It’s time to congratulate our very own Mike Allen, who’s devotion to helping small businesses during the last few months of uncertainty has been recognised with a BFA Community Hero nomination! The BFA Community Hero Awards have been set up to recognise, reward, and promote outstanding professionalism within this increasingly important market sector. Mike Allen joined our team back in August 2019 as Business Doctor for his local area Solihull. It was his commitment and passion for supporting SMEs that brought him out of retirement. Talk about dedication! The Business Doctor ethos aligned perfectly with his own, as he wanted to give something back by helping small businesses to achieve their vision. So, how did Mike come to master his trade? Mike graduated from the university of Leeds with a Chemical Engineering degree. Luckily for us, a career in engineering wasn’t on the cards for Mike, but the course did open the door to many experiences that would eventually lead him into a successful 30-year business career. From working at Cadbury in Bournville (with access to lots of free chocolate), to becoming part of the senior team at Camelot that set up The National Lottery. After this, Mike spent 10 years working in the education technology sector- a role focused on improving the possibilities for young people across the UK, and one that he found extremely rewarding. However, Mike discovered his true passion for helping small businesses whilst running the Croner Group, who provide HR and legal support to SME’s. More recently, he set up Arco Professional Safety Service. Another great example of Mike doing what he does best – using his vast business and leadership experience to help people see their vision and achieve extraordinary things. Why has Mike been nominated for a BFA? A drive for supporting small businesses is at the heart of why Mike does what he does. So, when 2020 threw a series of unprecedented hurdles at the nations SME’s, Mike knew he had to act quickly and do something to help his existing clients and businesses he hadn’t worked with before. Mike took it upon himself to help as many local businesses as possible, offering his support to those who needed it, on a not-for-profit basis, as so many businesses were suffering financially. Mike’s desire to help wherever he could also lead to him signing up as a Mentor/Advisor to a number of organisations including: The Birmingham Enterprise Community, Enterprise Nation, and HSBC’s Birmingham Expresso Club. Since then, Mike has engaged with over 200 businesses, some face to face, others via webinars. Mike feels he is fulfilling his sense of purpose and has built many strong, new relationships with businesses across the region. Naturally he has gained new clients as a result but that was not the main reason for doing what he did. Mike has selflessly provided businesses with experience-based support and advice in order to keep them prospering through the pandemic. We’re so proud to have him as part of our team and wish him the best of luck with the award.
It’s time to congratulate our very own Mike Allen, who’s devotion to helping small businesses during the last few months of uncertainty has been recognised with a BFA Community Hero nomination! The BFA Community Hero Awards have been set up to recognise, reward, and promote outstanding professionalism within this increasingly important market sector.
Mike Allen joined our team back in August 2019 as Business Doctor for his local area Solihull. It was his commitment and passion for supporting SMEs that brought him out of retirement. Talk about dedication! The Business Doctor ethos aligned perfectly with his own, as he wanted to give something back by helping small businesses to achieve their vision.
So, how did Mike come to master his trade?
Mike graduated from the university of Leeds with a Chemical Engineering degree. Luckily for us, a career in engineering wasn’t on the cards for Mike, but the course did open the door to many experiences that would eventually lead him into a successful 30-year business career. From working at Cadbury in Bournville (with access to lots of free chocolate), to becoming part of the senior team at Camelot that set up The National Lottery.
After this, Mike spent 10 years working in the education technology sector- a role focused on improving the possibilities for young people across the UK, and one that he found extremely rewarding. However, Mike discovered his true passion for helping small businesses whilst running the Croner Group, who provide HR and legal support to SME’s. More recently, he set up Arco Professional Safety Service. Another great example of Mike doing what he does best – using his vast business and leadership experience to help people see their vision and achieve extraordinary things.
Why has Mike been nominated for a BFA?
A drive for supporting small businesses is at the heart of why Mike does what he does. So, when 2020 threw a series of unprecedented hurdles at the nations SME’s, Mike knew he had to act quickly and do something to help his existing clients and businesses he hadn’t worked with before.
Mike took it upon himself to help as many local businesses as possible, offering his support to those who needed it, on a not-for-profit basis, as so many businesses were suffering financially. Mike’s desire to help wherever he could also lead to him signing up as a Mentor/Advisor to a number of organisations including: The Birmingham Enterprise Community, Enterprise Nation, and HSBC’s Birmingham Expresso Club. Since then, Mike has engaged with over 200 businesses, some face to face, others via webinars.
Mike feels he is fulfilling his sense of purpose and has built many strong, new relationships with businesses across the region.
Naturally he has gained new clients as a result but that was not the main reason for doing what he did. Mike has selflessly provided businesses with experience-based support and advice in order to keep them prospering through the pandemic.
We’re so proud to have him as part of our team and wish him the best of luck with the award.
Describing its offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the company provides hands on support to owners of small and medium sized enterprises in every sector. The Teeside territory has been bought by former financial director Simon Grant. With a range of expertise from general management, HR, IT, supply chain management, internal audit, property management, acquisitions & mergers and fleet management, Simon will now use his internationally acquired skills to help the owners of the region's SMEs realise their ambitions. A chartered accountant by training, he said: "Having worked for overseas subsidiaries in Kenya and Indonesia, I always found myself taking on responsibility for much more than financial performance. "It's this wide ranging expertise that makes me such an asset to SME owners who are looking to move their business to the next level. I have a strong financial focus, but am experienced across the board." Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to brand for SME advisory and consultancy services. With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands. Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Simon will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of SMEs around Teeside. "He shares my belief that entrepreneurs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Simon is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Describing its offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the company provides hands on support to owners of small and medium sized enterprises in every sector.
The Teeside territory has been bought by former financial director Simon Grant.
With a range of expertise from general management, HR, IT, supply chain management, internal audit, property management, acquisitions & mergers and fleet management, Simon will now use his internationally acquired skills to help the owners of the region's SMEs realise their ambitions.
A chartered accountant by training, he said: "Having worked for overseas subsidiaries in Kenya and Indonesia, I always found myself taking on responsibility for much more than financial performance.
"It's this wide ranging expertise that makes me such an asset to SME owners who are looking to move their business to the next level. I have a strong financial focus, but am experienced across the board."
Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to brand for SME advisory and consultancy services.
With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Simon will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of SMEs around Teeside.
"He shares my belief that entrepreneurs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Simon is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors, the SME support franchise, has launched a new rural territory to cover the Lakes and Dales.
Describing its offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the fran-chisor provides hands on support to owners of small and medium sized companies in every sector.
The Lakes and Dales territory has been bought by former FMCG director Steve Howard.
With a range of expertise from general management, to operations, supply chain, logistics, production and sales and marketing, Steve will now use his skills and experience to help the owners of the region's small and medium sized firms realise their ambitions.
The self-confessed business junkie said: "I just enjoy business. I love doing busi-ness, talking to people about business and I read all the business press in my spare time. It's what interests and motivates me".
"Part of being a business junkie," he said, "is having my finger on the pulse. I can bring both intelligent, practical ideas and implementation strategy to small and medium sized businesses, operating as a hands on team member rather than a consultant.
"I am all too aware of the expression 'consultants steal your watch and then tell you the time'.
"This couldn't be further from my approach."
"As part of the Business Doctors network, I work with and alongside the owners of SMEs to help them to develop and grow their business. With me it's definitely not about telling: it's all about doing".
With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambi-tious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Afri-ca in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight re-gions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Steve will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of SMEs around the beautiful Lakes and Dales.
"He shares my belief that entrepreneurs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Steve is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors, the franchised support network for small and medium-sized enterprises, has a new franchisee for Oxford. Describing its offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the company pro-vides hands on support to owners of SMEs in every sector. The Oxford territory has been bought by engineer turned serial entrepreneur Ian Roberts. Ian, who practices martial arts in his spare time, has a strong track record in turning around under-performing companies. He said: "I come from a building family and most of my relatives are self employed. Business is in my blood. "I love to help people get to grips with their dreams, whether that involves taking their busi-ness to the next level and growing their wealth or stepping back from their work and having more time on their hands. "I'm interested in people as much as I am in business and my focus is always on what is best for an individual. There are no one size fits all fixes for under achieving businesses and for every SME owner there will be a unique best way forward." Ian is a vocal advocate for the Business Doctors' hands on ethos of providing practical help. "We're just not the 'hand over a report and say our goodbyes' kind of people," he said. "I really enjoy getting to grips with a business and really getting to know its owner before go-ing on their business growth journey with them." Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to company for SME advisory and consultancy services. With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. To-day, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands. Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Ian will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized businesses around the Oxford area. "He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Ian is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors, the franchised support network for small and medium-sized enterprises, has a new franchisee for Oxford.
Describing its offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the company pro-vides hands on support to owners of SMEs in every sector.
The Oxford territory has been bought by engineer turned serial entrepreneur Ian Roberts.
Ian, who practices martial arts in his spare time, has a strong track record in turning around under-performing companies.
He said: "I come from a building family and most of my relatives are self employed. Business is in my blood. "I love to help people get to grips with their dreams, whether that involves taking their busi-ness to the next level and growing their wealth or stepping back from their work and having more time on their hands.
"I'm interested in people as much as I am in business and my focus is always on what is best for an individual. There are no one size fits all fixes for under achieving businesses and for every SME owner there will be a unique best way forward."
Ian is a vocal advocate for the Business Doctors' hands on ethos of providing practical help. "We're just not the 'hand over a report and say our goodbyes' kind of people," he said.
"I really enjoy getting to grips with a business and really getting to know its owner before go-ing on their business growth journey with them."
Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to company for SME advisory and consultancy services.
With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. To-day, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Ian will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized businesses around the Oxford area.
"He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Ian is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors has recruited its third franchisee for West Kent. Former logistics industry director and city trader Sean Smith has bought the exclusive territory of Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. Business Doctors partner in a highly practical way with SMEs, working alongside owners of small and medium sized enterprises to achieve growth. This hands on approach, which lies somewhere between coaching and consultancy, really resonates with Sean. He says: "Business is my passion. I love making a difference and adding value to SMEs. "Business owners can feel very isolated- I know, I've been there. "As a Business Doctors I will help SME owners to recognise their ultimate goal - whether that is increasing profit, growing their markets or finding a way to help their business operate effectively when they are not there, giving them the time and space to achieve other things." Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to company for SME advisory and consultancy services. With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands. Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Sean will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized businesses around Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. "He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Sean is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors has recruited its third franchisee for West Kent.
Former logistics industry director and city trader Sean Smith has bought the exclusive territory of Tonbridge and Sevenoaks.
Business Doctors partner in a highly practical way with SMEs, working alongside owners of small and medium sized enterprises to achieve growth. This hands on approach, which lies somewhere between coaching and consultancy, really resonates with Sean. He says: "Business is my passion. I love making a difference and adding value to SMEs.
"Business owners can feel very isolated- I know, I've been there.
"As a Business Doctors I will help SME owners to recognise their ultimate goal - whether that is increasing profit, growing their markets or finding a way to help their business operate effectively when they are not there, giving them the time and space to achieve other things."
Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Sean will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized businesses around Tonbridge and Sevenoaks.
"He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Sean is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
With 30 years experience in operations, learning & development, project management and sales, David O'Brien will launch the new East of England territory. David believes that all businesses, whatever their size or sector, experience similar issues and barriers to growth. "People who set up a company usually do so because they are great at doing something or because they have a passion for it, such as hairdressing, photography or health products. Very few people start a business because they are good at business," he says. Business Doctors work in a highly practical way with SMEs, getting under the skin of their businesses and working alongside business owners to achieve growth. This hands on approach, which lies somewhere between coaching and consultancy, really resonates with David. He says: "We are not the 'hand over a report and make our exit' type of consultants. Our slogan says it all: We don’t just coach, we get on the pitch". Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to company for SME advisory and consultancy services. With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that David will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized businesses around Lincolnshire and Rutland. "He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and David is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
With 30 years experience in operations, learning & development, project management and sales, David O'Brien will launch the new East of England territory. David believes that all businesses, whatever their size or sector, experience similar issues and barriers to growth.
"People who set up a company usually do so because they are great at doing something or because they have a passion for it, such as hairdressing, photography or health products. Very few people start a business because they are good at business," he says.
Business Doctors work in a highly practical way with SMEs, getting under the skin of their businesses and working alongside business owners to achieve growth. This hands on approach, which lies somewhere between coaching and consultancy, really resonates with David. He says: "We are not the 'hand over a report and make our exit' type of consultants. Our slogan says it all: We don’t just coach, we get on the pitch".
With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that David will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized businesses around Lincolnshire and Rutland.
"He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and David is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors, the franchised support network for small and medium-sized firms, has a new franchisee for South Yorkshire. Describing its unique offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the network provides hands on support to owners of SMEs in every sector. The new territory, which includes Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster, has been bought by former commercial vehicle major player Paddy Limb. Paddy was previously co-owner and MD of the most profitable independent Volvo truck dealership group in Europe. He said: "When I sold my interest in the dealership and left the business, the greatest satisfaction I got was the notes from people who worked for me, thanking me for the support and guidance I had given them both personally and professionally. "I have run my own one man band business with little or no spare resources and I have also been a partner in a £160 million turnover company. It is this broad range of experience that I believe helps me to have empathy with SME owners. This is because I have been there and I understand the challenges they face and how to overcome them. "Business Doctors allows me to use the skills and experience I have gained over the years to support small and medium sized business owners to get their businesses working for them. "I've always loved business turnaround TV programmes like 'I'll Show Them Who's Boss' with Gerry Robinson and 'Troubleshooter' with Sir John Harvey Jones and now I'm part of the Business Doctors network, I get to do it for real every day." Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building the go to company for SME advisory and consultancy services. With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Paddy will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized companies in South Yorkshire. "He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Paddy is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Business Doctors, the franchised support network for small and medium-sized firms, has a new franchisee for South Yorkshire.
Describing its unique offer as 'somewhere in between consultancy and coaching', the network provides hands on support to owners of SMEs in every sector.
The new territory, which includes Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster, has been bought by former commercial vehicle major player Paddy Limb. Paddy was previously co-owner and MD of the most profitable independent Volvo truck dealership group in Europe.
He said: "When I sold my interest in the dealership and left the business, the greatest satisfaction I got was the notes from people who worked for me, thanking me for the support and guidance I had given them both personally and professionally.
"I have run my own one man band business with little or no spare resources and I have also been a partner in a £160 million turnover company. It is this broad range of experience that I believe helps me to have empathy with SME owners. This is because I have been there and I understand the challenges they face and how to overcome them.
"Business Doctors allows me to use the skills and experience I have gained over the years to support small and medium sized business owners to get their businesses working for them.
"I've always loved business turnaround TV programmes like 'I'll Show Them Who's Boss' with Gerry Robinson and 'Troubleshooter' with Sir John Harvey Jones and now I'm part of the Business Doctors network, I get to do it for real every day."
With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands
Rod Davies, Business Doctors' co-founder, said: "I am confident that Paddy will be able to use his experience to transform the fortunes of small and medium sized companies in South Yorkshire.
"He shares my belief that SMEs need hands on, practical support and not just consultancy. Business Doctors offers an affordable and jargon free middle ground between coaching and consultancy and Paddy is well placed to deliver this service to an exceptional standard."
Angela Connally will take on a broad role, with responsibilities including managing the office, updating and improving systems, looking after franchisee compliance and ISO accreditation and contributing to marketing and recruit-ment. She joins the consultancy network after almost a decade with American franchisor CMIT Solutions, which provides outsourced IT expertise for small and medium sized enterprises. Whilst part of the franchise development team with the Texas-based company, Angela saw them grow to 172 territories. She said: "The US is the home of franchising and after almost ten years with a fast growing white collar franchisor, I have much to bring to Business Doctors. "Business Doctors prides itself on being a responsible and collaborative net-work of SME consultants and I found its ethical nature to be a perfect fit for me. "I am looking forward to playing my part as the franchise grows in the UK and beyond".
Business Doctors has over 30 territories operating around the UK. In 2014 they took their first steps beyond British soil and launched in South Africa. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city. In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland and in 2017 they appointed a master franchisor for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Business Doctors has made its first move into mainland Europe with the appointment of a master franchisor for Belgium and Luxembourg.
Former finance director Aslam Bakkali has taken over the rights for the European neighbours and also has first refusal on France.
With support from the UK head office, the French-speaking Belgian now plans to divide his patch into six to eight territories. The first, Brussels, he will operate himself.
Aslam is well placed to support the Belgian capital region's growing number of SMEs and start ups, with 30 years finance, sales, marketing and strategic business experience behind him.
Throughout three decades in industry, Aslam has worked up to FD level for the subsidiaries of many multinationals, including Colgate-Palmolive, Orangina Schweppes, Sun Micro Systems and Nielsen Company. Rod Davies, co-founder Business Doctors, said: "When we met Aslam, we knew right away that we had found our perfect master franchisor for the Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union.
"His business background has equipped him with a special blend of bluechip expertise alongside an appreciation of the reality of working in an SME.
"We know he has an enormous amount to offer Brussels' start up and SME community and are confident that he will help us to grow our network of small and medium sized business consultants throughout Europe."
Aslam said: "When I discovered the Business Doctors franchise, I found a perfect fit for my skills and experience and was delighted that they felt the same way too.
"I am very much looking forward to launching their first office in mainland Europe and bringing their unique brand of jargon-free, hands on SME support to Brussels and beyond.
"Once the Brussels franchise is up and running, I will be recruiting franchisees to operate across the rest of Belgium and Luxembourg".
Since humble beginnings above a Cheshire takeaway in 2004, franchisors Rod Davies and Matt Levington were set on building a global brand: the go to company for SME consultancy services.
With over 30 Business Doctors territories now operating around the UK, the ambitious pair took their first steps beyond British soil when they launched in South Africa in May 2014. Today, Business Doctors' territories are up and running in eight regions of the country, including Johannesburg, its largest and wealthiest city.
In 2016, Business Doctors launched in India, Malta and Republic of Ireland.
There’s a new type of doctor in town, but he won’t be taking your blood pressure anytime soon. Chris Sowerby, trading as Business Doctors Crawley and Redhill, is testing the health of the region’s SMEs and writing prescriptions to help them grow. Chris says his experience at the helm of international businesses in high-profile finance and operations roles can bring huge benefits to local small businesses and sole traders. “There are a lot of transferable skills and knowledge that you can take from running a large organisation and apply to a small one,” he explains. “Processes, people skills, staff engagement and finance, small or large: the requisite skills are the same and the end results are the same. It’s all about interpretation, and applying the same logic to different problems.” Having worked his way up from a junior financial role to director of an international import business, then chief operating officer of a public sector organisation, with a stint running his own accountancy practice thrown in for good measure, there’s no business problem Chris hasn’t solved. His vast knowledge of high-level finance and operations, coupled with his experience of operating his own successful company, give him a broad understanding of how all elements of business link together. “I can use my experience and knowledge in finance, organisation management, people skills, staff management and employee engagement and interpret it to benefit the SME offering,” he says. “The basic principles are the same for everyone - the core business concepts don’t change whatever the market or size. It’s about having the experience, knowing how to apply it, where to tweak and knowing where change will make a difference. There’s no point in changing for change’s sake, it has to move the business forward. “It could be a hairdressing salon, a firm of solicitors or a landscape gardening business: I don’t come with a preconceived agenda. I listen to what’s needed, understand problems and use my experience and knowledge to craft a solution. People get so engrossed in running the business, it’s difficult to see what works and what doesn’t. I help them to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.” When he’s not dispensing health advice to SMEs, Chris can be found in his home town of Sevenoaks with his wife Sarah tending to the race horses they own – one and a quarter, to be precise. “We’ve always been into horses, and have taken part in show jumping, three day eventing and carriage driving,” he says. “Horses have always been a big part of our lives, so the opportunity to invest into race horses was too good to pass up.” But, he says, his true passion will always be with business. “I’m really excited about being able to help other businesses as part of the Business Doctors network. I’m at the stage now where I’m not driving my own career – it really is a lifestyle choice to be able to get out there and help smaller businesses grow.”
