Keith Stringer

I have held senior management positions in a number of manufacturing companies, predominantly in the giftware and fashion accessories industry. For 30 years, I have been actively involved in international trade. Apart from general sales management roles and key accounts, including NPD and managing sales reps, my main focus has been on developing sales overseas. My experience encompasses finding and managing overseas agents and distributors, setting of export budgets and strategy. I have also been heavily involved organisation and attendance at overseas trade shows, including USA, Asia and Europe.

Since moving to North Wales in 2011, my main drive has been to help small businesses to enter the export market or for those already exporting, to increase their sales profitably.

My main strength is organisation and “thinking outside of the box” I like the challenge of working with businesses who are at different stages of development. I also enjoy getting involved with clients “hands-on” rather than just in an advisory role. Most clients who I work with, need this approach as they have little or no experience of trading overseas. I also travel to market on behalf of clients, particularly to overseas trade shows.

I believe that one of the things that I will be able to offer a mentee, is the general business experience which comes from working in a diverse number of positions within the companies I was employed by. Also, all of my previous employers have been family owned businesses, the nature of which required me to commit totally to their project. I am not a “9-5” person.

I very much enjoy the project aspect of my job- particularly if someone comes to me with a unique product which they need help in developing.

Make a plan of what you are looking to achieve, Map out where you are now, where you want to get to and put a realistic timescale to the plan.