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www.VBSOffice.co.uk |
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www.VBSOffice.co.uk |
Actively involved in the information industry for many years, Karen's business, was one of
the first UK organisations to offer Internet training courses commercially. This preceded the
appearance of a plethora of Internet related titles, some of which are still around today.
Sensing the lack of networking opportunities for fellow early adopters to swop notes, if not hold
hands, Karen founded and chaired the UK Internet User Group which ran until early 1998
by which time it was apparent the broader Internet community was thriving.
International recognition for her pioneering work with the Internet came in early 1997 when Newsweek commissioned, Informed Business Services Ltd, to produce an introductory guide to the Internet which was marketed across Europe, Israel and S Africa. In 1996, Karen was also invited to give an Internet presentation to both the Chief Executive of Mercury Communications and the Hursley based Marketing Team at IBM.
Since 1994 Karen and her team have delivered a portfolio of Internet training courses to the members of a wide range of industry associations including:
| The Chartered Institute of Marketing | |
| The Institute of Direct Marketing | |
| The Market Research Society | |
| The London Chamber of Commerce | |
| The Institute of Trading Standards Authority |
A paper written by Karen and published by an international journal caught the attention of The United Nations who co-opted her to work on an international project to develop information services companies in Newly Industrialising Countries. Karen's company has undertaken a variety of consultancy and training projects for telecoms and information providers such as the FT and C&W.
In addition to launching Victoria Business Services in Karen's home town of St Albans in Hertfordshire, today Karen also heads up Keep Informed, a business information and new media consultancy of the new genre, operating on a virtual model but enjoying the use of well equipped Internet-ready premises in Central London.
Having completed her degree in European Business Administration at the Ecole de Commerce in Reims, Karen began her career with ITT Components as a Market Analyst reporting directly to the Sales and Marketing Director. Providing input at the highest level, Karen was soon responsible for initiating projects to streamline sales administration, enhancing internal communications and rationalising computerised systems. Responsible for the internal promotion and marketing of an information service and the computing function throughout the firm, she established an efficient service to 21 manufacturing units servicing and creating demand for hardcopy and on-line information and implementing change, in line with organisational budgets and strategy. Following the sale of STC Components, the UK division of ITT Components, Karen helped to establish the French, German and American sales offices and a worldwide network of agents and distributors for the UK based company.
Joining the ICC Information Group as Training Manager, Karen supplied tailored client training at all levels, and had responsibility for the customer services and helpdesk functions. She actively represented the company in the UK and overseas at exhibitions and product reviews. During her time at ICC, Karen developed an in-depth knowledge of database production and usage, a practical awareness of tele-communications and an insight into information from both a provider's and a user's perspective.
Karen went on to join the Pont Data Company, providers of real-time financial information, where she was responsible for the sales and technical support of dealer systems to the stock broking community. She transformed internal procedures to accommodate and give a solid platform for the increased business of a growing company and was a key member of the team responsible for the launch of a new satellite broadcast quote service.
Since launching Informed
Business Services Ltd in
1991, Karen has been
personally involved in all
activities of her
businesses, systematically
setting up each company and
its divisions, and
recruiting a team of
individuals chosen
to
develop or enhance the
companies' activities.
Parallel to the overall
management and marketing of
the companies Karen also
concentrates her efforts on
consultancy services which
enable her to pursue her own
professional interests.
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