What do you do? What’s it called?

Well I'm not really sure there's a name for what I do. I don’t fit into a box; having run several businesses, I use my experience to help other businesses perform. Particularly those that are in financial distress. I guess the nearest description is a business consultant, or business troubleshooter, but to me that’s far too broad; that’s why this site is called business rescue.

What's unique about you?

Some organisations such as banks and larger firms of accountants have what they called 'corporate recovery teams', but their primary interest is of securing the position of themselves or a third party, not the company they are working in. I don’t have a mixed agenda. I’m working 100% in the interests of that business; and having run several businesses myself, I bring a unique perspective.

What businesses can you help?

I'd like to think that I have skills and experience to add value to any business; but often its more about the people than it is about the business. In the main I find that business people know the nuts and bolts of their business, but they often need help to refocus on what’s important, not just urgent.

What size businesses do you help?

I work solely with Small and Medium Enterprises. Typically they will employ between 5 and 100 people. These types of businesses are usually owner managed, or with a small management team. Turnovers of these businesses vary widely depending upon the products and services they provide so turnover is not a useful guide. I don't provide assistance to sole traders or micro businesses.

What can an outsider tell me about my business?

An outsider brings a fresh perspective. I don’t come with any preconceived ideas about any business, I learn by observation, by asking questions. I’m not emotionally involved in the business, so I can be completely objective, and I’m not inhibited to ask any question. I’ve learnt that whilst every business is different the basic business principles still apply. Every company is unique in the way they apply those principles, and if what they are doing isn’t getting the results they want, we need to find another way.

What geographical area do you cover?

I work predominantly in Nottinghamshire, or within a 30 mile radius of Nottingham, so this includes parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. Some businesses will have multiple sites, so there is no problem in travelling to other sites as necessary. Sometimes I might need to visit my client's customers or suppliers, and that could be abroad too. As I live in Nottinghamshire, it makes sense to keep my focus on businesses located in that area.

Can you arrange finance for a business?

I have a number of contacts who provide business finance. This ranges from banks, government agencies, venture capitalists, business angels and if appropriate a personal investment. The important thing is to get the most appropriate kind of finance for the business, and often my involvement helps cement the trust and confidence a third party needs when lending or investing.

What's your approach to turning a business around?

I don’t have a set plan. Each business is different, and therefore needs a unique approach. I learn about the people who are running the business and find out where they’re coming from and what they are trying to achieve. The key is finding the right approach that works for them.

How is your experience relevant?

I started my career working in a factory. I learned about systems, controls and procedures. I learned about quality. I then went on to a sales role where I learned about dealing with customers, what the difference was between cost and value. And then I started my own business. It’s then I realised that my education and experience had not prepared me for the role I found myself in. To deal with adversity; rejection; to have had your house on the line, to wonder how you’re going to pay wages at the end of the month. The determination never to give up. I think that you have to run a business to really understand. In many cases, the businesses I work with really appreciate working with someone who really understands the pressures, the challenges and the occasional isolation at the top.

What professional qualifications do you have?

I have a BEng. (hons.) in Manufacturing Engineering and Management from the University of Nottingham. As part of my continuing education I have attended courses throughout my career in business management, sales, accounting, negotiation, team building, leadership, information technology, and NLP.

What’s your experience with consultants?

Mixed. The good ones are hard to find, and the rest give the good ones a bad name. Most of them that I’ve worked with haven’t run their own business, so whilst they have expertise in certain areas they don’t have the big picture, so have been of limited value in respect of business troubleshooting. I use consultants for specific roles, and their high level of expertise saves time and money.

What motivates you?

I love the challenge. Fixing something, making things better, more effective, more efficient. I get a buzz of making success from failure. Finding new solutions to age old problems. Not merely satisfying the customer, but delighting the customer. In all cases it is a team effort and being part of a successful team is tremendously rewarding

How does a business pay for your services?

It depends. Paradoxically, it’s often the case that the company that really needs help can’t afford to pay for it. So I'm flexible. Sometimes I’ll work on a deferred fee, sometimes purely on financial performance, maybe an equity stake in the company. Just like I don’t have preconceived ideas about my approach to help solve the businesses problems, I look for an equitable arrangement specific to the situation. If the business is fundamentally viable, then there is always a solution.

What do customers like about you?

I’m straight talking and honest. If I can help I will, and if I can’t I’ll say so. I have the courage to tell them what they need to hear, and not what they want to hear. I want to ensure that at all times the company I am working in gets great value for money. So I only benefit, if they benefit; I build my success on their success. I think this openness builds trust and confidence.

What would you say to anyone running an underperforming business?

Take action, now. If things are not going well, get some help. Do it now. Too many times, a business leaves it too late. I would say don’t be one of them. A meeting with me will cost them nothing, but I might be the person they need.