Ian Straker

Ian Straker Email and Phone Number

Operations Director/Chief Operations Officer | Founder | Coach & Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence & Growth @ Smarta
Ian Straker's Location
Gateshead, England, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Ian Straker's Contact Details

Ian Straker work email

Ian Straker personal email

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About Ian Straker

As an accomplished Operations Director with a successful track record in driving operational efficiency and organisational excellence, I am dedicated to delivering results and leading transformative change. My leadership journey has enabled me to collaborate with dynamic teams and guide organisations through complex challenges and opportunities. My expertise lies in optimising processes, streamlining operations, and implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and profitability. I excel at executing projects and getting things done, with experience in the areas of finance, IT and systems, data, and contract/project delivery.I also have a strong passion for nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, fostering cross-functional collaboration and inspiring high-performing teams. I believe that the key to operational success lies in empowering individuals and aligning their efforts with the broader vision of the company.I am currently co-founder and Operations Director for Transmit Startups and Smarta, and Operations Director for Generic AI. Transmit works with startup businesses and between 2013 and 2023 delivered the Government-backed Start Up Loans programme, becoming the largest delivery partner in the UK. Smarta is a knowledge platform that supports small and medium-sized enterprises to grow and scale, while Generic AI introduces emerging technologies into organisations.I have previously run music companies including Lost My Dog (a record label) and Kahua Music (a record shop, subsequently offering promotions and publishing services.Let's connect to explore opportunities for collaboration, discuss industry insights, or share experiences in operational excellence. I am always open to connecting with professionals who share a commitment to operational excellence and driving organisational growth.

Ian Straker's Current Company Details
Smarta

Smarta

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Operations Director/Chief Operations Officer | Founder | Coach & Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence & Growth
Ian Straker Work Experience Details
  • Smarta
    Operations Director / Co-Founder
    Smarta Jan 2019 - Present
    Gateshead, England, United Kingdom
    Smarta is a knowledge platform that supports SMEs to grow and scale. We provide micro-format eLearning programmes alongside coaching and consulting services for growing companies.My work at Smarta includes:- Leading the successful delivery of several programmes which provide support to startup and growing companies.- Implementing innovative solutions that lead to optimised processes and systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.- Collaborating with stakeholders at Local Authorities, Councils and partner organisations to ensure productive collaboration and compliance within the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.- Coaching and consulting with growing businesses, helping them to realise their potential.- Oversight of all operational aspects of the business, including finance, IT, HR, and compliance.
  • Transmit Startups
    Operations Director / Co-Founder
    Transmit Startups Jan 2013 - Present
    Gateshead, United Kingdom
    I am co-founder and Operations Director at Transmit Startups, which supports pre-start and early-stage businesses.Transmit became the UK's largest Delivery Partner for the Government-backed Start Up Loans programme, helping deliver over £175 million in funding to more than 15,000 entrepreneurs, before exiting the programme in August 2023. I worked to streamline processes to continuously achieve the highest conversion rate across the Start Up Loans programme, alongside exceptional customer service ratings.- Transformed Transmit Startups into the UK's top-performing Delivery Partner for the Government's Start Up Loans initiative, assisting over 15,000 entrepreneurs with more than £175m in funding.- Expanded services to offer coaching, consultancy, and e-learning solutions to small businesses.- Led the team in implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) so that everyone could successfully adopt them.- Grew the company's workforce from 3 co-founders to a team of 40 members and fostered annual revenues exceeding £2M, whilst consistently attaining profitability and ensuring financial stability.- Introduced and implemented agile performance management practices to forge a culture of continuous feedback and recognition.- Spearheaded the integration of new CRM platform (HubSpot) and customer management platform (Monday) to optimise customer relationship management processes.Other brands previously operated under the Transmit umbrella have included:- Transmit Growth Loans - offering loans, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme, to more established businesses- Transmit Consulting - a business growth consultancy helping entrepreneurs, businesses and non-profit organisations to strengthen, become more efficient and innovate
  • Kahua Music
    Ceo / Founder
    Kahua Music Jul 2005 - Mar 2018
    County Durham, Uk
    I founded Kahua Music Ltd - a company which began life as a record store in Middlesbrough and expanded to encompass digital promo campaigns, publishing administration, artist content management, and record label management.I worked with clients from South Africa, India, the UK, the USA, Cancada and France, among other nations.I created a bespoke music software platform to distribute promotional campaigns efficiently and gather insightful feedback for successful sales. I acquired priceless experience in every facet of running a firm.- Established and operated a record shop and website that received prestigious accolades, such as 'Best E-Commerce Site' and 'Best Music Site' at 2008 North East Digital Awards.- Boosted the profile of record labels and artists by placing features in leading industry magazines, such as Mixmag, DJ, and DJ Mag, worldwide radio stations, and A-list club DJs.- Increased record label and artist income by unlocking revenue from radio and performance royalties, as well as achieving lucrative compilation licenses.
  • Transmit Enterprise Cic
    Operations Director
    Transmit Enterprise Cic Feb 2016 - Nov 2017
    Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
    Transmit Enterprise Community Interest Company delivers projects and consultancy for start-ups, growth companies and social enterprises, with a focus on the 'Signal' project that aims to tackle poverty.My role at Transmit Enterprise CIC was to oversee the implementation of the projects being delivered including contracts supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Regional Growth Fund (RGF), as well as the initial roll out of the Poverty Stoplight programme in the UK.
  • Lost My Dog Records
    Co-Founder
    Lost My Dog Records Jan 2005 - Dec 2015
    Co-founded with Peter Morgan and Najan Ward, Lost My Dog operated as an independent 'deep house' record label, working with some of the scene's most successful artists. My role focused on the day-to-day management and future direction of Lost My Dog covering all aspects from distribution and retail strategy to A&R. Over the course of 10 years, Lost My Dog grew from a small bedroom hobby into a successful company which is well regarded all around the world in the deep house scene.
  • Transmit Promo
    Operations Director / Co-Founder
    Transmit Promo Feb 2012 - Feb 2014
    Newcastle Upon Tyne, Uk
    I was co-founder and Operations Director of Transmit Promo, a music software platform aimed at helping record labels promote their music to media contacts.

Ian Straker Skills

Music Industry Record Labels A&r Social Media Marketing Social Media Digital Strategy Entrepreneurship Music Publishing Strategy Marketing Strategy Business Strategy Business Planning Consultancy Startups Early Stage Startups Business Finance Coaching Operations Management Business Operations Data Analysis Mentoring Early Stage Companies Performance Management Statistical Data Analysis

Ian Straker Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Ian Straker

What company does Ian Straker work for?

Ian Straker works for Smarta

What is Ian Straker's role at the current company?

Ian Straker's current role is Operations Director/Chief Operations Officer | Founder | Coach & Consultant | Driving Operational Excellence & Growth.

What is Ian Straker's email address?

Ian Straker's email address is ia****@****sic.com

What is Ian Straker's direct phone number?

Ian Straker's direct phone number is +4478013*****

What schools did Ian Straker attend?

Ian Straker attended Loughborough University, Loughborough University.

What are some of Ian Straker's interests?

Ian Straker has interest in Djing, Watching Sports, Entrepreneurship, Social Media, Marketing, New Business, Reading (Crime And Thrillers), Photography, Health And Wellbeing, Productivity.

What skills is Ian Straker known for?

Ian Straker has skills like Music Industry, Record Labels, A&r, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Digital Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Music Publishing, Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Business Strategy, Business Planning.

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