institute of Marketing - undefined
Stafford College
A-Levels: 3 A Levels - English, Sociology & Sports
Hopwood Hall College
RochdaleSports Foundation Course - Sports Foundation Course + 2 GCSE's (Sociology & Psychology)
Accrington College
GCSE's: 6 GCSE's - undefined
Whitworth High School
Skills
- Sales optimisation
- Account management
- Market analysis
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis and reporting
- Team development
HONORS & AWARDS
Q2 Bonus Hitter Award
Croner
Jun 2026, Q1 Bonus Hitter Award
Croner
Apr 2026, Sales Growth Award 2021, Top Lettings UK Sales Person, Top North Sales Person, Top UK Sales Person, UK Highest Growth, Runner up for UK Sales, 3 times 'Going the Extra Mile' (£1000 bonus), Completing Rightmove Regional Sales Development Course
Affiliations
- Hobbies & Interests As well as spending as much time as I can with my family, I enjoy watching 4 wheeled motor sports ranging from F1 Stock Cars, British Touring Cars to Formula 1. Recently I volunteered as a Marshall at Oulton Park. I enjoy running with which I have achieved a personal goal of running both the London & Manchester Marathons. Also, I have a keen interest in football, winning both under 15's & under 16's player of the year in Rochdale, now I take great pleasure in watching and coaching my sons.. I also enjoy ready and watching documentaries on the range of interests mentioned above. I am very keen on following the mindset of great leaders in sport like Toto Wolf, Gareth Southgate & Sir Alex Ferguson to name a few.
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Croner
2025.10 - 2026.08
DURING SABBATICAL - Part-time Postie
Royal Mail Group
2025.05 - 2025.09
Business Development Manager
On The Market | CoStar
2024.08 - 2025.04
Key Account Manager | National & Regional
Hiltl
2024.03 - 2024.09
Senior Field Business Development Manager
Street Group
2023.06 - 2024.03
Senior Field Sales Consultant / Account Manager
rightmove.co.uk
2004.08 - 2023.02
Account Manager
Viacom Outdoor
2002.12 - 2004.08
Account Executive
Manchester Airport
2001.02 - 2002.12
Account Executive
Avis International
2000.01 - 2001.02
Advertising Executive
Mirror Group
1998.03 - 2000.01
Telephone Sales Executive
Express & Star
1997.06 - 1998.03
Telephone Sales Executive
Midland Media
1996.10 - 1997.06
GCSE's: 6 GCSE's - undefined
Whitworth High School
Sports Foundation Course - Sports Foundation Course + 2 GCSE's (Sociology & Psychology)
Accrington College
Chartered Institute of Marketing - undefined
Stafford College
Masters of Science in Management - Management
Manchester University
A-Levels: 3 A Levels - English, Sociology & Sports
Hopwood Hall College