6 minute read
Inspirational Leaders
The business builder A cursory glance at Len Simmons’ CV provides sufficient evidence of his managerial credentials. He has an enviable track record of building successful businesses by leading, motivating and managing talented teams of employees.
In a 20-year-plus career in engineering, he built up and sold three businesses before stumbling upon his latest challenge.
Len explains: “I’ve always been a keen cyclist and about two-and-a-half years ago I bought an electric bike. The process, though, was really difficult; I spoke to people who worked in the bike shop and was astonished by their lack of product knowledge. I had to call the manufacturer in Germany to get the answers I was looking for. “I realised there was a business opportunity so I approached Steve Dann, the owner of Highway Cycles, last year. I invested a small amount of money in the business and eventually took it over in May.” Highway Cycles stocks a wide range of popular bike brands, including Trek, Merida, Scott, Frog, Moustache, Riese & Muller and Mafia. Under Len’s stewardship, the company implemented a strategy to increase sales, improve operational efficiencies and help employees become more knowledgeable about the bikes they sell.
All of these goals have been achieved. Since June 2019, annual revenues have grown 50%. Marketing activity and engagement with potential customers has been ramped up, particularly via social media campaigns. New online systems have streamlined existing processes and made it easier to measure financial performance. There has also been significant investment in staff training to boost their product knowledge and overall productivity. Now Len’s aim is to increase engagement with the local community by getting more involved with local Chamber events. “Good leaders have a clear vision and a plan for achieving it,” he says. “That’s what I’ve tried to do at Highway Cycles. I’ve also taken the time to communicate this vision to my staff and give them the tools to measure progress against our business goals. “Our shop remains open for business and people can buy from us online. We’ve taken steps to ensure that social distancing rules are observed and that staff and customers are as safe as possible.”
Adaptability can reap rewards
In the COVID-19 lockdown, Carol Massay is doing things differently. The CEO of construction software specialist EasyBuild UK, Carol is finding new ways of engaging with customers and staff and getting on with tasks that can keep her business in a position of strength.
She says: “It’s a strange position to be in. We had a great start to the year, picking up seven new clients in the space of four weeks and then the coronavirus happened.
Workflow has dipped a little so I’ve been trying to use this time positively by encouraging staff to look more closely at the way we operate. We’re developing an online marketing campaign to reach out to potential customers and we’re evaluating the effectiveness of systems in place for existing customers.” The ability to adapt to unusual – in this case, unprecedented – circumstances is a mark of good leadership. With more than
30 years’ involvement within the construction industry, Carol has an impressive track record of managing and growing teams of employees, helping them to execute strategies that achieve sustainable business growth. She joined Borehamwoodbased EasyBuild UK as CEO in November 2015 and since then has grown the business, which has 15 staff, into one of the most recognised providers of ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to the construction industry. The award-winning software addresses all of the operational needs of a modern construction business, covering finance, commercial, project management and compliance. It is customisable with easyto-use applications providing all trades within the industry – including main contractors, civil engineers, demolition, interior fit-out, roofing and cladding, joinery, rail and utilities – with the tools needed to manage projects in a timely and efficient manner. Available as a cloud-based package, it enables users to work within a single, centrally sourced, up-to-date information model in real time. Carol says: “Our software helps the industry to identify and manage risk on construction projects and track spend against the whole life-cycle of the project on a day-to-day basis. It gives companies and professionals the vision that perhaps they didn’t have previously. This is a highly competitive sector where margins are typically very tight, so it’s vital as a CEO to have a good understanding of the day-today challenges that customers face. That’s why it’s important to establish and maintain strong relationships with them, and help them use technology to get great results for their business.”
COVID-19: support for Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is here to support the county’s businesses and residents and is directing support to where it is needed most through its family of brands.
As a conduit between the private and public sectors, Hertfordshire LEP has been tasked with providing Government with local intelligence on the impact of COVID-19 on our business community. With its expert knowledge of the local economy and with input from key stakeholders, it is building a picture of the critical sectors that will require priority support following the crisis. Its weekly COVID-19 bulletins help stakeholders keep abreast of the latest economic updates, local business news, and the county’s contribution to the national response. Visit hertfordshirelep.com to download the latest bulletin and subscribe for email updates.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub is providing the vital support needed to ensure businesses cope and stay afloat during this crisis. From advice on accessing finance to assistance with planning for the future, businesses can get one-to-one support from a Growth Account Manager by telephone: 01707 398168, email: enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com or live chat from Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm, and access a wealth of information through its dedicated COVID-19 resources page.
The Growth Hub is also running a survey to understand the impact COVID-19 is having on the local business community and how best it can tailor support. We encourage all businesses to take part to ensure their views and concerns are fed back to central Government. Visit hertsgrowthhub.com/covid-19 for more information.
The tourism and hospitality sectors are facing enormous challenges and support for related businesses is being provided by the county’s destination management service Visit Herts. Its business website collates the latest information on the funding and support schemes available locally and from Government, and it’s Hertfordshire Tourism and Hospitality LinkedIn Group provides a forum for businesses to connect and share their views during the pandemic. Visit visithertsbusiness.co.uk to learn more. Hertfordshire LEP engages with 106 schools across the county through its Enterprise Adviser Network and Careers Hub, as part of the national Careers & Enterprise Company programme, and its team of
Enterprise Coordinators are continuing to support schools remotely. Students, job-seekers and employers can visit Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal’s dedicated COVID-19 resource page for up-to-date guidance and advice on remote learning, current job vacancies, and volunteering and training opportunities to support Hertfordshire during this pandemic. Visit hopinto.co.uk/covid-19 for more information.
Hertfordshire LEP will continue to work with partners including Hertfordshire County Council, local councils, Hertfordshire Growth Hub, Visit Herts, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales to help respond to the significant challenges presented by this pandemic and prepare for Hertfordshire’s post COVID-19 recovery.
