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There is a modern work revolution going on, quietly, behind ancient oak doors which are steeped in an industrious history. It is defining the ‘new normal’ in terms of how we work, where we do it and what matters most in life. The revolution will not be televised, nor will it be promoted on social media. It is in fact only to be found in our private workspace where ambitious business people consider, work, collaborate and grow their businesses. Our members share a passion for doing great things and an openness for doing so in new, interesting ways. Our strictly limited membership benefits from space to think, people to bounce ideas off, a place to plan their success.
Welcome to our Little Black Book, an inspirational series of business stories and insights from our brilliant members.
Hannah Waddington on resourceful purpose
Hannah Waddington has a musical background, but it is notes of morality which have inspired her to create Maru HR – human resources recruitment business with purpose.
Read Hannah's storyChris Vertannes on dream team values
Chris Vertannes, CEO of UK Elite Sports Group (encompassing Planet Education, Elite Football and Elite Rugby), embodies the coaching skills he is such an advocate for; inclusivity, integrity and fun.
Read Chris' storyRoss 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.
Read Ross' storyRichard 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.
Read Richard's storyJon 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.
Read Jon's storyDouglas Mellors on adjusting to the unforeseen
Starting his career as a Firearms Officer in the Edinburgh Police, Douglas diversified and accumulated 25 years’ experience in private banking and investment advice.
Read Douglas' storyAntony 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.
Read Antony's storyWayne 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.
Read Wayne's storySteve 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.
Read Steve's storyLee 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.
Read Lee's storyColin Aubrey on lending acumen to be banked on
In a career that has cultivated three decades of experience in the industry; the business finance merits of Colin Aubrey include working capital, term finance and equity funding.
Read Colin's storyAshley Lewer on building a new path for construction firms
Pioneering a new approach in helping the construction industry to use sub-contractors, Ashley Lewer has created Hard Hats to provide an alternative option for what can be a taxing area.
Read Ashley's storyAndrew MacAskill on growing a new career ecosystem
With his innovative coaching model Executive Career Jump, Andrew MacAskill is carving a new career pathway for job-seeking professionals.
Read Andrew's storyGiles Semper on the new wave of revitalisation
Combining a 17-year career in regeneration with a passion for European cities, the Executive Director of GO! Southampton (the Business Improvement District for the city centre) is devoted to creating a new narrative for the city.
Read Giles' storyJason 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.
Read Jason's storyMark Badley on enhancing individualism through technology
Ronin: the captivating name of Mark Badley’s cutting-edge company derives from a wandering samurai who had no lord or master.
Read Mark's storyRyan Hill on emerging new ventures in tech
At just 33 Ryan Hill has a portfolio of experience exponential to someone of his age. Starting his career in professional football, he is now the youngest partner of a top technology executive search firm: 360 Leaders.
Read Ryan's storyRealising 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.
Read Louis' storyRob King on finding your niche
He shares his passion and experiences in the property market with others through his dedicated mentoring work, enthusiastically championing how property investment can help achieve a work-life balance.
Read Rob's storyNikki Rees on running a healthy business
In the months that sees the launch of Southampton Sailing Week at the Old Bond store, Nikki shares how her company values are reflected in her own.
Read Nikki's storyJosh Williams on associate ambitions
Josh reflects upon redefining success in the modern age and developing a business model that will become part of the new cultural infrastructure.
Read Josh's storyMaddy Alexander-Grout on striking a business balance
In advance of the launch of the app for her multi-award winning My VIP Card, the business of the year winner tell us how she balances motherhood whilst simultaneously growing a UK wide business.
Read Maddy's storyIan 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.
Read Ian's storyDiscover more secrets to business success
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