Cara-Beth Bennett

249 Gristhorpe Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 7SN Mobile: 07850557752 E-Mail: caz.work@live.co.uk Blog: http://garmsandgas.tumblr.com/

Personal Profile
Soon to be graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Retail Management from Birmingham City University, the course has allowed me to gain relevant skills associated with fashion retail and business. Coupled with work experience within the industry, I have been able to expand my knowledge and practice regarding specific roles pertinent to fashion retail. I would like to pursue a career in Public Relations where I am able to continue to increase my understanding of consumer requirements, brand identity and the development of products.

Qualifications
BA (Hons) Fashion Retail Management Birmingham City University; currently - June 2014

Marketing - understanding the main principals of marketing to develop a unique idea for a certain retailer of the fashion market before producing my findings in a written report and a PowerPoint presentation. Visual Merchandising - designing a window concept for a store using Photoshop while taking into account the merchants consumer, current catwalk trends, a theme, and how the brand is represented. Buying - developing an A/W range for a high street retailer of my choice whilst considering the retailers customer, recent trends and colour palettes. Additionally, understanding how and where to source different materials as well as realising the process of production and comprehending the duration of time taken for the procedure. Trends Forecasting exploring current PESTE factors that will potentially have an effect on the future to then enable the prediction of forthcoming trends. Using InDesign to create a booklet that summarises two expected trends; their stimulus, colour ways and inspiration. International Retailing - revising an international retailer to appreciate how they trade and acknowledging the issues that affect their expansion before developing my research into a written report. Furthermore, suggesting any improvements the brand could possibly make to their trading methods. Events Management working within a team to organise a fundraising event in support of Graduate Fashion Week as well as a chosen charity. Undertaking an individual role within the group regarding sponsorship as well as contributing to the negotiation of locations, gaining advertising as well as promoting the event. St. Brendans Sixth Form College, Bristol; 2009 - 2011

A-Levels

Three A-Levels at B-C grade in Textiles, English and Geography.

GCSEs

Mangotsfield Secondary School, Bristol; 2007 - 2009

Eleven GCSEs at A-C grade. English A, Maths B, Science B, Information Computing Technology B, German B and Textiles A.

Work Experience
NEXT - P.R Assistant Next Head Office, Enderby, Leicester; April 2013 Ordering and arranging products which can be used as samples for photo shoots, video shoots or to be sent to press. Understanding the present and predicted stock levels of each product, being aware of their availability for press as well as consumers. Collecting media coverage from international, national and regional newspapers, magazines and supplements, highlighting the context and filing them away for future reference. Contributing towards NEXTs social media sites, including uploading current images to Instagram and Pinterest that represent new stock, upcoming events or any recent news. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol; April 2012

GAP - Visual Merchandiser Assistant

Following current Look Books sent from the Visual team at Head Office to create concepts in-store for several departments which enables a brand identity to form. Negotiating with other staff members the best products to use when dressing female, male and child mannequins for store concepts as well as the store windows. Using my own knowledge of trends and colour pallets to arrange clothes and accessories onto fixtures in an appealing way that also allows for outfit building.

Work Employment
Schuh - Sales Assistant Bristol Cabot Circus and Birmingham Bull Ring; 2010 - present

Having a good understanding of current trends, colour palettes and seasonal styles to arrange visual merchandise and stock on the shop floor. Committing to additional shifts for specific tasks such as sale preparation or store layout moves by where I work with other staff members to follow guidelines and arrangements sent from Head Office. Given the responsibility to train new staff to use the till programme allowing them to understand sale, refund and exchange processes. Being conscious of annual, weekly and daily financial targets to then encourage sales through features and benefit knowledge regarding all types of shoes as well as promoting additional shoe care products. Mailbox, Birmingham; 2013 - present

Red Peppers - Waitress

Working flexible hours, during demanding periods in a chaotic environment, all the while, striving to deliver excellent customer service. Consistently ensuring all guests remains relaxed and content to encourage an enjoyable dining experience. Considering the importance of the customers requirements and having the ability to fulfil them despite any mistakes or obstacles. Being willing to reliably serve others to guarantee their comfort and satisfaction. Having a full understanding of all my surroundings, including considering my colleagues requests to be able to successfully work as part of a team.

References
Alison Rapsey Course Director Birmingham City University 01213315884 alison.rapsey@bcu.ac.uk Louise Parkin Store Manager Schuh, Unit SU309, Bullring, Birmingham 01216439308 louiseparkin@schuh.co.uk