An entrepreneur and general business manager with competence in research, development, applied technology, Sales, Marketing, new business development, finance, business planning, business funding and general management. Originally a scientist with a Degree and PhD I started in Research then moved to Development and Technical Management Roles. Thereafter held several Sales & Marketing positions. In 2000 I founded Onyx Scientific Ltd and as CEO with major business development responsibilities took the business to a profitable turnover of £5 m in 2007. On the way, the company won the NE Small Business of the Year award and was cited as a top 20 fastest growing UK technology company. In 2007 I managed an MBO & in 2011, trade sale of the company. I currently operate as a Motivational speaker, Non-Exec Director & Management Consultant.My Motivational speaker qualifications derive from a tenacious determination to start a business in 2000 and growing it to plan despite early setbacks, overcoming enormous odds when a near death accident left me permanently paralysed in 2003. Returning to the helm I further grew the company successfully to ultimately exit in a trade sale. Since my accident I have adapted to a new life, learned to row, to sail dinghies and yachts, become a private pilot, help start a number of businesses, and simply to cope with and overcome many of the obstacles that are simply part of everyday life for a paraplegic. I now sell and take art commissions. See tonyflinnartist.co.uk for ideas.