)
The relationship with Alexander Associates and Jump Advisory Group is an established one, starting 5 years ago. Gareth Jones, MD at Alexander Associates had met multiple potential NED and spent a lot of time hearing about their successes and strengths before choosing Dave Pye, Co-Founder at Jump Advisory Group.
When I met Dave, the conversations were all about Alexander Associates and our ambitions and barriers to success. This was refreshing but what sold us on Dave was his ability to guide conversations and pull the answers out of the Directors without telling us what to do. You never feel like he tries to fit solutions to a template of success.
Dave respects that no one knows your business better than you do but uses his experience to help prevent you from making the same mistakes that he and countless other owners have made.
The expectation from Gareth was than the chosen NED would help hold the board to account. Having worked together for years, the team were experts of talking about what we should do then reverting to default and doing nothing! (Gareth’s words, not ours).
Dave gave us the confidence to set target and go and achieve them.
The first thing undertaken was as review of the business, which identified areas of the business where revenue was being left on the table.
We had done lots of SWOT analysis exercises in the past but this went well beyond what we had done before.
As a very contract lead agency, Alexander Associates were always laser focused on the next temp and failed to exploit the relationships and market reputation of the business. Following this process, a comprehensive plan was created to attract senior consultants to the business, which included marketing and the story was told.
This was a great success resulting in opening a new office and achieving profitability with a year. There was no rocket science to what we did but Jump were there to encourage guide and offer the support the business needed.
Another area Jump were able to provide valuable support was mentoring.
Dave is a constant support to the board, a sage voice with the ability to create focus and clarity of thought but the wider team at Jump have also been able to assist, whether it is with developing a MSP offering or one to one mentorship with key personnel within the business.
This has been particularly impressive and the result and been very measurable. Two examples include when people have been promoted to leadership positions, the old adage that the best recruiters often make the worst manages is true but with Jump’s support our leadership team have evolved and developed their people to the significant benefit of the wider business.
Whatever the problem we face Jump seem to have the expertise within their business to support our needs.
Whilst not a specific moment but through Gareth and Dave’s relationship, there has been a gradual realisation of the depth and quality of the Jump teams’ expertise.
When you are trying to do something new and outside your skill set there can be a perceived barrier to success due to the lack of in house skill and the cost associated of buying these skills in.
With Jump’s help, Alexander Associates has been able to upskill key people. This has not only meant that they have unlocked potential within the leadership team, but it has also helped create an environment where people can achieve their purpose to the benefit of the business and the people within it.
When asked to summarise the value and impact or working with a mentor, here is how Gareth described his experience.
Having a NED and mentor has been like having a gentle wind at my back. It has helped share the weight of leadership and facilitated in bringing out the best in myself and our people. If you are perfect in every area of leadership then you don’t need Jump but if like me, you are human then it’s a no brainier!
Whilst Gareth’s personal experience may be different to many owners, this relationship has enabled him to drive massive growth within a business as an employee, and as a minority shareholder before taking control in a MBO just before Brexit.
I found myself burdened with debt in a declining market and became focused on prudency, cost control and stuck in a rut, my business partners mirrored my leadership and the business whilst clearing debt was flat lining, it felt like an endless grind.
Bringing in Jump helped Gareth reinvigorated his passion and drive for growth and within months the team started the transformation of the business. The foundations were there but Dave was fundamental to the organisation’s ability to regain momentum.
Whilst professionally, the Jump relationship has paid dividends, here is what Gareth had to say on the personal benefit.
The personal benefit of having a mentor has been significant. Dave has helped me develop my leadership skills and the strategic aspect of my role. Having someone at the end of the phone to chat with or meet up with a shared passion for your business but without daily distractions a business has been invaluable.
Having a trusted advisor has personal satisfaction that I feel knowing that I got myself and our business out of a rut and created something that not only I but a team of leaders and staff take real pride and fulfilment out of give me more pride than money earnt. I know I would not have been able to do it as effectively without seeking help from someone who has been there and done it before.
The impact of Dave’s NED services and mentorship is evident in various aspects.
Helping Alexander Associates identify the need to grow without adding headcount and achieving efficiencies in already amazing inhouse payroll team. All meaning that that business has been able to increase contractor numbers 35% whilst actually reducing payroll hours worked and overhead cost, with room to significantly grow more without adding headcount.
In Gareth’s opinion, having a mentor is ‘no-brainer’.
Dave is my man of many hats!! Confidant, Advisor, Guide, Challenger of my assumptions, Sounding board and friend.
If you’re considering a mentor but are on the fence, discover more about how we can support you. Better yet, reach out to the Jump team today and let’s open a dialogue.
)
)
)