What do you currently do?
My primary focus is being the owner of a successful Derby-based print firm; Essential Print Services. However, I am also proud to be a Trustee for a local charity; The Maria Hanson Foundation.
What is your inspiration in the business?
To help SMEs present their businesses in the best way possible but retaining affordability. This in turn, will help them grow by attracting more customers.
Looking back are there things you would have done differently?
Running a company takes dedication, discipline and teamwork. I am very fortunate to have a solid support network around me – people who I can ask for advice and bounce ideas off and therefore, I believe I have made very few mistakes (I am very grateful for that too).
If I HAD to do one thing differently, it would be to hire more staff, a lot sooner.
I believe things happen for a reason and although I ensure I get all the facts and figures to support an idea, quite often, my decisions have been because it ‘felt right at the time’.
What defines your way of doing business?
I always seek the fairest, win-win situation. The end solution must result with everyone being happy – from the client-side, right through to the supplier.
I will often put myself in other people’s shoes to ensure I see their point of view. This especially works well when it comes to marketing and problem solving.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Never stop asking questions. Never stop learning. And most importantly, find a network of business people who you admire and who will give you quick, honest and open advice.
