Asta Young-Smith

23/7 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TF

Mobile: 07825372324 • E-mail: astays@gmail.com

PROFILE
A highly responsible, personable and versatile property developer with a strong record project leading over 20
residential property renovations, coordinating the budget and activities of multiple contractors, and leading
viewings and sales. Also brings exceptional operations and administrative skills as general manager of a
successful 3-star Bed and Breakfast hotel. Having recently completed a Masters in Business Studies, now seeks
an opportunity to pursue a career in lettings and support the growth of an entrepreneurial company.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Property Sector Experience

• Managed 25 renovation projects each with up to £30k budgets over five years, negotiating prices and
service standards with contractors, inspecting quality and approving all supplies procurement

• Successfully led property viewings and the sales process, securing prices that achieved average profit
margins of 10%
Sales & Marketing

• Won and negotiated a contract to house Channel 4’s television crew in own B&B hotel for the duration
of the Edinburgh Festival, two years running

• Organised advertising over the internet including on Visit Scotland to generate bookings, as well as
referral partnerships with other Bed and Breakfast hotels that produced a steady flow of new customers
Operations and Administration

• Independently built up and operated the systems, services and administration of a totally new B&B
that secured 3-star accreditation from Visit Scotland, and only just missed out on 4-star status

• Awarded a 2:1 for a Masters in Business Studies from Edinburgh University, balancing the difficult
demands of raising a young family single-handedly with the demanding requirements of a prestigious
degree

• Performed the daily responsibilities of preparing breakfasts, cleaning, and liaising with guests, ensuring
compliance with Health & Safety and food hygiene legislation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Jan 08 – Present Duty Manager - Bed & Breakfast, Edinburgh (on Ad Hoc Basis)
Responsibilities: Manage the complete operations of a small bed and breakfast hotel
Apr 03 – Jun 05 General Manager, Randolph Crescent, Bed and Breakfast, Edinburgh
Responsibilities: Solely manage the operations of a three bedroom bed and breakfast hotel,
including taking reservations, book-keeping, procurement, and concierge services.

• Organised the ongoing maintenance of the property and its facilities

• Planned numerous events and dinner menus, contracting with relevant catering services
Apr 00 – May 05 Property Developer, Edinburgh Properties, Edinburgh
Responsibilities: Assess the potential profitability of target properties; manage the
complete renovation of the acquired properties; oversee work of multiple contractors;
manage renovation budgets of over £20,000; complete all planning and tax paperwork; lead
marketing of properties, including showing prospective buyers around the properties.

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 • Organised teams of five difficult plasterers, builders and decorators, ensuring the quality
standards and timetable for the works were maintained to protect future sales margins

• Successfully negotiated the prices of various building supplies and contractors that
contributed to the profitable sale of several low margin properties

Dec 97 – Nov 98 Florist, The Flower Shop, Aberdeen

Responsibilities: Advise customers on bouquet design, create complex hand tied bouquets
and arrangements to meet customers’ specifications, design floral displays for corporate
events and weddings, replenish stock, maintain cleanliness of the sales area, process
payments and organise delivery.

Jan 91 – Dec 94 Florist, Sodyba, Lithuania

Career breaks for family: 1995-1997, 1998-2000 

TRAINING COURSES
1997-1998 Floristry NVQ Levels 1 & 2 - Aberdeen College
1994-1995 Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Certificate - Aberdeen College

EDUCATION
2005 – 2009 MA (Hons) Business Studies - University of Edinburgh (Awarded 2:1)

• Passed courses in Accountancy, Strategic Management, Quality Management,

Organisational Studies, Managing Employment Relations, International Marketing

• Created a full business plan for a start-up business, including launch and marketing plans
2004 – 2005 Access Course in Humanities & Social Science - University of Edinburgh

LANGUAGES & IT

• Languages: Lithuanian – Native; Russian – Fluent (Speaking); English – Fluent (Written and Speaking)

• IT Skills: Proficient in all MS Office applications, including use of Excel and PowerPoint

INTERESTS

• Active member of the British Military Fitness club, which requires a high level of dedication and
motivation

REFERENCES
Jamie Macnab Katrina Macpherson
Director Manager of B&B
Country Houses The Guest Room
Savills, Wemyss House, 31A Nelson Street
8 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6DH Edinburgh
Dir Tel: +44 (0) 131 247 3711 EH3 6LJ
Mobile: +44 (0) 7967 555 490 Tel: 0131 556 4798
Fax : +44 (0) 131 247 3724 E-mail: katrina.macpherson@tiscali.co.uk
E-mail: [mailto:jmacnab@savills.com]

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