Summary
Shak is a specialist in the UK and European fashion and sports industries. After gaining experience in the Brand Licensing arena he then developed and implemented the European Subsidiary network for one of the leading UK Sports brands and managed the German subsidiary from start up to a £15m business. In 1997 Shak created the KooGa Made For Rugby brand and took this from a start up to one of the top two rugby brands in the World in 2007. Along the way he raised finance by attracting investment partners ranging from 3i Venture Capital, Chinese Conglomerates to UK Plc.’s. As the owner and Managing Director Shak was instrumental in formalizing Business Strategy, Brand management and building the team structure to support the growth.
He has since brought himself up to date with the Online world as a partner in a digital agency specializing in Ecommerce solutions based on the Magento and Woo Commerce platforms and Multi Channel distribution through Amazon, EBay and Google Shopping.
Shak also speaks fluent German and has a working knowledge of French
Shak is confortable working in the SME market helping grow businesses both organically and online, reducing costs, providing access to finance and outsourcing key administration functions
Expertise
Brand Engineering
- Brand Strategy
- Brand Creation
- Brand Positioning
Marketing Management
- Market Segmentation
- Customer/Consumer Profiling
- Distribution Channel Optimisation
- Routes to Market
- Advertising/PR/Online Presence
Sales and Distribution
- Sales Structure/Management/Motivation
- Key Account Management
- Worldwide Distribution Strategy
- Direct/Distributors/Licensing/Online
We can also help access Govt funded Loans and Grants ; Start Up Funding, Equity Finance for MBO/MBI, Debt Crowdfunding, Cashflow Funding, Trade Finance, Commercial Mortgages ; Credit Control and Debt Recovery Services ; Cost Reduction Programmes Business Planning and Cashflow forecasts ; R+D Tax Credit Recovery Service
Provision of full and partime Apprentices ; Business Protection Advice Service ; Back Office Support for routine tasks chargeable on an hourly basis
Corporate Website design and build ; Ecommerce Solutions
Design and Merchandising ; Team Building ; Sourcing and Procurement ; European Distribution
All projects start with a review of the business and an assessment of the market in which the business operates. Overall business objectives are agreed with the owner management and then a range of fully costed solutions are provided and prioritized depending on resource availability and market conditions. Assistance can also be provided for implementation of the chosen solutions.
Experience
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KooGa Rugby Ltd
Managing Director
21 - 100 Employees 1997 - 2013Created the brand in 1998
Full P/L Responsibility
Brand/Business Building
Sales and Marketing Management
Worldwide Licensing Programme
Worked closely with Professional Rugby Unions and Clubs at CEO level
Negotiating with various shareholding partners 3i, JJB Sports, JD Sports
We sold 48% shareholding to JJB in 2007. JJB was sold 4 weeks after the deal was signed however the new management refused support the brand. Raising funds independently became a problem as JJB’s share price slipped from 275p to 5p. In 2009 the business was sold to JD Sports
From 2011-2013 Shak took over responsibility for the Product, Merchandising, Sourcing, Online Sales and Social Media at Kooga extending the reach of the brand into the multi sport arena encompassing Basketball, Football, Cricket, Hockey and Netball. Two key offshore bespoke manufacturers were contracted and 80% of all bespoke product can now be with the customer within 6 weeks, another first for the Kooga brand.
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Umbro Germany
Managing Director
21 - 100 Employees 1993 - 1997In 1994 I was asked by the Umbro board to affect a takeover of the German distributor, convert to Umbro Germany and manage the subsidiary
Key Responsibilities
Managing a team of 10 sales representatives and 8 sales office staff
Full P\L responsibility reporting to the UK Board
Design and develop additional ‘German’ orientated product ranges
Introduced the Umbro brand into all the major German retailers and Buying groups
Developed the European Hub strategy with the UK Board
Integration of IT systems
Grew the sales to 15m euros in three years
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Umbro UK
LIcensing Manager Europe
100+ Employees 1991 - 2003Key Responsibilities
Research and recruit country distributors and/or Licensees for the Umbro brand in Europe
Agree 5 year revenue plans with the selected Licensee
Develop and execute fully budgeted market entry strategies with each Licensee
Implement Umbro’s UK’s marketing plans within the European marketplace
Assist with negotiation of Key European football properties
Advise and assist Umbro Merchandising teams on product and retail trends in Europe
Achievement of agreed annual Licensing revenues
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Source Bespoke Ltd
Owner/Director
1 - 5 Employees 2013 - CurrentWe are a Bespoke Apparel Solutions provider to the UK Sportswear, Workwear and Schoolwear markets. We work on minimums of 12 pieces with lead times from 4 to 7 weeks and deliver direct into the UK
With over 20 years of experience and knowledge of the UK and European Sportswear Markets, Source Bespoke believes passionately in a strong work ethic, teamwork and a commitment to providing the best possible service to its Clients and to help them increase their market share and ROI within the fast growing bespoke Sportswear, Workwear and Schoolwear markets. Please review the testimonials on our home page and references are available upon request
Education History
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European Business Studies BA(HONS)
Buckingham University
1979 - 1983Majors in Marketing and German
Qualifications
IBD Acreditted Business Advisor
MIoEE
Interests and Hobbies
Shak has an interest in all sports especially Rugby,Football and cricket and is an active tennis player. He is also an avid fan of blues music and is an amateur blues harmonica player. He enjoys going to the movies, cooking and travelling.
