My Professional Journey
This page showcases my career history, education, skills, and achievements to potential employers and anyone interested in my professional background.
1. Timeline CV
I am a 40-year-old Egyptian who studied accounting at Menoufia University. While I have never worked in the accounting field for others, I have practiced accounting for my own successful businesses. Throughout my career, I have held many different jobs and run three successful businesses.
From age 15 to 22, while pursuing my education, I worked in a library, an internet cafe, and a computer company. These jobs sparked my passion for reading and technology, expanding my knowledge and imagination. I learned adaptability and resourcefulness in new environments, and developed skills in customer service, computer repair, and networking. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in personal growth and professional development.
After completing my university education at 22, I took the initiative to start my own business by securing funding from my family. Despite initial doubts from others, I remained dedicated and determined to succeed. Within a year, I successfully paid off all my debts, demonstrating my strong financial management skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
In my first business, I owned an internet café, where I developed skills in computer repair, web design, networking, graphic design, and software repair. Although I consider myself an IT specialist, I learned most of these skills as a hobby, which I then used to provide excellent service in my second business.
In my second business, I opened a larger space with three sections. The first section was an internet café where customers could use high-speed internet and play games. The second section was for computer repair and the third section was for computer development like graphic design, photo editing, web design, and advertising services. This business helped me offer a wider range of IT services and improve my skills.
Moving to England at the age of 27 was a challenge as I had to learn the language and adapt to a new culture. Despite the difficulties, I spent over seven years in the hospitality industry, working in various establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and food suppliers, including major brands like Tesco, Greggs, and BP. During this time, I developed strong interpersonal and customer service skills, as well as an ability to work well in a fast-paced and diverse environment. Eventually, I applied this knowledge to start my own business in the Lake District National Park.
In my third business, I was hands-on and handled every aspect of the work myself, from planning and creating advertising to managing the shop, handling accounting, and negotiating deals with suppliers. My unique approach made my cafe a popular spot for tourists who enjoyed high-quality ice cream, coffee, food, and drinks, as well as local souvenirs. I even offered electric bike rentals, making my cafe a complete and memorable destination.
After eight years of running a successful business in the Lake District,As my lease comes to an end and I prepare to say goodbye to my current business, I'm excited for what the future holds. Relocating and starting a new venture may be a challenge, but my past experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. In the meantime, As I prepare for the transition, I'm currently working at a BP gas station and shop, while still running my seasonal business from April to October. I am committed to delivering exceptional service to my customers at the BP gas station and shop and continuing to provide the best experience possible for my seasonal business.
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to encounter a variety of experiences, both personal and professional. I come from a large family and have held a range of different jobs, which have helped shape my perspective and approach to life. In addition, having lived in two different cultures has given me a unique perspective and understanding of different people and ways of life. I have learned to appreciate and incorporate the best of each culture into my own way of thinking and doing things, which has helped me navigate diverse situations and build relationships with people from all backgrounds.
Overall, As an entrepreneur with diverse skills and experiences, I have successfully established and managed businesses across different industries, including internet cafes, IT services, and an award-winning ice cream shop. My ability to quickly adapt to new environments and cultures has been a key factor in my success. I prioritize providing excellent service and creating unforgettable experiences for my customers, while also valuing personal growth, creativity, and strong relationships. I am constantly seeking new opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve as a professional.
2. Graphic CV
1. Classic CV
Personal Details:
MO ELASRAG
CUSTOMER SERVICE / HOSPITALITY
ACCOUNTING & MANAGEMENT
IT SPECIALIST
Full Name: Mohamed El-Asrag
Addresse: [Hidden], Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 [Hidden]
Date of Birth: [Hidden] (40 years-old)
Dual Nationality: Egyptian and British
Driving Licenses: YES
Mobile No.: +44 [Hidden]
Email: mo@elasrag.com
Website: www.elasrag.com
Professional Summary:
PERSONAL SUMMARY
I am a visionary leader with a passion for creating exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression. With a dynamic background spanning multiple industries, I bring a unique perspective to every project and challenge. My entrepreneurial spirit and cross-cultural understanding allow me to navigate complex business environments with ease. I am highly adaptable and thrive under pressure, always striving to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. My unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills make me a valuable asset to any team.
Objective:
OBJECTIVE:
My objective is to secure a dynamic and challenging position that allows me to leverage my diverse skill set and experience to drive success and create unforgettable experiences for customers. I am highly motivated to grow both personally and professionally and am eager to take on new challenges that allow me to push my limits and expand my horizons. My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact in whatever I do, while also finding fulfillment and creativity in every project I undertake.
Skills:
SKILLS
Exceptional customer service skills
Ability to handle customer complaints and resolve issues
Experience in training and coaching employees
Strong organizational and delegation skills
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
Knowledge of security and safety procedures
Multilingual, can speak fluently ENGLISH, ARABIC.
Supervision and team management
Attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness
Cash handling and bookkeeping
Multitasking and time management
Self-motivation and strong work ethic
Training and staff development
Performance evaluation and feedback
Problem-solving and issue resolution
Supply ordering and inventory control.
Career Highlights:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Lakeside Picnic - Ambleside, Lake District (Seasonal from April to October)
Owner / Entrepreneur (April 2015 to October 2023)
( Award winning Ice Cream & Maintained a consistently high food hygiene rating of ★★★★★ for eight years since opening.)
As a self-starter and entrepreneur, I opened my own business in the Lake District National Park after gaining over seven years of experience in the hospitality industry, including working with major brands like Tesco, Greggs, and BP. At Lakeside Picnic, I created a popular spot for tourists by offering high-quality ice cream, coffee, food, and drinks, as well as local souvenirs and electric bike rentals. As the Shop Manager/Owner, I handled all aspects of the business, from planning and advertising to accounting and supplier negotiations.
Duties:
Managed all aspects of the shop, including advertising, accounting, and supplier negotiations.
Developed and maintained high standards of merchandising, placement, store branding, and proper display techniques to create an inviting impression for customers.
Provided exceptional customer service to maintain high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Offered a unique and complete experience to customers by providing electric bike rentals in addition to high-quality food and drinks.
BP Shop & Fuel Station ★★★★ - Killingtion Lake, M6
Night Assistance (October 2022 to April 2024)
As a Night Assistant at BP, I was responsible for providing excellent customer service and maintaining a clean and organized store environment. In addition to serving customers and answering their inquiries, I was trained in food safety and handling, including preparing and heating food for customers, and baking in-store. I completed various courses and training programs, including Coffee S39, Food Safety Levels 1 and 2, Allergens, and Customer Connection, to ensure high-quality service and compliance with BP's policies and procedures.
Duties:
Provided excellent customer service and assisted with their inquiries and needs.
Maintained a clean and organized store environment, including the food preparation area.
Prepared and heated food for customers, including baked goods.
Handled food safely and followed BP's food safety and handling procedures.
Collaborated with other team members to ensure efficient operations and service delivery.
Rothay Manor Hotel Ltd ★★★★ - Ambleside, Lake District
Night Porter/Receptionist (September 2020 to May 2021)
As the Night Porter/Receptionist at Rothay Manor Hotel, I was responsible for managing hotel operations during overnight shifts, ensuring the safety and security of guests. I welcomed guests, answered phones, and managed check-in/check-out procedures. In addition to these responsibilities, I was trained and prepared for any situation that could occur during the night shift, including fire training, food safety, and first aid. I worked independently, and was capable of preparing light meals and serving customers as needed.
Duties:
Managed hotel operations during overnight shifts, ensuring the safety and security of guests.
Welcomed guests, answered phones, and managed check-in/check-out procedures.
Prepared light meals and served customers as needed.
Conducted fire training and ensured compliance with food safety regulations.
Provided first aid assistance as needed.
TESCO Express Retail Store - Ambleside, Lake District
Shop Assistant (October 2015 to April 2017)
As Shop Assistant at TESCO Express, my responsibilities included assisting customers with their shopping needs and inquiries, as well as maintaining a clean and organized store environment.
Duties:
Assisting customers with their shopping needs and inquiries, providing product information, and offering suggestions.
Handling cash and card transactions at the till accurately and efficiently, and managing the cash register.
Maintaining a clean and organized store environment by regularly restocking shelves, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, and ensuring the store was presentable for customers.
Managing stock levels, rotating products to maintain freshness, and conducting regular stock checks to ensure inventory accuracy.
Collaborating with the team to achieve daily targets and goals, and communicating any issues or concerns to management in a timely manner.
GREGGS Retail Store - Ambleside, Lake District (Part Time)
Shop Assistant (October 2014 to April 2015)
As a Shop Assistant at GREGGS Retail Store, my primary responsibility was to assist customers with their shopping needs and inquiries. Additionally, I was responsible for maintaining a clean and organized store environment, ensuring food safety, baking and making sandwiches.
Duties:
Assisted customers with their shopping needs and inquiries, providing a high level of customer service.
Maintained a clean and organized store environment, including the display of products and equipment.
Ensured food safety by following standard operating procedures and regulations.
Baked products to maintain stock levels and freshness.
Made sandwiches for customers, following GREGGS' recipes and standards.
Jade Garden Restaurant / The Handmade Burger Bar - Ambleside, Lake District
Restaurant Manager (March 2014 to July 2014)
As Restaurant Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of both Jade Garden and The Handmade Burger Bar. Starting as a waiter, I was quickly promoted to Manager within two weeks of joining the team. My main goal was to improve the restaurants' controllable costs while maximizing their financial performance.
Duties:
Oversaw restaurant operations when owners were not present or occupied, ensuring high standards of service and smooth running of the restaurant.
Controlled costs and maximized financial performance, while collaborating with the Head Chef to develop the menu and optimize sales.
Recruited, trained, and developed staff to provide excellent service, and resolved customer complaints.
Oversaw bookings and reservations, maximizing business opportunities and sales.
Helped design marketing materials for indoor TV displays to attract more customers.
W.McClure Ltd Warehouse - Windermere, Lake District (Part Time)
Night Picker (September 2013 to April 2014)
As a Night Picker at W.McClure Ltd Warehouse, my duties included conducting quality checks on goods, rotating stock, organizing picking lists, picking orders, loading and unloading trucks, and maintaining a clean warehouse environment.
Duties:
Conducted quality checks on goods and rotated stock to ensure products were in good condition.
Organized picking lists and picked orders, loading and unloading trucks with the products.
Maintained a clean warehouse environment to ensure the safety of the products and the workers.
English Lakes Hotels (Waterhead)★★★★ - Ambleside, Lake District (Part Time)
Night Porter/Receptionist (May 2010 to September 2016)
Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel Ltd ★★★★ Michelin star - Windermere, Lake District (Part Time)
Night Porter/Receptionist (June 2010 to September 2013)
As the Night Porter/Receptionist at Rothay Manor Hotel, I was responsible for managing hotel operations during overnight shifts, ensuring the safety and security of guests. I welcomed guests, answered phones, and managed check-in/check-out procedures. In addition to these responsibilities, I was trained and prepared for any situation that could occur during the night shift, including fire training, food safety, and first aid. I worked independently, and was capable of preparing light meals and serving customers as needed.
Duties:
Managed hotel operations during overnight shifts, ensuring the safety and security of guests.
Welcomed guests, answered phones, and managed check-in/check-out procedures.
Prepared light meals and served customers as needed.
Conducted fire training and ensured compliance with food safety regulations.
Provided first aid assistance as needed.
IT Specialist Menoufia - Egypt
IT Specialist Menoufia - Egypt
Owner / Entrepreneur (March 2002 to January 2010)
From age 15 to 22, I worked in various jobs related to technology, including a library, an internet cafe, and a computer company. These experiences fueled my passion for reading and technology, expanding my knowledge and imagination. I gained skills in customer service, computer repair, and networking, while also learning valuable lessons in personal growth and professional development.
After completing my university education at 22, I started my own business by securing funding from my family. Despite initial doubts from others, I remained dedicated and determined to succeed. Within a year, I successfully paid off all my debts, demonstrating my strong financial management skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
An internet cafe, where I developed skills in computer repair, web design, networking, graphic design, and software repair. I used these skills to provide excellent service to my customers.
Duties:
Built, maintained and repaired computers for resale, and provided computer repair services for home and business customers.
Designed websites and marketing materials for local businesses.
Managed the internet cafe and provided high-speed internet and gaming services to customers.
Developed network systems and software repair services.
A larger IT business with three sections:
Section 1: An internet cafe where customers could use high-speed internet and play games.
Section 2: Computer repair services.
Section 3: Computer development services such as graphic design, photo editing, web design, and advertising services.
Duties:
Provided a wide range of IT services, including computer repair, software repair, networking, graphic design, web design, and advertising services.
Managed the daily operations of the business, including customer service, staff recruitment, and training.
Designed and implemented marketing strategies to attract new customers and increase revenue.
Oversaw financial management and budgeting to ensure profitability and growth.
Overall, these experiences helped me develop a strong skill set in IT and entrepreneurship, as well as an understanding of the importance of customer service, financial management, and marketing strategies.
Education :
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
ACADEMIC EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Menoufia University, Egypt
Graduated in [2005]
COURSES AND TRAINING AT WORKPLACES:
Self-taught IT specialist with extensive knowledge in computer repair, networking, software repair, web design, graphic design, and photo editing.
Food Safety Level 1 [Completed 2023/03/05] - Basics of food safety, including preventing contamination and safe preparation and storage.
Age Restricted Sales [Completed 2023/03/09] - Legal requirements and best practices for selling age-restricted products.
Checkit for Managers and Checkit for Team Members [Completed 2023/03/09] - Digital task management system training for managers and team members.
Food Safety Level 2 [Completed 2022/10/20] - In-depth food safety training, including microbiology and hazard analysis.
Coffee S39 [Completed 2022/10/20] - Coffee preparation and service training.
Introductions [Completed 2023/03/05] - Introduction to working at BP and company values.
Allergens [Completed 2022/10/11] - Identification and management of allergens in food, including preventing cross-contamination and accurate information provision.
Introductions - Safety Conversations [Completed 2022/10/19] - Safety policies and procedures at BP.
Fire Safety [Completed 2022/10/19] - Basics of fire safety and emergency response.
Security [Completed 2022/10/19] - Security policies and procedures at BP.
bp Safety [Completed 2022/10/18] - BP's safety policies and procedures.
Customer Connection [Completed 2022/10/15] - Customer service skills, including effective communication and complaint resolution.
bp Customer Service [Completed 2022/10/13] - BP's customer service policies and procedures.
bp Loyalty [Completed 2022/10/13] - BP's loyalty program, including enrollment, benefits, and issue resolution.
Control of Works [Completed 2022/10/12] - Procedures for controlling work activities at BP.
bp HSE [Completed 2022/10/12] - BP's health, safety, and environment policies and procedures.