Heidi Nicholson

Richmond Solutions is a highly regarded, specialist firm that delivers results for executive, managerial and interim job seekers, recruiters and companies outplacing staff. We increase the value of our clients' careers and businesses with:

• Executive and management outplacement services.
• High class CVs for high class candidates.
• Top class LinkedIn profile building.
• Interview training.
• Research for executive outplacement firms.

I run the busy office of a senior backbench MP. Key tasks include:

• Carrying out background research for speeches.
• Researching and drafting responses to constituents on policy issues.
• Drafting Parliamentary questions.
• Diary management.
• Being the organiser for Parliamentary Mainstream, which includes organising fortnightly lunches and helping to attract high-profile speakers for them.

Following my promotion to Chief Analyst, I took on the operational management of the executive search and selection research team, including commissioning and liaising with freelancers. I also took on the line management of researchers and was de facto Deputy Director of Research and acted as Director for Research and Knowledge Management in the incumbent's absence. Of note, I:

• Led on the strategy for proposals and pitches and ensured the proper execution of that strategy. I estimate that in my last year I was worked on project which won over £1 million.
• Planned and executed research projects to underpin business strategy decisions. These included a PEST analysis of the likely impact of Coalition Government policy on Tribal’s Resourcing business.
• Organised a number of marketing events for the business.
• Published articles, either in my name or under a colleagues, on issues relevant to our business.

This position was substantially the same as that of Chief Analyst (see above). I was formally promoted into that position in December 2007.

Part of a business strategy unit, I generated and used knowledge to support and inform the company, especially aiding business development. In particular, I:

• Designed and carried out market research projects, some for internal use, others externally commissioned.
• Worked with consultants in the Local Government, Regeneration and Transport practices on business development strategies.
• Supported thought leadership in the business through providing research support.

Supporting the Conservative Transport and Environment Spokesman, Roger Evans, AM, I undertook policy research in the fields of transport and the environment and supported our Senior Press Officer through providing research.

Of note, I researched and wrote the Assembly's first Minority Report: "Capital Standard: a Load of Rubbish?" Reflecting strongly differing view of the Conservative Group on the Environment Committee, this required co-ordination with officers, Conservative Assembly Members, other researchers and the Press Office.

I worked as an industry analyst and a marketing consultant in fields including FMCG, events management and insurance services. Key projects included:

• Commissioner/editor for Euromonitor for FMCG company profiles.
• Updating and revising Euromonitor's World Confectionery report (2003).
• Supporting a newly-established company’s business development strategy by researching and generating leads.
• Working on the Italian chapter of a report about the European insurance market.

As a marketing consultant, I worked with a range of clients including Rockwell Automation, Alstom, Tektronix and Planar. I also developed and authored eight syndicated reports which were commercialised by Research Solutions. My work involved daily use of my languages in business settings.