With a spoonful of sugar

What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

My first ever job was a paper round when I was 11. In fact, I did two at the same time. I would hop on my mountain bike and do both rounds before I went to school. That’s how I got my pocket money.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

My first pay packet was about £18. I got £8 for one round and £10 for the other. I spent it on music and bought some seven-inch records.

Describe how your career developed to the present day.

After my paper round I started doing a milk round with my dad but my first proper job was in a paintball centre in South Ruislip where I grew up. Then I got a job as a stock control administrator in Harrow School, so I was working two jobs at the time which I needed, because I had a mortgage to pay. I stayed there for four years before going into recruitment. I got a job with Hays IT before ending up at a company called Capita. I started there as a recruitment consultant and built my way up to becoming a sales delivery manager, where my business unit turned over £32m. I had 30 staff working for me. After winning The Apprentice, I worked under Lord Sugar for two years, which was an incredibly valuable experience.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

Earlier this year I left to start up my own company, Raw Talent Academy. This aims to provide SMEs and corporate organisations with the vehicle to build internal sales academies into long-term staffing plans, and to encourage organisations to look at the wider raw talent we have in the UK — not just graduates. I have to make sure it is hitting its financial targets and delivering a quality service.

Describe a typical day At the moment it is spent in the car. As my business is only three months old, I get up, go to the gym, do some interviews, talk at public speaking events, meet prospective clients about establishing sales academies and so on. Most days I don’t get home until after midnight.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

Lord Sugar has been a huge influence in the last couple of years. He gave me the confidence and belief that I could start my own company. I think my previous bosses at Capita were also a huge influence on me and my career, as they gave me an opportunity to be able to climb the ladder from the bottom.

What has been your best decision?

Buying my first house. At 18 I thought my life was over because I had to pay out loads of money and had to work two jobs. In hindsight, getting on to the property ladder so early was a great move.

And your worst?

Not buying my grandmother’s house ten years ago when she was taken into state care. It would have been a great long-term investment for me and my dad.

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

Keep things simple, do your research, be knowledgeable about your competitors and market sector and make sure you have a plan.

What is the secret of good management?

The best way, I believe, is to empower your team to make their own decisions while you act as a coach to help them and put them on the right path. It’s about building relationships with staff and allowing them to use their own skills.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

My wife works really hard as well, so for us Monday to Friday is just work. We try to keep weekends as our time.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

I’m a big Tottenham Hotspur supporter. I love everything to do with sports and do a lot of running. I’ve done a few half marathons, as well as the London Marathon. I like to socialise and be the life and soul of the party.

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

People who think they have to come out with long fancy words and proposals that over-complicate things.

How do you see your company developing over the next five years?

I want Raw Talent Academy to be known as the first place people come to when they are looking for quality sales people, and when people are looking for a quality sales career.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

The moment I was told by Lord Sugar that I was hired. To beat 20,000 people, to be number one and be hired by one of the best entrepreneurs the UK has ever seen was an honour.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from government and agencies for growing businesses?

I’d like to see more encouragement from the Government for small businesses to set up. I’d like to see a big mentoring scheme across the country whereby people who have already set up their own business can run mentoring schemes for those looking to do it.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

I recycle everything and try to do little things like re-using plastic bags. I have also just had my office made and ensured all the insulation is energy efficient, etc.

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

Have fun while you’re doing business but also deliver on promises. Keep the balance of work and reward to keep people feeling fresh and motivated.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

I would love to be a presenter on Sky Sports News.

What would you like to do when you retire?

I would like to spend as much time with my wife Nicola and children as possible. We are on this planet on a 90-year holiday, and I would love to spend my retirement enjoying the rest of my years with the people who are most important to me.