Interview with Paul Jobin  - The Directors’ Centre’s Head of Consultancy

Who Are You?

“Paul Jobin, Head of Consultancy with The Directors’ Centre and founder of TKC Group which includes the Route One brand. Passionate about business. I specialise in entrepreneurship and business development for MDs of growing businesses. I am best-known for growing the TKC and Route One brands (wholesale/retail/online extreme sports products) to over 200 employees in less than 10 years. Consultancy clients include: Homewise, Tangram, D2 Corporate Solutions, Scanstrut, Venture, DickiesStore, BabesWithBabies.com, Askew Associates, Unilink and Classic Car Club." What Do You Do?

“I work with the owners/MDs of growing businesses that have hit some brick wall impeding their growth. I offer practical, experience-based solutions that add real value to the bottom line. Often I act as a ‘non-executive director on a rope’, to ensure that strategies are delivered."

And Your Style?

”I am hands-on, slightly unconventional and very results driven. I challenge situations, asking goading questions to get results."

What Have You Done?

“I grew TKC/Route One to 17 stores, £12m t/o. Formerly, delivered contracting work to BT, ACT and Measurex. Worked with Logica then moved to the London Stock Exchange just before the  ‘Big Bang’ as product manager for TOPIC, the on-screen London equity market, managing a £67m t/o product through a £5m development cycle."

Why Should I Care?

“Stepping back and taking an overview of your business is crucial to ensure that you don't just become a busy fool.  I will push you to deliver more than just a 'good enough' performance. I care because I have built my own business and experienced the joy and pain of that process."

What Can You Do For Me That I Can’t Do For Myself?

“I take an impartial view of your business and apply my hard-earned knowledge to management, leadership, sales, marketing, organisational structures, systems and people problems. This enables you to overcome your barriers to success. I help you see the wood for the trees and focus you and your business on delivering, not floundering. You will realise your ambitions through smarter management of the business."

What Mistakes Would You Stop Me Making?

“I have gone from start-up to 200+ staff.  My extensive hands-on knowledge of growing businesses will enable me to spot issues before they become mistakes."

How Else Would You Save Me Money (Or Make Me Money)

“I will help keep you on track, adding bottom line profit. I know how to focus on the supply chain and squeeze out margins. I know when to spend and when to save and how much to pay. I have traded through two recessions.“

Give Me An Example Of One Business You Worked With This Year?

 “One of my clients hit the recession early in Spring 2008. Their sales collapsed by over 75% so I worked with the MD to take quick and decisive action, cutting staff from 46 to 7, moving to smaller offices, in fact cutting the overheads from over £200k per month to £65k per month. They are now a close knit team and back in profit, with the potential to generate far more profit from a much lower overhead.  They are growing again, in the worst of the recession, because they are mean and lean.

Why Should I Trust You?

“I have run my own businesses for 18 years through more ups than downs and have built up a wealth of experience. Talk to my current clients. Meet me, trust me, then work with me, or just walk away."

How Much Will It Cost Me?

"A lot more if you don’t start running your business (as opposed to working in it)!  With my assistance your business will grow faster and be more profitable. I work on a project basis or can be retained on agreed daily rates. I guarantee to cover my fees manyfold with an increase in your bottom line profit. If I can not add value and make you money then I will not get involved."

How can I contact Paul?

Paul Jobin 
 
tel: 07966 184 856    
email: pj@directorscentre.com