King of the city

discuss his history in business, his drive to succeed and his ambitious plans for the future.

Doug appeared on the latest edition of the Chamber Talks Business podcast, which delved into his humble beginnings, growing up in Lowestoft, Suffolk, with a passion for sports and talents in science and maths.

He studied mathematical engineering at Loughborough University, before landing one of just ten management trainee positions at global company Cargill.

Having been based in the agricultural area of the business as Head of UK Grain and Non Grain Feed Ingredients, it was his interest in trading that pushed him to seek a more lucrative position in the company’s oil trading division in which he gained a number of skills and learnt lessons about risk and reward.

Wanting to utilise his skills further, he and a partner purchased a physical commodity trading business, now named RCMA Group, which at its peak in 2015 it employed between 400 and 500 people in 20 countries and were moving sugar, coffee, cotton and natural rubber around the world.

Not content with the business model, the company later went on to refocus and launch sustainable rapeseed processing firm Yelo Enterprises, based in StratfordUpon-Avon.

Speaking about his decision to buy Coventry City Football Club, Doug said that it was his passion for competitive sport and his knowledge of the trials and tribulations

West Midlands Railway services destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill.

London Northwestern Railway connects London and Liverpool via the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston, stopping at Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and Northampton.

West Midlands Trains also offers a range of products supporting discounted travel including Student Season Tickets and Just Business.

Businesses looking to book train travel can easily compare fares using the Just Business platform.

It is a free online business train travel booking platform that is not exclusive to

West Midlands and London Northwestern train routes, with all train operators and routes listed, and the cheapest fares highlighted.

It provides businesses with a secure online account through which employees can book and pay for their travel, removing any need for paperwork or expenses.

It is easy to set up following the completion of a short form, and the West Midlands Trains Help Desk is on hand to support businesses through every step of the process.

The free service can save businesses money and streamline existing business processes.

Student Season Tickets are an easy, hassle-free way of travelling to and from school, college or university while saving up to 50 per cent on fares.

For more information on these services, visit www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk or www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk

CCFC had faced which made him want to offer the club a new chapter.

The deal was highly confidential, with the majority of Doug’s family being unaware of his plans – and once made public it led those who know him to question the scale of the risk he had taken.

He said: “I spent a week mulling it over on my own and then I contacted the owners of the club. We had some discussions and within three weeks we did the deal.

“It was whirlwind. My wife knew, but even my kids didn’t know because it was under wraps.”

He added: “Everybody asked what am I doing. It’s well known that football club ownership, especially in the Premier League, is loss making in a major way, but I’m enjoying it.

“I think it’s an incredible area, I think the fanbase is unbelievable, I think there’s not been money spent there for many years and I think I have the ability, with all my history and the success I’ve had, to invest and try and run it like a proper entity and maybe give a new chapter following a difficult 15 to 20 years for the club.”

Speaking about his vision for the club over the next five years, Doug says he has ambitious plans to sustainably reach the Premier League.

“You’re competing against other clubs who are relegated from the Premier League with a much higher budget, therefore they can theoretically have better players so it becomes trickier.

“That doesn’t totally destroy us, but we need to be knocking on the door every year to hit the play-offs. We need to always be aiming for a top six position and then hoping to get through a play-off window in one of the next five years and get into the Premier League.

“You can’t do that recklessly - it has to be done sustainably and logically, which I’ve made clear with the team.”

The full interview with Doug King can be heard on the Chamber Talks Business podcast, available on streaming platforms Spotify, Amazon Music and Audio Boom. For more information go to www.ccfc.co.uk

WHAT WE DO...

We offer a variety of services to our clients including:

CARPENTRY

With the increased use of trussed roofs used in the country and nailguns, unfortunately, the art of cutting a traditional roof is a dying trade.

DECORATIVE MOULDING

Chances are if you have sash windows and high ceilings, you will have prominent cornice mouldings, now apart from looking ever so grand.

GARAGE DOORS

From your basic up and over to Cedar side hinged wooden doors, we boast the biggest showroom in Warwickshire. I love the gadgets you can get these days.

JOINERY

Firstly we look for the right timber like a good chef the right ingredients make for the most exquisite dish. The design so you can visualise any creation.

SECONDARY GLAZING

Secondary glazing is quite expensive, but if your windows are listed, and single glazed casements are your only option, this is the best solution.

HINGE REPLACEMENT

A lot of the time a decade or more usually after you have had your UPVC windows and doors fitted, the hinges, handles and locks may start to break.

Contact : Martin 07728 557325 www.royalleamingtonsashwindows.com

Leamington Sash Ltd (@royalleamingtonsashwindows) on Instagram