Ten years ago, fresh from the bruising collapse of Birkby’s Plastics, I re-joined the turnaround world founding Verve4growth to provide transformational services to UK based SME manufacturing businesses.
At the time the turnaround market was changing and rather than just be another independent turnaround director, I created a brand focusing on what I did and how I set about transformative change to deliver better outcomes.
The brand developed into a website and for a time regular blogs on subjects which I hoped would help SME owner Managers with their many challenges.
Looking back few independents at that time traded as brands. Establishing the Verve4growth brand helped me develop my raison d’être and has helped my clients much more easily understand what I do and how I go about doing it.
I have been fortunate to have worked for some fascinating client companies under family, corporate and PE ownership. Product markets ranging from very sophisticated custodial measuring systems for the oil & gas industry to behind the meter battery energy storage for critical industry and hospitals.
Perhaps my most challenging project was closing a French plant at the outset of the Gilet Jaune movement. Bodyguards for a few months became a necessity and let me tell you, they certainly do not add to the Auvergne dining experience!
Celebrations are about giving thanks for those who have provided much needed advice, support and encouragement on the journey.
So thanks to: David Pinchard, Mark Stonham, Caroline Gourlay, Tony King, Mike Ames, Catherine Every, Jo Wright, the Institute for Turnaround and my ever so patient wife Theresa.
And, of course, thanks to my clients: Alderley Systems, Neuteq Europe, CAB Automotive, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Rical Group, Powerstar, GKN Driveline, Autoliv, Ideal Manufacturing, Sertec and Pal International.
Also thanks to the advisory firms, banks and interim providers for regularly putting my name forward.
Here’s to the next 10 years! I hope they prove as interesting and enjoyable.
But I think I will have to give up restructuring in France. My weakness for Auvergne cuisine – it would have been rude not to – led to an 8Kg weight gain!
Perhaps not my best “better outcome” but certainly one that was enjoyably earned!