Natalie Evans on a new stage for selling homes

When Natalie Evans styled her family home to sell within six hours in 2016, she unlocked a talent that was to become her business and her passion.

Xavier Fiddes on the perspectives of purposeful photography

As well as shooting for a varied portfolio of commercial clients including Sky and Bacardi Brands (Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi etc…) Xavier Fiddes has turned his photographic eye to education and teaching young people photography.

Steve Swift on the purposeful road

Steve Swift’s altruistic sense of purpose has been a common thread running throughout his entire career. From his time in Australia coaching rugby at Sydney Grammar School through to over 15 years serving in the police, where he became a Chief Inspector.

Simon Hassett on educated innovation

Since launching the UK’s first vape sensor six months ago, Simon Hassett has seen unprecedented demand for a product now being used by a rapidly increasing number of schools in England and abroad.

Jude Wharton on making professional websites easy

With her early career spent in education and training, Jude Wharton transformatively applied her project management skills to form a web design company – 2nd Floor Designs Ltd – with her husband and business partner Chris, 13 years ago.

Graham Bell on the art of design

With his artistic aptitude and devotion to design, Graham Bell has created thousands of pieces of graphics and artwork in his twenty-plus-year career.

Dan Loveridge on the power of energy

Through completing an electrician apprenticeship and progressing his experience with SSE Contracting, followed by a period working in construction for Touch Building Services, Dan Loveridge gleaned the technical and electrical expertise to set up his own company: Cinergi Ltd. Specialising in renewable energy installations, the company is part of a new era of energy bringing efficient and sustainable solutions to its customers on the South Coast.

Bex Fisher on the fresh notes of english wine

It was at a career fair at the age of 22 that Bex Fisher unexpectedly found her calling in the wine industry and instinctively took a 50% pay cut from her job in property to join the Majestic Wine graduate recruitment scheme.

Bruce Robinson on the depth of experience

On the surface, Bruce Robinson is an experienced engineer who travelled the world working as a Royal Navy bomb disposal diver before becoming a subsea commissioning engineer for oil and gas pipelines.

Daniel Gormley on protecting what matters

Having trained and qualified as a lawyer to practice in the armed forces only to find that aspiration dashed by injury, Daniel established his security and risk management business in 2009.

Darren Jacobs on achieving the real deal

In the 25 years since Darren Jacobs flipped through the Yellow Pages at the age of 17 and fortuitously found a job in tech, he has shaped a remarkable record in mergers and acquisitions, not just in IT but traversed across many sectors.

Glen Crump on staying grounded in land

Through experience, connections, and subtle yet skilled negotiation, Glen Crump navigates the complex terrain of land transactions through his business Castle Street Investments.

Guy Layman on forward-thinking finance

Guy Layman has all the accreditations and experience you would expect from a reputable industry expert – Chartered Financial Planner, wealth management, mortgage and pension specialist – but the delivery is different: dynamic, modernistic, transparent, and technophilic.

Simon Hawtrey-Coombs on the mindset of growth

With an adaptability that has enabled him to turn his entrepreneurial hand to numerous businesses and industry sectors, Simon HC is somewhat of a metamorphic maverick.

Steve Jones on motivational potential

Since his early career contributions to the rapid growth of Fitness First, Steve Jones’ biography has been a myriad of motivational masterfulness: from specialising in coaching SMEs for fast growth, to co-chairing the UK Government Task Force Team, to establishing his own coaching business.

Sarah Quirk on supportive saving

Sarah Quirk’s 30-year journey in the realm of finance began as a financial adviser in Germany, supporting the military and their families whilst she was living there. A skill that she reassigned to corporates upon returning to the UK working with clients including the Bank of England, Estée Lauder, and Citibank.

Damian Chapman on enduring insurance

Debuting into the insurance industry at the age of 20, Damian Chapman accumulated vast experience from his career spanning the big-name insurers from A-Plan to Hill House Hammond and Aviva to AXA.

Lawrence Bath on writing, the right way

As a creative master of words and enthusiast of the multiple layers of language, it was perhaps already written that Lawrence Bath would establish his own company in 2020.

Rachel Young on resourceful business support

After accruing a spectrum of commercial human resources experience in the manufacturing sector, Rachel Young is now applying over a decade of specialist proficiency to supporting businesses with their HR.   

Neil Kerr on sound digital marketing

As a recording engineer in his early career, Neil Kerr was instrumental in the early work of legendary Sotonian Craig David, and the huge millennium hit Re-Rewind that Neil collaborated on while working with Mark Hill from the Artful Dodger duo.  

Dan Gateshill on financial enablement

With a natural flair for finance, Dan Gateshill formulated his career with a degree in accountancy before spending over a decade working for HSBC: supporting clients with their investment portfolios, and later as an international commercial manager helping businesses with international trading. 

Matt Willsher on shooting the story

Originating his career in interior design, Matt Willsher serendipitously found his flair for filmmaking in shooting his sister-in-law’s wedding for fun. The resulting film prompted demand for his videography talents and, learning the technical skills on the job, Matt was soon filming over 40 weddings a year.

Callum Donnelly on the modern marketing offering

Strategy and Marketing Leader, Callum Donnelly fostered his understanding of the importance of strategy from 17 years working in marketing agencies – with a career spanning media, communications, digital and agency leadership as Managing Director of digital consultancy Etch.

Liz Clarke on the clarity of compelling content

For as long as she can remember, Liz Clarke has always loved writing. A passion and skill that arose in a professional sense when she began rewriting complex legislation for Southampton City Council, which she traversed into writing public interest reports for the Audit Commission’s Benefits National Policy Team.

Jessica Flemming on personal marketing

Thoughtful, personal, and empathetic marketing is personified in Jessica Flemming and her newly founded marketing business: Belle & James.

Chris Nash on jewellery brilliance

Beginning his career with a business in security, Chris Nash’s interest in jewellery was sparked when he was getting married, with the idea of selling wedding rings to people at home. Within two years, Chris had 24 wedding ring reps nationwide.

Andy Hooper on entrepreneurial ecommerce

Andy Hooper’s entrepreneurial aptitude emerged following the 2008 financial crash when he became motivated, from a desire to be financially self-sufficient, to establish a variety of businesses from sports consultancy to wedding photography.

Sam Sutton on the outdoor pursuit of happiness

When Sam Sutton, along with his friend and business partner Rich Pearsall, bought some Canadian canoes in 2003 with permission to run tours on the Beaulieu River, it was to be the beginning of an incredible business adventure.

Tom Richards on clean growth

Founded in 2018, Proceed Solutions was created from the knowledge and experience of its co-founders, which is now being enhanced by Tom’s fresh perspective and passion for innovation.

Shaun Ramazannezhad on the value of proactivity for your wealth

Shaun Ramazannezhad, the Hampshire protégé of McMillan Wealth Consultants, debuted in the financial services industry from a desire to help people and businesses protect and grow their wealth.

Lee Harris on being driven by change

When Lee Harris lost his job in commercial insurance due to the pandemic, it was to steer him in a new direction, driving him to create his own business: ELH Detailing.

Eloise Burton on the magic of manifestation

After experiencing her own personal challenges with money, Eloise Burton inadvertently discovered a transformational way to overcome psychological money blocks through manifestation.

Darren Brown on accounting for development

Taking on the profession of accountancy with an apprenticeship straight from school at the age of 16, Darren Brown had already qualified as an accountant by the time he was 22.

Mark Janes on raising new business heights

Exemplary workmanship and a specialisation in quality materials have led Mark Janes’ company, Protec Roofing, to rise above and beyond the initial expectations he had when he started out.

Gareth Davies on modernising mortgage advice

When Gareth Davies went along to a group interview to help out a friend in 2006, he was unexpectedly offered a job in the financial sector inadvertently launching a 16-year career in the industry.

Kevin Briscoe on the medium of storytelling

The art of compelling storytelling is one that Kevin Briscoe has mastered throughout his editorial career which began at the Portsmouth News with varied journalistic roles including reporting, newsroom and features writing, and TV Editor.

Paul Sams on legal integrity

Honesty, integrity, and teamwork are the moral principles Paul Sams has exemplified throughout his legal career and in his passion for the profession.

Mark Piper on advice against adversity

In a career that spans three decades, specialist mortgage professional Mark Piper has proficiently served the financial services sector through its rollercoaster of recession, regulation, macro influences, and embracement of new trends.

Jeremy Culverhouse on finance, film, and family

Evocative of the eventful scripts of his film background, Jeremy Culverhouse’s story is like a captivating biopic beginning at boarding school in North London where an 18-year-old Jeremy excelled in sport and acting.

Hannah and Paul Wallis on family business continuity

Combining decades of experience with a new generational perspective, father-daughter duo Paul and Hannah Wallis have together found equilibrium for their business management consultancy Hantec Systems.

Colin Buchan on customer-led communications

With an early career spent in automotive electronics and later phone service centre and technology, Colin Buchan jointly founded telecoms company Affinity Technology which has found its reputable place amongst the telecom’s giants through personal customer service and having an excellent inhouse customer support team whom are available to help at the end of the phone.

Jamie Southall on maintaining reliable trades

In this behind-the-scenes profile, we talk to Jamie about his journey in business, his passions for excellent training and customer service, his insights into the trade and his reflections on fuel and energy efficiency, as well as his own aspirations for the future.

Ben Sisson on the creative science of SEO

With a creative résumé spanning the likes of Garmin International, Ben Sisson has a natural eye for outstanding design.

Mark White on future developments

Bargate Homes’ first ever employee became the Managing Director of the reputable house builder last year, a move that is resounding of the company’s ethos of longevity, and their new MD’s commitment and passion for what they do.

Paul Phelps on powerful purpose

Electrical engineering first sparked the interest of Paul Phelps when he trained as an apprentice in power distribution. The technical experience he garnered enabled him to travel worldwide.

Simon Jenns on fresh perspectives in property promotion

Subliminally inspired by his architect dad and a childhood witnessing the magic of buildings come to life on a drawing board, Simon Jenns has combined creativity with building knowledge.

Spencer Bowman on nurturing the right business blend

Since his own first life-changing sip of speciality coffee, proud Sotonian Spencer Bowman has been on a mission to bring better coffee to Southampton.

Don Iro on evolution from electronics

Don Iro came to Southampton from Nigeria to study Electronic Engineering and subsequently worked for over 20 years in digital across different continents from developing consumer technology for Nokia to connected car services for Jaguar Land Rover in China.

Peter Bryant on decrypting crypto

Crypto Professor and Author Peter Bryant began his varied career with a music degree before completing a Psychology Masters and training as a Hypnotherapist.

Nathan James on cultivating creativity

Self-guided with a premeditated life plan, Nathan James’ enthusiasm for digital, marketing & retail was first ignited with his involvement in the launch of a global retail organisations first city centre location at the beginning of his career.

Donovan Long on forward-thinking merchant services

Entering the merchant services market in 2016, Donovan Long has since gone above and beyond providing payment systems for his clients.

Steve Cole on getting IT right for business

Providing the systems, technology, and security that businesses depend upon has become a specialism of Steve Cole and his IT support business Net Primates.

Luke Newman on reforming wellbeing

Motivated by his own childhood experiences growing up in Southampton, Luke Newman is dedicated to creating opportunities for the city’s young people.

Marc Bandemer on thinking beyond boundaries

Marc Bandemer’s entrepreneurial journey is one that has transcended both geographical and conceptual boundaries.

Zoe Hanson on broadcasting horizons

Relatable, personable and ultimately a great listener — presenter and podcaster Zoe Hanson knows how to connect with audiences, a skill which she has honed in over 20 years’ experience as a breakfast radio presenter for Capital and Heart.

Gavin Rampton on financially secure futures

Inspired by his dad to debut into the financial industry at the age of 27, Gavin Rampton has accumulated 18 years of experience as a Financial Advisor, earning him a commendable reputation in his fields of specialist investments and tax planning.

Matt Taylor on commercial strategy

Matt Taylor’s proficiency in overcoming commercial challenges has taken him from Carnival UK to FTSE 100 retail business Kingfisher plc where he was responsible for implementing commercial strategy projects across the nine countries the company operates in.

Helen Clements on Collaborative Empowerment

Alongside her business partner Boo Donovan, the pair are passionate about empowering other business owners through knowledge, with a philosophy of collaborative working and being true to themselves.

Damian Gevertz on bringing new content on board

As travel reignites, Damian shares how the pandemic has launched him towards the next phase of his business.

Chris Schutrups on brokering business development

Now Chris, alongside his wife Nicola, is making moves as one of the UK's leading mortgage brokers.

Scott stephens on going forth

FORTH®’s recent move to new offices in Ampfield marks both its organic growth, and a new settling in natural surroundings aligned with the sustainable aspirations that the company represents.

Ben Mcmahon on experiential productions

Motivated by a commitment to sustainability, Collaborate Global is at the forefront of developing hybrid events – blending the physical and virtual audience to create unforgettable brand experiences.

Chris Rees on getting city events back up and running

Fresh from the return of Southampton Sailing Week, which featured a team of members from the Old Bond Store, Chris Rees is on track to get sporting events back up and running in the city.

Sally Golden on the composition of connective photography

Sally Golden, the person behind the lens and creator of the Old Bond Store’s member portraits, found her calling in photography 12 years ago. After 30 years working in retail, a photographer put a camera in her hand and she immediately felt a connection with the craft.

Matt Sanger on event enhancement

With a Californian can-do spirit resonating from his time at the University of San Francisco, Matt is passionate about creating inspiring experiences and environments where people can thrive.

Jeremy Robbins on approachable accountancy

Genio Accountants has doubled in size over the past year thanks to open and proactive advice delivered in a professional yet relaxed way.

Josh Mitchell on methodical marketing

The success of a business that has been built methodically from the ground up is testimony to their down-to-earth hard work and desire to support others.

Nella Pang on real estate change

Driven by her ambition to leave a positive legacy, Nella is now an ambassador and role model for women and those from non-traditional backgrounds breaking into the industry.

Will Rosie on piecing together contemporary art

The artist behind the specially curated mosaic pieces adorning the walls of the Old Bond Store is installing intrigue and joy through his art.

Jen Todd on keeping things honest

With their candid approach, Jen Todd and her business partner Pam Bates, have neatly tied together several businesses under the umbrella of the Silk Bow Group.

Daniel Fitzhenry on visionary leadership

Earlier this year, Southampton elected Daniel Fitzhenry as its new City Council Leader, taking the helm of a city in which he was born and bred.

Callum Donnelly on ahead of the curve consulting

Callum Donnelly began the year by taking the helm at Etch UK; a radical agency that is creatively challenging the traditional concepts of consultancy.

Andy Hollands on entrepreneurial experience

True experience is built not only upon the achievement of success, but equally upon the lessons of the losses, and straight-talking Andy Holland has garnered a grounding of both highs and lows in the corporate world.

Adam Myers on a new stage of humanised HR

Adam Myers has a background in acting and a résumé in Human Resources spanning the corporate world from Hamleys in London to Walt Disney World in Florida.

Sam Griffiths on building your minimum

Motivated by a deep sense of purpose to help others, following his own personal experiences of burnout, Sam Griffiths is channelling his energies into helping professionals to be Healthy in Business.

Henri Ghijben on branching out

At 24 Henri Ghijben launched his tree services business and, alongside wife Sarah, grew HRG Tree Surgeons to become a renowned business credited with a portfolio of projects for clients including Salisbury Cathedral, Southampton International Airport and Winchester City Council.

Alex Hurn on building progressively

It was perhaps predestined that Alex Hurn, who has a natural instinct for entrepreneurship combined with an ardent interest in buildings stemming from childhood, would start his own business in the property industry.

Zoie Golding on a new movement of dance

Zoie Golding, the founder of Zoielogic is choreographing a new movement in dance; without boundaries of environment, participant and audience.

Ross Breckenridge on creative evolution

Taking the reins of a family business established in the early 80s by his parents, Ross Breckenridge is steering the agency into a new era of marketing.

Richard Allen on engineering a skilled labour force

Richard gives insight into his constructive specialisms as well as his people-first culture resounding in a commitment to playing a part in addressing issues such as mental health in the industry.

Jon Martin on embracing the silver lining of the cloud

Jon Martin, the Co-founder of JLA Resourcing has a proactive energy originating from his love of working in a sector helping people to fulfil their career dreams and aspirations.

Antony Fanshawe on acquiring a wealth of experience

Entrepreneur, corporate finance specialist, expert witness, insolvency practitioner and forensic accountant are just some of the multi disciplines associated with Antony Fanshawe.

Wayne Loon on making a positive business imprint

From modest beginnings repairing machines from his bedroom at 18, Wayne Loon has grown Abbey Office Solutions to become a respected and successful UK-wide office equipment operation.

Steve Crawford on streamlining skills to superyachts

The founder of luxury yacht crew placement agency Yotspot began his career by working as crew on a superyacht in the Mediterranean.

Lee Smith on impactful investments

Living by the mantra to either find a way or make one, Lee Smith has created a bespoke investment consultancy with a conscience.

Jason Oliver on creating a constructive family business

Classic, steadfast business techniques, underpinned by strong family values, have seen Global Ceramic Tiling grow to be one of the South's largest tiling contractors.

Realising the potential of talent

Founder of in-house recruitment company Collabz, Louis Cross discusses a fresh approach to talent, driven by a motivation to champion the underdog and realise the potential of proficient people and SMEs.

Ian Riggs on securing a financial future

The founder of the Eight Wealth Management shares the success of his financial services company through the Eight Foundation, a charitable trust raising funds to help local, small businesses and inidividuals.