5 minutes with Steve Drake

Q Who are you?

Steve Drake, I am a director UK Business Mentoring (UKBM) covering London, Surrey and Sussex. UKBM was formed 14 years ago to provide first-class support to SME business owners.

In Chapter 1 of my working life, I had several senior leadership roles in both blue-chip and SME companies in the FMCG retail sector across strategy, marketing, commercial, sales and operations.

In Chapter 2, I am now drawing on this wealth of experience to help SME business owners develop both themselves and their businesses to move from surviving to thriving.

Q What's your business all about?

I'm dedicated to helping SME Owners grow their businesses. Better and quicker. Many entrepreneurs become bogged down in daily operational challenges, leading to stress, long hours, and a sense that rewards are elusive. While inherently risk-takers, they may not grasp the unknown risks they face as they venture into uncharted territory.

This is where I come in. As your Business Mentoryour "Challenging Friend" - I offer business expertise, a fresh perspective, and a wealth of experience to guide you, stretch your boundaries, and provide unwavering support. I'm your sounding board, confidante, and cheerleader, rolled into one.

As businesses expand, Owners must shift from working IN the business to working ON it, requiring new skills and knowledge for effective leadership. Failure to adapt leads to stress and stagnation. Opting for UKBM mentorship means gaining a strategic partner, a tailored growth strategy, accelerated skills development, increased confidence, and a consistent accountability partner to ensure your success.

Q Ideal Customer?

My ideal client is an ambitious SME Owner with a team of between 5-50 people. That is, those that have moved beyond the early start-up/micro business phases and are now hitting the ‘Wall of Frustration’ with likely stagnant growth, lack of strategic clarity, poor team engagement and performance challenges, or not enough regular focus on the financial and operational measures. These Owners will see and feel a very quick positive impact from working with me.

Q Three words to describe yourself?

Adaptive, enterprising, enthusiastic

Q Biggest achievement?

My most significant achievement has been the accumulation of business experience over many years, diverse companies and across many roles. Along the way, I was privileged to have run an international retail business in a large global company and later also work in a small SME business working in a close collaboration with a large UK supermarket chain. So, I’ve been both the ‘big guy’ and the ‘small guy’. Great learning!

Q Biggest gripe?

Closed mindsets and negativity. Don’t waste the opportunity for life-long learning.

Q Sporting Hero?

The Great Britain Men's Eight rowing crew at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Their gold medal triumph came from their commitment to excellence, teamwork, resilience, and attention to detail.

They were the unfancied “2nd team” crew. They were not going to win using conventional rowing strategy. They went as hard as they could from the off, surprising the other crews, and held on to win. Brilliant! Look up “Will it make the boat go faster” on YouTube for the full story.

Q Biggest tip for success?

Clarity of purpose, build resilience …. oh, and get a mentor!

Q Your inspiration?

I'm most inspired by 'everyday heroes’, often found among SME Owners. People who embody the entrepreneurial spirit in pursuing their visions, showing great resilience and creativity in the face of continuous challenges. Their success stories are guiding lights as to what is possible. The more of these we can help create and sustain the better for us all in society.

Q Philosophy in Business?

Help others to be successful. Honest and professional, always acting with full integrity and respect confidentiality. Modern thinking. Traditional values. I will add value to you and your business. If you don’t agree, then you do not have to pay the invoice. No quibbles. Guaranteed.

Mobile: 07723 508932

Email: steve@ukbusinessmentoring.co.uk

Web: ukbusinessmentoring.co.uk/businessmentors/steve-drake

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/stevedrakeukbm

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