With a career path that began as a market trader and progressed through to wholesaling and importing, I founded Poundland Ltd in 1990 with Keith and Steven Smith. The company grew very successfully and in 2002, I led an MBO backed by Advent International and became CEO. In my time as CEO the business doubled turnover and trebled profits. Content with my accomplishments, resigned as CEO in 2006. The business completed another successful sale in 2010 when it was bought by Warberg Pincus, a US investment company. Currently, I am involved in a diverse range of business activities as both investor and participant. I am particularly interested in residential property development, but also have interests in ThinkIS a specialist software provider, a US based wi-fi and broadband provider, and a US Investment Fund Management company.My practical experience lends itself to small to medium sized businesses who are aspiring to grow. Having grown a business from start up to hundreds of millions of pounds of turnover, I know how to manage growth - and avoid the many pitfalls that await growing businesses. My business philosophy based on 3 foundations - Product Leadership. Operational Excellence and Customer Intimacy. In 2012 I was awarded an Honorary PHD in Business Administration from Wolverhampton University. I was delighted to receive this, as it was the first time that I had received an award that did not come from within the retail sector. I remain enthusiastic and optimistic about business, and believe that here in the UK we have a wealth of talent with great ideas. If you feel that I may be able to assist you or someone you know in unlocking your business potential - I look forward to hearing from you.