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Who We Are

Sally Edwards, Managing Director 

Sally became Managing Director of LASBM in December 2023 after working with the business for nine years.

Sally previously spent 10 years working in schools across all phases, mostly working with children with special educational needs and challenging behaviour. She led the implementation of whole-school strategies, collaborating with colleagues at all levels in an education setting. 

Sally has extensive experience in marketing and events management, having held roles in the private sector as a marketing manager, and in the public sector. In her role at a government department, she supported business leaders from a range of sectors including financial services, to gain skills and grow their businesses through events and networking.

Her background in a support function and in the public sector means Sally is attuned to the types of challenges faced by SBMs and to their needs, and she enjoys supporting others to succeed and grow. 

Sally has a First Class Honours degree in Business Management, and an MBA from the University of Huddersfield. 

Claire French, Business, Events and Marketing Administrator

Claire joined LASBM in September 2024 as the Business, Events and Marketing Administrator.

Claire has extensive experience in marketing and events management, having held roles in the private sector working across European markets with an excellent track record in managing European and global sales conferences for 450+ attendees.

She has previously worked in roles with both large corporations and small charities and has proven capability in setting up and reviewing business systems with strong skills across communication, conference and event planning, finance and marketing. 

Outside of work Claire enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dogs and is an exhibited and passionate photographer.

claire@lasbm.com

LASBM Committee
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Maggie Duncan

I am a Executive Business Manager in a large Multi-Academy Trust, where I oversee all the business functions of three secondary schools in Lancashire.  I have worked in Primary and Secondary phases including being the Business Manager for a Teaching School.  At home I am a mum of two and spend most of my time at the side of a football pitch, swimming pool, dance class or MMA class.

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Rebecca Cunliffe

I have worked in schools for 17 years, firstly as a Site Supervisor, then Teaching Assistant, Office Assistant and finally School Business Manager. I have been in this role for the last 14 years.  I have a wealth of experience in Primary Schools and enjoy the variety that the role brings.

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Vicki Newsome

I have been working in education since 2017, after a 20+ year career in marketing. I have been SBM at Burscough Village Primary School since 2019 and recently completed a management and leadership degree (CMDA) with first class honours. I joined the committee in 2021 and look forward to working with the team and representing the primary maintained sector.

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Brad Smith

I have worked in Education since leaving high school 10 years ago. I started as a Teaching Assistant, then worked as an Admin Assistant before I came into my current role as a Bursar in 2020. I have my Level 4 Diploma for School Business Managers and want to continue my qualifications. I have joined the committee to be able to support LASBM to raise the profile of School Business Professionals and to be able to create links between other people in the same profession. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and going on day trips with my other half and our son.

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Cheryl Barker

I have worked in Education for 20 years and been a School Business Manager for the last 7 years and love the diversity and challenges the role brings. I am currently completing the CIPFA Level 7 Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership to enhance the financial and strategic direction of my role. I strive to promote the School Business Professionals role, highlighting how valuable these roles are in ensuring schools run smoothly to enhance pupil outcomes. I joined the LASBM Committee to further development my skills and support other School Business Professionals develop in their roles. Outside of work I am a mum of three boys and love spending time with family and friends.

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Justine Lee

I've been a School Business Manager at Alder Grange (Secondary Maintained) in Rawtenstall since 2018, having previously spent 25 years in Retail Banking, firstly as a branch manager and finally as Divisional Ops Manager, a bit of a jack-of-all-trades ... sound familiar?! I love my job, but I work to live and not live to work, and you will never find me on my emails after 6pm.  Currently passionate about supporting women through the menopause, and ensuring businesses, including schools, put reasonable adjustments in place to ensure these superwomen can continue working as long as possible. I'm a huge Burnley FC fan, and nothing comes between me and my pie on match day!