About Maree
The first women to win an FSB award every year
I joined the FSB in January 2004, as I had always wanted greater freedom and my own business. Since the role is freelance I felt the position would suit my needs, which it has. If only I had done it earlier.
I have been delighted to win a FSB major award, every year. In 2004 –
best newcomer plus 2005, 2006 and most recently 2007 where I achieved the
most successful FSB consultant in the East of England. I am the first
woman to achieve these awards.
Throughout my career I have developed a wide range of skills including
campaigning and team building. These skills have helped me in the development
of my role at the FSB, where business owners trust me and acknowledge the
help I can provide either through the FSB or other companies.
Prior to this in 2002, I decided I wanted to change my career path and
was invited to apply for a role as Development Director for a Charity
– The Money Advice Association. I was successful in my application and
developed strategies to improve the awareness of the free money advice
sector, which help all types of people with debt issues.
For the majority of my career I was working for the Post Office, starting
as a counter clerk in Hitchin and moving into operational and public relations
roles. I spent three years on secondment to the WPP group as Community
Relations Director and Head of Relationship Management. I was responsible
for forging links with organisations including the BBC, Citizens Advice
Bureaux, Local Authorities, the Commission for Racial Equality, Debt advice
agencies, the Magistrates Association and the Justices’ Clerks Society.
I was trained as a public speaker, National PR spokesperson, councillor,
NVQ Assessor and developed strong negotiating techniques. I also achieved
an Open University Diploma in Effective Management..