I started my career in software sales back in the early 90’s and worked in a busy and creative environment, for a small yet niche software vendor selling to FTSE 250 clients. I also saw potential for an entry level version of our solution to be sold to smaller organisations and start-ups, and was instrumental in signing a deal with PC World, to sell the boxed software off the shelf.

The next step was more of a jump into the unknown – co-founding a start-up company to develop leading edge software to manage the booking of internal meeting rooms and hot-desks for corporates. By now, I was at the coal face of learning what is required to build a successful company and product; in a word that is People. Sure, we had our core team but we were growing and needed new blood and this is where we really needed help. We were searching for an elusive magic pill that was a mentor who could give us time and wisdom – a person who had been there and done it. It seemed that everyone was looking for a full-time position with a high salary and as a start-up, we simply didn’t have that kind of budget.

Fortunately, my strength was business development and I had grown our company turnover to over £1Million per annum within two years, which enabled us to grow over time and recruit the right technical skill to enable us to support our growing client base.

I went on to co-found a second software company which has also been acquired, and I have since been providing business development consultancy. Throughout my journey the most important element of my businesses has been my clients, and I have always enjoyed building client relationships and growing revenues, quickly and efficiently.