Liz Childerley has big-brand experience in sales and marketing - and now she’s offering her skills to help small businesses.

Based in Caerphilly, her new firm - The Salemaker - will offer training and advice based on her 20 years of working with top agencies in the UK.

She said: “Most firms are excellent at their core services, but don’t always have the full range of skills they need. The gap is often in the sales and marketing areas, and this is where I am sure I can help.”

The Salemaker will provide sales training face-to-face with day workshops, and also by providing e-learning and online advice.

The firm received a Business Support grant of £500, funded jointly by Caerphilly County Borough Council and Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.

Liz said: “It was very useful and has helped me set up the web site.”

She began her career in sales with the Lincolnshire Echo, part of the Northcliffe Newspaper Group. Form there she moved to London working with leading advertising agencies such as Ogilvy and Martin Sorell, and dealing with global brands including Nissan, Pfizer, Boots and Drambuie.

“I gained a wide range of experience in all fields of advertising, sales and marketing in a variety of roles,” said Liz.

“I now want to pass on that knowledge to firms and help them boost their sales and grow their businesses.”

In her spare time she became one of the UK’s leading female motorcyclists, competing at British level in off-road enduro competitions.

Glyn Thomas, area manager in Wales for UK Steel Enterprise, said: “All new businesses need a professional approach to sales and marketing and we are delighted to help Liz offer this service. It should be of great value to local firms and those further afield.”

Cllr Sean Morgan, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, infrastructure, sustainability and wellbeing of future generations, said: “I am delighted the council has been able to award The Salemaker with a business support grant, which has been used towards setting up its website. I look forward to seeing how the business continues to progress in the future.”