1. Mark A Stables
4 Admiralty Crescent, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 5PN
(t) 07984 477693
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Profile
I am a self-motivated, resourceful, well organised, accomplished Manager and Director in Sales
and Marketing, predominantly in fresh foods and catering supplies with our family run business.
Other industries include furnishings, stationary and used and new cars. My biggest achievement
is the co-ordination of the successful merger of our family business with First Choice, which
increased the turnover by £1m within a year. Results orientated, I also have a proven track
record of achievement in negotiating and follow-up, through to winning and retaining new
business with a tenacity to succeed.
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Key skills:
 Problem solving
 Excellent business development
 Effective communicator and negotiator
 Improving processes
 Good interpersonal skills
 Market and sales development
 Confident decision-maker in business and finance
 IT literate: Word, Excel, Sage, MS Publisher, Data File, Freshware (accounts software)
Achievements
Tastables: increased turnover from £2.5m to £3.5m after merging with First Choice, by
increasing sales and client base.
Career History
I took a short career break from the fresh produce industry to further my knowledge and
experience in other industries whilst maintaining a sales & customer service proven track
record.
First Choice /Tastables
Catering supplier to end user
Director Dec ’14 - date
Promoted to Director and returned to Brighton, after the merger of the two companies, dealing
with daily operations over 3 shifts and all aspects of the company Inc. strategic buying to
minimise costs and increase sales margins across all categories.
Relocated to Brighton, liaised with current owner of Tastables and owner of first choice to
ensure a smooth merger of the two companies before the takeover. Looked at weaknesses and
compiled costs and time scale to bring the two companies together. This included installing and
developing a computer and tele sales systems along with developing our buying power /
process. June – Dec ‘14

2. Quality Control Manager/ Buyer Sept ’13 – June ‘14
I was headhunted for this role to oversee and maintain consistency and continuity of produce for
our clients, whilst understanding their needs and managing their expectations. Working with
local growers and producers in the UK to ensure British produce sourced where possible along
with importers across the continent and negotiate contract prices where possible.
Premier Fruits Covent Garden Feb – Aug ‘13
Biggest fresh fruit produce wholesaler in the UK, supplying all aspects of fresh produce.
Business Development Manager
I was asked to set up and develop a direct delivery service, increase the market share and area
covered, without the need to visit Covent Garden nightly. Role mostly home based and on the
road (90%).
 I managed the ‘customer experience’ by delivering a first-class service, with access to
more produce and reasons to use us as a preferred supplier.
 Constantly kept up-to-date with wholesale prices, changing daily, to ensure pricing was
changed accordingly.
Caffyns/Audi Apr ’12 – Feb ‘13
Sales Executive - new and used cars
Role was customer experience focused.
 Established what customer required and advised on the right car for their needs. Also,
advised on payment options, selling finance where possible to make more profit through
own scheme.
 Took potential customers for a test drive and highlighted the benefits of the vehicle
throughout.
 Gave part-exchange appraisals, aiming to give the customer the deal that worked best
for them and the business. Negotiated on price where appropriate.
 Once customer decided to purchase, sale then passed on to colleague to finalise and
arrange finance if required.
M & M - Office stationary supplies provider. Feb – Apr ‘12
Sales - made approximately 150 – 2—calls per day - tele sales and cold calling to regular, new
and potential clients. All work was monitored.
DFS Sept ’10 – Jan ‘12
Sales Consultant and Product Specialist
Meet client, establish their needs and sell the correct furniture accordingly. Each sale required
good knowledge of the product and of the finance options available. The role was commission
based and higher commission was given for cash sales requiring no finance. Dealt with each
customer from start to finish. Was continuously monitored to maintain KPIs.
Tastables & Son, Brighton & New Covent Garden June ’06 – Jan ‘12
Family run wholesaler of top quality, fresh produce, supplying Brighton and the surrounding
areas. £2.5m turnover. 500 lines in 6 product categories.
Manager
Co-ordinated daily operation of warehouse, distribution and sales to the catering trade
throughout SE of England. Team of 16 reported. Clients of all sizes, main clients e.g.: Worth
Abbey School, FFL Airline, City College Brighton, Middle Farm, Hilton Metropole Hotel.

3.  Developed existing customer base of 150 and increased customer base, particularly in
low profile areas. Increased sales of all product ranges by establishing clients’ needs
and upselling where possible.
 Produced and regularly reviewed marketing plan, always looking for new areas of
business.
 Liaised with website developers to update and promote product range.
 Co-ordinated deliveries and liaised with 6 drivers to ensure process was cost effective
and maximise number of products delivered in one journey.
 Recruited new staff, carried out training on new products, as well as health and safety,
lead and motivated team.
 Managed accounts team, ensured payment plans set up and accounts settled on time.
Early Career
Sales Assistant, AVS Fencing Ltd, Lewes: 2004 – 2006
Operations Assistant, Richard Barry Southern Marketing Ltd, Brighton: 1999 – 2004
Qualifications and Training
Fresh ware: 2013
Audi Accredited: 2012
FSA trained: 2011
Sage Accounts, Brighton & Hove: 2006
Telephone Sales Techniques, Alfriston: 2004
Forklift Training, Lewes: 2004
First Aid, St Johns Ambulance 3 Cross Award, Worthing: 2004
Sales Techniques, Worthing: 2003
Colour Matching System, Italy: 2002