Leigh Newton
Route de Picaterre,Alderney
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in office management and administrative support, demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database software, and Sage systems. Strong skills in technical writing and report-writing. Adept at handling confidential information with discretion and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency through meticulous record-keeping and filing system development.
Organised and proactive individual with excellent communication and multitasking abilities, combined with strong administrative and organisational skills. Proven capability to manage schedules, handle correspondence, and maintain office supplies. Track record in project management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements. Experienced in conflict mediation and workforce mentoring, fostering a collaborative work environment. Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results. Looking to contribute to operational efficiency and a positive work environment
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Technical Services Office Assistant
States Works Department
Alderney, Channel Islands
2017.05 - 2025.10
- Customer Service in person, on telephone and by e-mail.
- Sage input for processing invoices and reports.
- Reconciling accounts with invoices and database.
- Processed invoices accurately, avoiding any financial discrepancies for company, using accounting software.
- Expedited document processing to enhance office productivity.
- Created weekly and monthly reports and presentations, enabling improved operational analysis.
- Improved office efficiency by organising and managing both electronic and hard copy files.
- Handled confidential documents discretely, upholding company policy and confidentiality codes.
- Entered handwritten data into computers for easy retrieval.
- Wrote professional letters, emails and memoranda for business communication.
- Reviewed documents for staff to proofread for errors, correct formatting and verify factual information.
- Handling staff requirements and support for senior staff.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation for company adherence.
- Processing of Timesheets for wages, job costing and wage allocation.
- Facilitated staff training sessions leading to improved skills amongst employees.
- Responded promptly to telephone enquiries from clients, vendors and customers.
- Took and relayed messages between staff, customers and other parties.
- Oversaw daily office operations and equipment maintenance.
- Kept adequate office supplies on hand to support staff and business requirements.
Owner/Florist
Alderney Nurseries Flower Shop
Alderney, Channel Islands
2013.04 - 2017.04
- Turned loss - making shop into profitable and thriving business.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency and productivity.
- Innovated product offerings to stay competitive.
- Created and maintained accurate records of all business transactions ensuring transparency and cash flow.
- Implemented new accounting software enhancing operational efficiency.
- Organised supplier payments punctually to sustain good business relationships.
- Managed payroll processes to ensure timely payments.
- Implemented new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw inventory management, preventing stock shortages or overages.
- Created a strong brand identity through innovative marketing strategies.
- Ensured financial stability with careful budget management and forecasting.
- Offer friendly and approachable customer service at all times.
- Maintain accurate and current accounts.
- Ensured financial stability with careful budget management and forecasting.
- Offer friendly, approachable and exceptional customer service at all times. resulting in repeat business.
- Coordinated special events, enhancing brand awareness in local community.
- Established and successfully managed profitable business, demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial skills and business acumen.
- Liaised with vendors to achieve favourable product pricing and timely stock replenishment.
- Navigated complex business challenges and made sound decisions to achieve long-term success.
- Prepared bespoke bouquets for special occasions to meet client needs.
- Encouraged an atmosphere of creativity amongst staff, fostering innovation in design.
- Maintained a clean and inviting store environment to attract customers.
- Collaborated with event planners for successful execution of large-scale orders.
- Attended industry workshops to stay updated on latest design trends and techniques.
- Provided advice on plant care, enhancing customer knowledge and trust.
- Designed window displays to increase foot traffic and sales.
- Created funeral arrangements with respect and sensitivity during difficult times.
- Organised weekly fresh flower orders from wholesalers, maintaining optimal freshness.
- Received orders in person, by phone and online, processing within allocated timeframes.
- Worked with customers to determine type of arrangement desired and delivery information.
- Checked and monitored quality of incoming cut materials.
- Integrated designs with innovative floristry techniques and current trends.
- Forecasted flower demand to minimise loss and improve store profits.
- Tagged products quickly and accurately with price tags and stickers.
Florist
Alderney Nurseries
2008.07 - 2013.03
- Customer Service
- Cashier
- Floristry
- Horticultural Knowledge
Self Employed Self Catering Accommodation
The Armoury
Alderney
2005.01 - 2008.01
- Operate and maintain short-term self-catering rental property to deliver a safe, clean, comfortable guest experience while maximizing occupancy, revenue, and property longevity.
- Strong customer service and communication skills: Handle inquiries, bookings, check-ins/check-outs, guest communications, and resolve complaints promptly and professionally; provide local information and welcome materials.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Property Operations: Clean, prepare and inspect property between bookings; manage laundry, supplies, maintenance, and minor repairs; ensure properties meet health, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Reservations & Pricing: Manage availability calendar.
- Housekeeping & Supplies: Coordinate and stock toiletries, linens, kitchen essentials, and consumables; manage inventory and reorder supplies.
- Maintenance & Safety: Schedule routine maintenance, arrange contractors for repairs, perform property inspections, ensure smoke/CO alarms and fire safety equipment are functioning.
- Marketing & Advertising: Create and maintain online listings with quality photos and descriptions, manage reviews and reputation, run digital or local marketing campaigns.
- Finance & Administration: Collect payments, manage refunds and security deposits, handle invoicing and petty cash, reconcile accounts, track revenue and expenses, and prepare basic financial reports/tax documentation.
- Compliance & Insurance: Ensure compliance with local lodging, tax and licensing regulations; maintain appropriate insurance and safety documentation.
- Supplier & Vendor Management: Source and manage relationships with cleaners, laundry services, tradespeople, photographers, and suppliers.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor guest feedback and market trends; implement improvements to property, service, pricing, and processes.
Secretary
Alderney Building Company
Alderney
2002.01 - 2005.01
- Provide administrative, clerical, and office-management support to ensure efficient operations of a small construction firm.
- Financial administration: enter invoices, code expenses, assist with accounts payable/receivable tasks, prepare purchase requisitions, reconcile petty cash and expense reports.
- Payroll & timesheets: collect and verify employee/subcontractor timesheets, support payroll data entry.
- Office administration: manage phone and email, reception, mail, supplies, equipment maintenance.
- Document control: prepare, organize, and maintain project folders and office filing systems .
- Project support: vendor & subcontractor coordination: process purchase orders, collect/submit certificates of insurance, maintain vendor contact lists, follow up on quotes and deliveries.
- Compliance & permits: monitor permit expirations, submit permit applications, maintain training records and safety documentation.
retention of project records per company policy. - IT & systems support: maintain and update digital systems.
- Continuous improvement: suggest process improvements for office workflow, cost control, and document management.
Customer Services Operator
Sportingbet.com
Alderney
1998.01 - 2003.01
- Operate across product, operations, compliance, and customer-facing functions during the company's founding stage to build, launch, and stabilize an online gambling platform.
- Respond to customer inquiries via email and phone.
- Provide timely, accurate, and professional support to users of site, resolving account, payment, technical, and game-related issues while ensuring compliance with regulatory and responsible-gambling policies. Troubleshoot account issues (registration, login, verification, password resets). Assist with game-related questions (rules, pay-outs, bonuses, promotions).
- Collaborate with technical, payments, compliance, and fraud teams on complex issues.
- Monitor and report recurring issues.
Various Jobs
Hotel, Catering and Retail
Alderney, UK and USA
1991.01 - 1998.01
Education
O and A Levels -
St. Alban's Girls' School
1980.01 - 1987.01
A Levels -
St. Alban's College of F.E.
1987.01 - 1988.01
Ba (Hons) - U.S. Studies
University of Reading
1988.01 - 1991.01
Skills
- Confidentiality handling
- Microsoft office proficiency
- Billing and coding
- Database software use
- Spreadsheet creation and analysis
- Technical, Report and Business Writing
- Project management experience
- Record-keeping proficiency
- Data protection regulations
- Knowledge of HR procedures
- Proofreading
- Professional and mature
- Self-directed
Affiliations
- travel, animals,
- animals
- formula1 and motor sport,
- reading,
- puzzles and quizzes
Timeline
Technical Services Office Assistant
States Works Department
2017.05 - 2025.10
Owner/Florist
Alderney Nurseries Flower Shop
2013.04 - 2017.04
Florist
Alderney Nurseries
2008.07 - 2013.03
Self Employed Self Catering Accommodation
The Armoury
2005.01 - 2008.01
Secretary
Alderney Building Company
2002.01 - 2005.01
Customer Services Operator
Sportingbet.com
1998.01 - 2003.01
Various Jobs
Hotel, Catering and Retail
1991.01 - 1998.01
Ba (Hons) - U.S. Studies
University of Reading
1988.01 - 1991.01
A Levels -
St. Alban's College of F.E.
1987.01 - 1988.01
O and A Levels -
St. Alban's Girls' School
1980.01 - 1987.01