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Patrick Rycroft
Business Development Manager at FREE NOW For Business
Professional Background
Patrick Rycroft, known to friends and colleagues as Paddy, is a seasoned sales professional with extensive experience in channel partnerships and new business development. Paddy's career trajectory reflects a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship and corporate excellence, indicative of his deep-seated commitment to driving growth and innovation. After a successful tenure in the event management sector, where he co-founded the corporate events company Happen Events, Paddy transitioned into the travel industry with Seatfrog. There, he demonstrated his adeptness at building effective partnerships, significantly increasing Gross Ticket Value (GTV) by an impressive £22 million through the implementation of a two-tier channel partnership model.
Currently, Paddy serves as the Business Development Manager at FREE NOW for Business. FREE NOW is recognized as Europe's number one taxi app, facilitating urban mobility in over 100 cities across Europe, including nine vital urban hubs within the UK. In his current role, Paddy is responsible for the expansion and management of key corporate accounts within the UK and Europe, aligning with FREE NOW's mission to enhance urban mobility for passengers, drivers, and communities alike. His strategic vision and sales acumen have been pivotal in the continual success of FREE NOW, further solidifying his reputation as a go-to expert in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Paddy laid a solid foundation for his professional journey by studying Entrepreneurial Business Management at Northumbria University, where he honed his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. This educational background equipped him with the essential skills needed to thrive in competitive environments and gave him the tools to successfully launch and operate his own corporate events company. Additionally, he completed his A-level studies at Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, which contributed to his diverse skill set and critical thinking capabilities.
Beyond his significant achievements in driving revenue and building partnerships, Paddy has also cultivated a diverse career path that includes various roles, such as Partnerships Manager at Seatfrog and SAP Services Consultant at IT Works Resource Group Limited. His early experiences as a Watersport Instructor at Neilson Active Holidays and a Bartender at Platos Boutique Bar and Restaurant not only refined his interpersonal skills but also instilled a strong work ethic and commitment to excellent customer service. Paddy's diverse career trajectory showcases his versatility and adaptability in different environments and industries.
Achievements
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Corporate Growth at FREE NOW: As the Business Development Manager, Paddy has significantly contributed to the expansion of FREE NOW for Business, playing a key role in establishing and managing key corporate accounts that drive business growth in the highly competitive urban mobility sector.
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Innovative Partnership Model at Seatfrog: During his tenure at Seatfrog, Paddy developed a two-tier channel partnership model that resulted in a substantial increase of £22 million in Gross Ticket Value (GTV), showcasing his capability to devise strategies that yield tangible results.
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Successful Entrepreneurial Ventures: Launching and operating Happen Events for three successful years underscores Paddy's entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business in a competitive landscape. This experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent career advancements.
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Diverse Industry Experience: Paddy's career reflects significant versatility, having worked in various industries from corporate events to travel and tech, which enhances his adaptability and broad perspective on business development.
Summary of Skills and Expertise
Paddy's journey is characterized by his proven success in cultivating business relationships, driving operational efficiency, and nurturing growth within organizations. His skills encompass:
- Sales and Business Development: Extensive experience in identifying market opportunities and developing strategies that drive revenue and market share.
- Channel Partnerships Creation: Proven track record in building successful partnerships with significant impact on company growth.
- Customer Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills honed through various customer service roles, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
- Strategic Growth Initiatives: A knack for developing and implementing innovative strategies that align with corporate objectives and market needs.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: An ability to think creatively and sustainably, bringing new ideas to life and navigating the complexities of business ownership and operation.
