Having experienced almost 40 years as a Business Owner, I had often encountered a sense of frustration from business owners trying to Grow, Fund and Exit their businesses. Business First Associates is dedicated to helping businesses thrive and achieve success. With a proven track record of success, we specialise in providing tailored solutions to enhance business growth, secure funding, and develop effective exit strategies. Used in over 7000 businesses and a presence in 34 countries, the frameworks and methodologies have been proven to deliver results.At BFA, we take a holistic approach to business consulting, incorporating the renowned Shirlaws methods. As an appointed licensee for Shirlaws Intellectual Property (IP), we leverage their proprietary Growth Management System to support the growth of SMEs. This unique system combines training, consulting, coaching, mentoring, and facilitation to provide CEOs and business owners with the vital foundations for sustainable growth and an opportunity to achieve their vision.Our collaborative approach ensures that we work closely with our clients, understanding their specific challenges and aspirations. By combining strategic insights, financial expertise, and innovative thinking, we develop customised solutions that align with our clients' visions and deliver tangible results. We believe in being a trusted advisor throughout our clients' business journeys, providing guidance and support every step of the way.As an SME ourselves, we understand the ever-changing business landscape and the importance of staying ahead of the curve. We continuously update our knowledge and skills, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest industry trends and best practices. By joining our network, you gain access to a wealth of resources, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in today's competitive market

After another successful business exit, I decided to venture into creating my own membership organisation. I recognised the inherent challenges of selling such a product. However, the benefits, including recurring revenue, predictable cash flow, and opportunities for upselling related products and services, made it an appealing venture.Commencing on January 1, 2014, and giving myself a six-month window to establish the business, I dedicated my efforts to the creation of Business First Network, officially launched on June 1, 2014.Business First Network operates as a fully-fledged Business Membership Organization, providing a range of services:• Fully underwritten advice lines for Legal, HR, Tax, VAT, and Health & Safety.• A comprehensive Business Document site offering guidance and templates for business issues.• Assistance for business owners in complying with new Auto-Enrolment legislation.• Member discounts, deals, and activities for Business Owners, their families, and staff.Additional member benefits encompass networking, coaching, an online portal, a print and post platform, insurance, bank accounts, finance, card processing, energy deals, telecoms and IT deals, payroll, private medical health care, credit control, and data services.To establish credibility, Business First Network launched with a fully functioning business setup, including a copyrighted name, logo, and branding, a functioning e-commerce website, a recurring direct debit payment system, a comprehensive welcome pack with a personalised and numbered membership card, a GDPR-compliant membership database with email communication resources, fully branded social media sites, local geographic phone numbers, and a 24-hour member helpline.Today, Business First Network remains operational, supporting over 500 SME business owners.2024 sees the launch of Business First Hub, giving SME owners immediate access to our services.

Established as a Property and Business Investment Company, our primary focus was originally on securing high rental yields in German property prior to the 2008 property crash. In response to market dynamics, our strategic direction has evolved, and we now channel our investments into residential property and business opportunities, primarily centred in Northern Ireland.

Dun Eideann Property Ltd is the owner of the Belvoir Lettings Franchise for Edinburgh.As a Director, I represented the interests of the investing shareholders and worked with the executive directors to secure initial funding and negotiate a successful exit for the investors in 2023.

As a committed member of FSB, I assumed a temporary role as a field sales agent. Despite delivering presentations to over 20 self-employed business owners in my local area during the initial week, I encountered the challenge of achieving zero sales. Recognising the inherent value of FSB, I analysed the reasons behind the hesitancy of business owners. In response, I developed a comprehensive sales strategy for member recruitment, encompassing prospecting, appointment-making, follow-up, sales scripts, and training, initially applying these methods personally.This strategic shift yielded concrete results, prompting me to acquire the license to promote and sell FSB Membership in Northern Ireland. I subsequently cultivated and led a team of self-employed sales agents, propelling FSB membership from 1000 to over 8000 members. This success positioned us as the largest Business Organisation in Northern Ireland, enabling me to personally connect with over 15,000 local business owners.In 2009, I expanded my impact by acquiring the FSB license for the West Midlands, covering regions such as Birmingham, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, North Wales, and South Wales. Leading a team of over 30 sales agents, I became an integral part of the broader UK FSB Recruitment team. Through effective management, motivation, and training, we orchestrated the remarkable growth of the organisation from 20,000 members to an impressive 250,000 members nationwide.In 2012, I played a pivotal role in advising and facilitating negotiations with FSB, leading to the decision to bring the FSB Recruitment Sales Team in-house. This culminated in a successful transfer and exit for the license holders in late 2013.

Travelling to the USA with the aim of acquiring a Master Franchise licence for the UK and Ireland. I had researched a number of opportunities and eventually decided on TeamLogic IT part of Franchise Services inc. owner of a number of The USA’s top Franchise brands.Along with an experienced IT Support Co-Founder, the business was launched in late 2006 with a company-owned Model Franchise and Network Operation Centre based in Lisburn and running IT services for SME Business Owners in Northern Ireland. The business experienced substantial growth in the new market of IT Managed Services."If all my Franchisees were Millionaires. How successful would I be?" Chuck Lennon. CEO TeamLogic IT"

Pizza Production Co emerged as one of the pioneer Pizza Take-Away and Delivery Companies in Northern Ireland, operating from June 1987 to June 2001. During my tenure, I successfully expanded the company from a single shop on the Ormeau Road to four shops in Belfast, managing a staff of over 50 employees.Beginning with the development of the Pizza Dough recipe tested in my mother's kitchen, I collaborated with local suppliers to secure essential components such as the original Moretti Pizza Oven, equipment, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and other ingredients. Adhering to an early MVP (Minimum Viable Product) principle, we ensured timely shop openings.Our marketing strategy encompassed direct local leafleting, along with local newspaper and radio advertising. We employed a local workforce and provided comprehensive training for Pizza Chefs, Delivery Drivers, and Front of House staff. Operating from 8:00 am, we prepared fresh produce, opened for lunch, and continued delivering pizzas until 2:00 am, maintaining a business operation for 18 hours a day. Consistently serving and delivering hundreds of pizzas daily, 365 days a year, we established a prominent presence in the market.In 2001, following a refurbishment of some properties, successful leasing or selling of the units to the management team marked the conclusion of the venture.“It’s what you learn after you know everything that Counts.” John Wooden, UCLA Basketball Coach

In 1981, during breaks between university terms, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey by establishing my first business. Over time, I expanded the company, overseeing a team that grew to over 20 employees. Engaging in negotiations for both private and commercial contracts, the business primarily focused on services such as Painting and Decorating, Sash Window Restoration, and Small Landscaping Projects.Upon completing my university degree in 1985, recognising the substantial growth and increased complexity of the business, I opted to consolidate its management. To achieve this, I brought in two shareholders to contribute to the effective governance and operation of the company. This strategic move allowed for a more robust structure to sustain and enhance the growth trajectory.In early 1987, I made the decision to sell my share in the business. This shift in focus was driven by the opportunity to concentrate on a new venture—the Pizza Take-Away and Delivery Business. This transition marked a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey, steering my efforts towards a new and promising endeavour.