John Mackay, DickiesStore.co.uk

“During the 3 steepest months of downturn last year, we both retained our 60% growth and improved our gross profit margins by 4%.

We have been working with The Directors' Centre for over a year and we have continued to exceed targets in 5 of the last 6 months without reducing our 60% growth forecast in any way for 2009.  We now have the comfort of clearly seeing that we will achieve our desired turnover with 52% GP in our 09/10 financial year”

Mark Neal, Homewise

“Our business was going through a transitional period during 2007 and we decided to seek external professional advice to ensure we plotted the best course for success. Paul (Jobin) has always been straightforward and honest with us and his approach, in turn, has helped to improve our business strategies across all levels. Our sales levels have increased 3-fold and processes are far more efficient. ”

Derek Templeton, D2 Corporate Solutions

"We called in the Directors' Centre as we felt the business needed some fresh impetus. The business had grown quickly since we started in 2002, but this growth was starting to slow. We accepted Paul Jobin's solution of attending bi-monthly management meetings to act essentially as a non-executive Director.

As a result of the actions identified during these meetings, we now have a clear vision of where the business is going and indeed who within the business will take responsibility for getting us there.

During 2008 we witnessed an increase in both turnover and more importantly profitability. With the knowledge we have gained from the Directors' Centre, we are all now more motivated to drive the business forward to the next stages."

Julian Darwell-Stone, Tangram Furnishers Ltd

"Business was flourishing but at a stage where the right decisions were required to ensure onward growth. I was keen to have an external sounding board, and have input from someone clear of the in-house custom and practice.

Paul Jobin has become a valuable asset in our management team: his advice has brought significant improvements to our systems and processes, and focus to our marketing efforts.  He has been a catalyst for action and positive strategic change. His input is always considered and it’s wonderful to work with someone so positive."

Sophie Dickinson, Babes with Babies.com 

"That was fun. Thank you, thank you, Paul. Your 're so good at:

A) Making the point clearly and succinctly.
B) Being diplomatic about how you make the point – eg not being rude and negative about mistakes we’re making but focusing on the good things and the potential for the future… + being careful about the adwords/PR suggestions.
C) Being enthusiastic… it’s so interesting isn’t it… ‘sorting’ a business out! Really appreciate the way you do all that. Tough but pleasant, understanding but interested."

Neil Askew, Askew Associates

 “Within 12 months of working with The Directors’ Centre, we achieved 34% increase in sales. We shifted some of our focus and are now coping better than before and enjoying the increased profits that come with our more professional business!

“Despite the fact that we were hit with the credit crunch, I achieved my goals. We have increased sales by 34%, improved profitability and stabilized our cash flow.“

Charlie Bigham, Bighams

“6 years ago we were a small business with a £4m turnover who made plans on a month by month basis. Working with The Directors’ Centre and my senior team we drew up a structured 5 year plan to grow, with clear milestones and objectives. Today we are a £15m business with a clear plan to continue growing to £30m.”

Paul Fairhurst, XJF Plastics

“When you have attended a few of these 'Business Masterclass' you will realise it's called that just to get you through the door, because it sounds nice..., what it should really be called is....... 'Exercise your brain to its full potential and exploit global opportunities, without letting anyone get in your way'.

“Last year we saw a growth of 30%, whilst YTD 8.3% on that, even in this crunchy climate.”