People would describe me as incredibly driven, passionate and that I have a competitive edge that is rarely rivalled.  Despite my competitive nature, I believe in doing things with integrity, appreciating that brand is built on words and actions.  My brand has continued to evolve as I have progressed up the corporate ladder, however my core values still remain the same.  I believe consistency is key and that I remain authentic to who I really am. 

My primary goal has shifted somewhat as I continue to develop my own skills in a leadership position. My focus is on building an effective team of talented people, many of whom I anticipate having different skills than myself. Ultimately their personal development and their development as an exceptional team remains my primary focus.

What is your business looking to achieve? 

We aim to be the go to and best in class specialist cleaning and decontamination business within the United Kingdom. React will continue to push the boundaries of methodology and set benchmark standards for the specialist cleaning sector. Despite our modest size, we have very strong customer advocacies which we aim to leverage further as we strengthen our brand and customer base.  

Ultimately, we want the REACT brand to be synonymous with sector leading quality and expertise.

How do you set yourself apart from other businesses in your industry?

REACT go above and beyond, working in partnership with many of our Tier 1 customers to create cutting edge customer centric methodologies and solutions to the specialist cleaning sector. REACT have extensive knowledge of chemicals, testing and cleaning procedures to ensure that every order is fulfilled on time, within budget and to the highest standard possible.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as an entrepreneur?

Remain open minded, engage with all levels of the team and involve them in key decisions. Ultimately, don’t be scared to be daring, innovative and bold. Personally, I’ve learnt the importance of surrounding yourself with experienced peers and advisors and remain grounded no matter how successful one is, after all there is no shame in seeking counsel from others or for occasionally getting things wrong (providing we learn from our mistakes).

With all the success stories around entrepreneurship and how innovative people have to be to take the leap. How do you think you’ve innovated your sector and why? 

My journey with REACT started a little over 14 months ago. During this time, we’ve worked incredibly hard to put in place the foundations on which we will grow the business. We’ve begun building real momentum in our testing capability, methodology and our utilisation of non-harmful cleaning products. 

We’ve taken a consultative approach to further solidify our standing as an expert.

If you could be in a room with 4 entrepreneurs, who would they be and why?

Elon Musk – he’s a self-taught expert. Love him or hate him and as quirky as he may be, you cannot argue his brilliance when it comes to the work of innovation in business. 

Gary Vaynerchuk – I would describe the outspoken New York Jets fanatic to be a ‘living legend’. His straight talking no BS attitude to both business and life itself really rings true with me. His natural ability to stay ahead of the curve, innovate and market is something else. 

Peter Jones – Not many people know this but he set up his first business at the age of 16, who he later sold to IBM. After losing everything in his mid-twenties it highlights what hard work and determination can achieve.  I admire his ‘change of die’ approach to business. 

Sir James Dyson – the UK’s richest man and very own ‘Mr Innovation and Design’. His ability to improve existing design and stamp his own brand on his inventions is on another level.

What are your top tips for entrepreneurs wanting to get their business out there?

Go for it!  Devise a plan, evolve it daily and don’t be scared to reach out to people for advice, guidance or mentorship. Ultimately SELL, SELL, SELL; just make sure you go about it with integrity. Humility is key and don’t take knock backs or “no” too seriously.  One of my mantra’s being “it is what it is”.

What plans do you have for REACT over the next two years?

We aim to continue strengthening the sales and marketing function to scale the business through organic growth and carefully selected M&A. Our focus will remain on markets where REACT have clear differentiation, so that we strengthen customer relationships and secure reoccurring revenue streams.

How important is company culture and what is your top tip to get it right? 

Absolutely fundamental. This is something we’ve worked hard to get right since joining the business back in March 2019. Historically we had a good reputation for the work we carried out but out back office function was not fit for purpose and neither was our culture. 

Take the time to understand the business and team members, there is generally a reason why negative attitudes exist.

How did you conquer those moments of doubt that so often affect entrepreneurs or stop many with great ideas – what pushes you through?

I’d be lying if I said I’ve never had any, of course I have – albeit very few in this role. I’m in an incredibly lucky position where I have the counsel of a successful turnaround leader and personal Business Mentor, Mark Braund. Although generally on the same page with strategic and operational approaches, he enjoys playing devil’s advocate to test my rational.

What’s the most important question entrepreneurs should be asking themselves?

I know it’s become a bit of a cliché, but figure out your “why”. 

For me, my “why” is a combination of components, I’ll not bore you with the details but my super competitive nature and natural ability to spin plates leads me to enjoy the daily strains and highlights of leading a business. Learn from the lows and feed off the highs. Never stop, always keep striving toward greatness.