I am dedicated and entrepreneurial, with 35 years experience as a successful business development manager, marketing consultant, investor, senior lecturer and co-founder of start-up businesses.
A self-starter, leader and motivator, I develop strategic plans and drive them forward, ensuring that financial and human resources are in place for ambitious companies to meet their objectives.
I have worked extensively within higher and further education and my skills portfolio includes marketing, digital media, public relations and finance.
I have also worked with international government agencies in China, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
I have been an active member of a number of committees including Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Portsmouth Festivities, Portsmouth Film Festival, 157 Group for Marketing and Business, Association of Colleges, South Coast Colleges Consortium, British Colleges Consortium, Shaping Portsmouth and the City Brand Workstream.
I am a management consultant specialising in the support of start-up companies to become investor-ready and helping them raise private and public finance. I have been a company co-founder and board member and managed start-up incubator centres, including the Innovation Warehouse (Smithfield Market, London) and Solent Innovation (University of Portsmouth). I founded and am director of the social enterprise Entrepreneurs Unite, which provides free support and advice to over four thousand start-ups and growing businesses. I have been a director of Invest South, Solent Business Angels and Dorset Business Angels and a member of Wales Business Angel Network. I am also founding director of the Jeeni ethical streaming company, boosting the careers of over 6,000 independent artists and performers.
I have raised over £21million via private and public finance, as a management consultant for my clients.
I have helped boost the careers of thousands of independent creatives, as founder-director of Jeeni.com.
I have shared my recent successes with Frank Zappa Mitchell, my head of security and my social secretary.
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Portsmouth 2001
Master of Philosophy, University of Portsmouth 1998
Diploma in Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing 1997
Post Graduate Certificate in Education, University of Portsmouth 1996
BA (Hons) Degree in Business Studies, University of Portsmouth 1994
HND Business and Finance, University of Portsmouth 1992
Management Consultant, Portsmouth, Hampshire
UK and International, January 2012 to Present
I have assisted more than 50 companies from a variety of business sectors - including digital media, education, marine and maritime, recruitment, manufacturing, modular construction and healthcare - in raising over £21million in private and public grant finance. This has contributed to the creation of over 400 new jobs boosting GVA for the Solent area. I have also managed and promoted over 200 business events attracting more than 3000 delegates.
Southampton Solent University, Southampton, Hampshire
Assistant Director Student Recruitment, May 2011 to December 2011
In this role, I managed a departmental team of 45 and was strategic lead in all marketing and student recruitment activities for the UK and overseas, increasing the university’s market share. I led the development and implementation of a new cross-university customer relationship management system and developed and oversaw the introduction of a comprehensive digital strategy.
Highbury College of Further Education, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Head of Business Development and Innovation, June 2007 to April 2011
As Head of Business Development and Innovation, I directed marketing, digital media, public relations and UK and International student recruitment. I oversaw the implementation of the new website resulting in a sizeable increase in online applications, initiated a new cross-departmental customer relationship management system and implemented a complete re-branding for the college. I also set up an in-house telesales team, managed commercial contracts and created a news room for students and staff, increasing positive publicity for the college.
Market Insights, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Founder and Managing Director, September 2004 to June 2007
I was the founder and managing director of Market Insights, which carried out market research and marketing for clients including Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the Learning Skills Council, University of Portsmouth, Highbury College, Land Securities and Portsmouth City Council. I managed major research contracts for Business Link, conducting over 1200 executive interviews with business leaders and industry experts.
University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Senior Lecturer, Research Assistant, PhD Student and Management Consultant, September 1992 to August 2004
I taught on the MBA, MA Marketing with Psychology, MA Sales, Digital Marketing, International Marketing, Marketing Communications and MSc Business Management and Economics. From 1999, I worked for the commercial arm of the university as senior consultant for five years. I managed marketing and market research contracts for numerous companies and managed marketing and web activity for Portsmouth Business School. I was also an external examiner for the Chartered Institute of Marketing for four years during this period.
South Downs College of Further Education, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Lecturer in Marketing, September 1991 to June 1992
South Downs College of Further Education is one of the largest colleges in Hampshire with over 4,500 full-time and 4,000 part- time learners.
Canadian Empire Toronto, Canada
Marketing and Services Manager, June 1989 to August 1991
Canadian Empire was a hotel and catering service company with a collective of multiple restaurants.
South Africa Broadcasting Corporation, Johannesburg, South Africa
Marketing and Sales (Runner), April 1987 to May 1989
South Africa Broadcasting Corporation is the state broadcaster providing 19 radio stations and five public television channels.
Greenpeace (Fundraiser) 2 years
Barnardo's (Customer Care) 2 years
The Rowans Hospice (Business Development) 1 Year
Entrepreneurs Unite Social Enterprise (Founder) 13 years
Highbury College of Further Education (Fundraiser and Events) 8 years
University of Portsmouth (Fundraiser and Support) 12 years
Southdowns College of Further Education (Governor) 5 years
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (Chair of Marketing Group) 4 years
Arms Around The Child (Advisor and Fundraiser) 10 years
Shaping Portsmouth (City Branding and Business Development) 6 years
Silicon Valley Business Angels (Non-executive Director) 2 years
Brain in Hand (Financial Advisor) 1 year
"Shena has worked with Gradfuel as a strategic lead and business analyst. She has assisted my team in raising investment, has submitted successful grant applications for us, and identified major new clients. As a result, we have been able to grow our Community to over 420,000 graduates, currently offering 14,000 Careers across 50 employment sectors. Her approach is to take a "helicopter view" of our entire operation, ensuring we have a definitive road map to meet our vision and objectives. Shena delivers on time and within budget and is a pleasure to work with."
Jess Hayes, COO Gradfuel
International Graduate Recruitment
"Shena is a great asset to any organisation in need of a boost. Five years ago, my company boasted 550 sign-ups with 325,000 followers, with a valuation of £2.4million. Today, thanks entirely to her hard work and skills, we have 6,600 sign-ups with over 3 million followers and a valuation of £5.5million. Thank you Dr Mitchell."
Mel Croucher, Chairman of Jeeni
Founder of the UK Videogames Industry
I am based in Portsmouth, on the South Coast of England, and work remotely from my home offices by the sea.
07703 567 196
64 Parkstone Ave,