Q: What made you decide to set up your own company 25 years ago?
A: I always had an ambition to run my own business, but I never dreamt it would be an Insolvency Practice! After 13 years working for two Top 4 accountancy practices, I decided to give it a try with the help of Hugh Jesseman. Being a Charted Accountant has been a great help, and I would highly recommend getting a qualification to any budding entrepreneur!
Q: Who has been your business inspiration?
A: I have tried to learn a little from a lot of people, so no one person stands out as being an inspiration, as history and circumstances differ for everyone. I do believe, however, that it is important to identify and seize any opportunities when you are lucky enough to come across them!
Q: What is your business ethos?
A: Having run my own business for 25 years, I understand the emotional and financial roller coaster that business owners ride on, which of course includes highs and lows. I hope that my own experiences make me more empathetic towards directors and owners of businesses who are facing business related difficulties, often through no fault of their own, for example, Brexit, the Pandemic and now inflation and supply chain problems.
Q: What have you learnt along the way?
A: Lots of things, but, above all, it is important to remember that businesses are comprised of people and dealing with and managing the relationships between the people in a business and with your clients is vital to success.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone looking to set up their own business today?
A: Don’t do it! Seriously, however, if you have a burning desire to run your own business, have a go as soon as you can, the longer you leave it, the more you will take on commitments such as mortgages, partners & children which make the risk much greater. Sir Richard Branson started his business at school and could therefore take huge risks. As a nation we need to encourage enterprise and make the penalties for failure lighter, whilst prosecuting those who seek to take advantage of the law.
Q: What would you like to think of as your legacy?
A: I am not so grand as to think I will leave a legacy; however, I hope people have enjoyed working with me and that I have helped clients navigate some of the most testing and stressful periods of their lives.
