Our Team
Retail Franchise & Brand Expansion
Sarah Pavlou - Managing Director
Sarah has over 20 years experience in retail, including 10 years in International Franchising, working with some of the greatest retail brands in both the UK and internationally. Whilst supporting these companies with their internal and external developments, Sarah inspires a true passion for brand values and achieving profitable growth; driven by exceptional customer experience and increased brand loyalty. With a never-failing eye for detail, outstanding leadership skills and a full understanding of the bottom line, Sarah has delivered unfailingly successful results that are consistent, commercial and demonstrate the key to success lies in optimising the power of the brand and its people.
Sarah has over 20 years experience in retail, including 10 years in International Franchising, working with some of the greatest retail brands in both the UK and internationally. Whilst supporting these companies with their internal and external developments, Sarah inspires a true passion for brand values and achieving profitable growth; driven by exceptional customer experience and increased brand loyalty. With a never-failing eye for detail, outstanding leadership skills and a full understanding of the bottom line, Sarah has delivered unfailingly successful results that are consistent, commercial and demonstrate the key to success lies in optimising the power of the brand and its people.
Geoffrey Smith - Director
After studying law at Downing College, Cambridge, Geoffrey qualified as a solicitor and practised in the City until 1984, when he switched to Russian studies at London University. He graduated with First Class Honours in 1988 and has since worked in several countries, focusing on Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, with clients including De Beers, Russian Gold, Savola Group, Abdul Lateef Jameel, Brandinstinct and the Russian Union of Industrialists & Entrepreneurs. Geoffrey is an expert in international strategic planning, ensuring your overseas business relationships/partnerships are the right ones and result in increased growth at minimal risk.
After studying law at Downing College, Cambridge, Geoffrey qualified as a solicitor and practised in the City until 1984, when he switched to Russian studies at London University. He graduated with First Class Honours in 1988 and has since worked in several countries, focusing on Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, with clients including De Beers, Russian Gold, Savola Group, Abdul Lateef Jameel, Brandinstinct and the Russian Union of Industrialists & Entrepreneurs. Geoffrey is an expert in international strategic planning, ensuring your overseas business relationships/partnerships are the right ones and result in increased growth at minimal risk.
Irina Gorban - Associate Consultant
Irina Gorban has more than 18 years retail experience in the apparel and footwear industry, from high street to luxury retailing within the Russian market.
As a Senior Retail Executive heading up a number of key retail brands, Irina's background provides extensive knowledge and experience in Mono and Multi brand management, store openings and retail operations, project management and financial planning, marketing and sales strategies, business growth and personnel development/ training. Brands included in Irina's career include Mexx, Hamleys, Oasis, Mango, Benetton, Gucci and Levis to name but a few.
Irina Gorban has more than 18 years retail experience in the apparel and footwear industry, from high street to luxury retailing within the Russian market.
As a Senior Retail Executive heading up a number of key retail brands, Irina's background provides extensive knowledge and experience in Mono and Multi brand management, store openings and retail operations, project management and financial planning, marketing and sales strategies, business growth and personnel development/ training. Brands included in Irina's career include Mexx, Hamleys, Oasis, Mango, Benetton, Gucci and Levis to name but a few.
Richard Aylwin - Associate
has over 30 years' experience in the property industry both as a chartered surveyor and a PR consultant. He is a former Business Editor of Estates Times and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the British Council for Offices, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and sits on the International Building Press committee. Richard is a leading Retail PR Communications Expert and has undertaken communications campaigns for a variety of UK and International companies in the retail property world including Old Mutual of South Africa, IKEA Shopping Centres, Russia, Invesco Real Estate, Taylor Woodrow Property, John Laing Property, Cadogan Estates, RED the Romanian Shopping Centre developer and Copenhagen Designer Outlets.
has over 30 years' experience in the property industry both as a chartered surveyor and a PR consultant. He is a former Business Editor of Estates Times and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the British Council for Offices, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and sits on the International Building Press committee. Richard is a leading Retail PR Communications Expert and has undertaken communications campaigns for a variety of UK and International companies in the retail property world including Old Mutual of South Africa, IKEA Shopping Centres, Russia, Invesco Real Estate, Taylor Woodrow Property, John Laing Property, Cadogan Estates, RED the Romanian Shopping Centre developer and Copenhagen Designer Outlets.
Andrew Hardy - Associate
Andrew Hardy is a qualified Chartered Surveyor with extensive commercial property experience in Europe, Middle & Far East gained at partner level with major international real estate organisations over 30 years. Andrew advises International Corporations on pan European real estate needs acquiring retail and office investments as well as factory outlet sites across Europe.
Andrew Hardy is a qualified Chartered Surveyor with extensive commercial property experience in Europe, Middle & Far East gained at partner level with major international real estate organisations over 30 years. Andrew advises International Corporations on pan European real estate needs acquiring retail and office investments as well as factory outlet sites across Europe.