Uma India Joyston-Bechal

Co-managed a specialist cake business, overseeing client relationships, financial administration, supplier negotiations, production and logistics for high-end private and hospitality clients.

• Managed the end-to-end production and delivery of bespoke wedding and celebration cakes in varied styles and sizes for high-end hotels including Kasbah Tamadot, Jnane Tamsna and Riad El Fenn.
• Liaised directly with clients to understand design requirements, ingredients and budgets, developing tailored proposals and costings.
• Managed client invoicing, budgets and staff wages, maintaining financial records and monitoring project costs.
• Prepared client proposals and quotations, balancing customer requirements with production costs and profitability.
• Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective ingredients, managing quality, pricing and delivery requirements to maximise profit margins.
• Liaised with hotel events managers to coordinate delivery, storage and on-site setup, ensuring projects were completed according to agreed timelines.

Managed a range of international corporate retreats and client projects, coordinating logistics, budgets, suppliers, contracts and on-the-ground delivery across complex and multicultural environments.

Chili Piper 5-day corporate retreat in Morocco for 300 international delegates and Attwood Digital healing retreat for 50 delegates in the Sahara Desert.

Roles included:

• PA to founder.
• Project Management - Developed and managed project budgets, timelines and deliverables, maintaining accounting records and identifying cost-effective solutions.
• Conducted supplier research, negotiated with third-party suppliers and coordinated transport, accommodation and other logistical requirements.
• Researched and prepared client proposals, including cash flow forecasts and operational requirements.
• Managed relationships with international clients, local authorities, suppliers and teams, acting as a key liaison between Arabic-speaking local teams and international clients.
• Conducted due diligence and risk management, including emergency and evacuation planning, medical-supply checks, insurance verification and collection of client documentation.
• Worked with local teams and indigenous groups to provide training in hospitality, hygiene and cultural awareness, while briefing international delegates on local customs and practices.

Women’s Cooperative M’hamid, Sahara Desert, Morocco.

Roles included:

• Managed and trained a team of 30 Sahrawi women, overseeing procurement, wages, budgeting, quality control and day-to-day operations.
• Designed and coordinated the production of 300 bespoke hand-dyed turbans.
• Created artwork and liaised with printers for client labels. Managing label stitching, quality control, staff management and dispute.
• Designed and produced 300 pouches for turbans to be presented as delegate gifts.

Ministry of the President Uganda - Production of 1000 medical tents.

Roles included:

• Researched country profile, demographics and economic climate.
• Developed a pitch proposal including a budget involving three currencies, a structured payment schedule and a timeline with deliverables.
• Liaised with Chinese manufacturers regarding product specifications and price, to assist with the supplier selection process.
• Liaised with shipping broker to assess freight costs, insurance and duration of delivery to the Port of Mombassa.
• Coordinated flights and accommodation for the tender committee to Kampala.
• Supported contract negotiations with the Ministry of the President of Uganda, attending legal meetings and coordinating with the client, lawyers, manufacturer and logistics providers.