CIRENCESTER BUSINESS LAUNCH SUPPORT
The team behind CBLS
Howard Smith
Howard has over 30 years experience in running his own companies and holding key finance positions within industry. The experiences have been developed exclusively at SME level and key skills include systems implementation & automation, management reporting, business plans, forecasting and modelling, raising finance through banks and investors.
Howard’s direct experience spans retail, wholesale, franchise, mechanical engineering and industrial manufacturing but through the numbercrunchers has helped businesses of all types from trades, professional services, plant hire, construction to name but a few!
Howard’s passion is about making a difference with business owners connecting them with their numbers making it ‘easy’, a hands-on help but holistic approach to understanding your processes to find and engage in measures that matter.
Howard started his career in the world of high street photographics building up a £1m business from scratch including one-hour photo shops, photo collection points along with minilab/wholesale supplies within the soft franchise ‘Flashpoint’ network. Other key positions include financial controller for £5m+ mechanical plant engineering raising £1.2m from bank and equity finance and financial modelling within the healthcare sector.
Keen to give back and use his business experience as a force for good, he is engaged in his local community through the chamber of commerce and is currently a director with 2 Community Interest Companies.
When he is not helping businesses grow, you will find him helping plants grow at the office, at home and even in the offices where salad will be free for all.
Gaynor Hutton
Gaynor is a seasoned business individual with experience in a vast array of industry sectors at all levels – from starting as a cleaner on Glaswegian building sites to working for the Board of a PLC who bought one of her companies, she has seen – and pretty much done - it all!
Despite what could be described as “high brow” tenures in advisory and operational roles to Board and CEO level, Gaynor retains her grass roots “can do” attitude and strong work ethic which, coupled with her bubbling enthusiasm and seemingly endless energy, makes her relatable and approachable.
Gaynor’s most successful business to date specialised in hazardous waste treatment and as a previous recipient of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management’s outstanding contribution to Recycling Technology, Gaynor retains a keen interest in all things sustainable, currently guiding her and partner Howard’s accountancy business – The NumberCrunchers on their net zero journey.
Always keen to assist others, her experience in the Charity Sector includes a period working for The Big Issue as well as setting up and running one of Scotland’s most commercially successful Social Enterprises (named after one of her polo ponies – a pastime she took to professional levels, winning the British Ladies Title in the process).
Away from work, netball, gym classes, DIY projects and working on Charity Boards occupy Gaynor’s time, although she did squeeze in some study time recently, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant by self studying before starting work in the mornings!
Ally Castle
Ally is a creative strategist, specialising in content, brand and communication in broadcasting, digital and beyond.
A former programme-maker and Senior Planner for BBC, Ally uses many techniques – including audience insight, research & consultation, content analysis, and workshop facilitation – to develop strategies and frameworks in which creativity, innovation and decision-making can flourish.
In 2014 Ally launched Ideally Consulting, a creative strategy consultancy whose clients include Channel 4, Sony Pictures Television, A+E, Fremantle, Disney, BBC, Viacom and ITV.
Ally also has passion for diversity representation and portrayal in the screen industries; she was the Disability Lead for Channel 4 Commissioning for 12 months and continues to support them as a consultant, primarily for on-screen representation. She is currently the co-lead for the TV Access Project, an alliance of 11 UK broadcasters and streamers seeking to bring about structural shifts in the inclusion of disabled people in the industry.
Michelle Milliner
Hello! My name is Michelle and back in 2013, I started my business from my spare bedroom, managing just two rental properties.
The business is Cirencester Sales & Lettings, and we sell, rent, and manage property.
As the business grew, I gained valuable experience that has taught me how to achieve success, to question myself and to look outside the box! I have a deep passion for customer service, and this has been the backbone of my business, along with many local recommendations and the use of social media.
Within the first year of business, I needed to have business premises and with time, had to employ an amazing team to work with me, and I couldn't have done it without them, a good team that share you same values is vital.
My experience within the industry was gained over several years before I started the business, and with no formal training in running a business. I learned everything as I went along, it wasn't always easy!
From those very early days, I really just wanted to continue in the industry that I had fallen in love with, I had never thought in a million years that I would have the successful business that I now have today.
My values of honesty, dedication, and perseverance have helped me succeed in running a successful and highly regarded business in Cirencester.
Remember… always listen, always be prepared to learn, and never be scared of failure - it's just another opportunity to learn and grow.
As long as you have the courage, determination, and a work hard ethic, go for it!
Nick Hunt
Nick is a senior business leader with more than 15 years’ experience across a variety of roles in FTSE100 business St. James’s Place Wealth Management (SJP), most recently as Director of Strategy & Proposition. A qualified actuary and investment professional, Nick has a wealth of experience in coaching and leading teams across a range of technical and commercial roles in a business that works closely with a population of more than 4,000 SMEs. Bringing a blend of clear communication, analytical skills and creative problem-solving in his approach, Nick also has extensive governance experience, as both an executive and non-executive director / trustee of a variety of boards and charitable organisations and time spent as Director of Risk & Compliance at SJP.
A passionate advocate of business as a force for good, Nick has played a leading role in the development of sustainable and responsible business strategies that drive real value, showing what can be achieved through a focus on people, planet, community and a healthy dose of curiosity! Nick is excited to bring that experience to bear in supporting SME business owners across a variety of sectors to develop their own sustainable growth strategies that fully integrate both the opportunities and risks presented by ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) considerations, establishing the firm foundations for resilient and future-proofed organisations, with clear strategic intent, that can thrive for decades to come.
An award-winning craft brewer, Nick is also Co-Founder and Chief Beer Officer of Cotswold Lakes Brew Co. a sustainability-led microbrewery based in the beautiful Cotswold Water Park where Nick lives with his young family.
In his spare time, when not being kept busy by his two daughters’ hectic social calendars you will likely find Nick out hiking in the beautiful Cotswolds or playing piano on stage with one of his bands.
Adam Vines
A creative professional with over 34 years' experience. I have worked on projects across many sectors, including multinational companies, SMEs, public sector and charity organisations.
My strength is my ability to create the "vision" that underpins an organisation's branding and marketing strategy, and supports its growth plan. By emphasising its USPs, a business gains enhanced visibility in the competitive market place.
After 18 years as the director and owner of Lounge Design, I know exactly what makes a small business successful. I can offer an in depth knowledge of branding that will help your new venture 'stand out from the crowd'.
I'm the current president of Cirencester Chamber of Commerce and firmly believe in small business playing their part in the local community.
Let's get started!
We are looking for groups or individuals to apply for our support which will take the form of expert input specifically tailored to your requirements. Some financial support may be available but that is not the main offering from CBLS.
Please download the form and answer the following:
WHO are you? – Please provide a short summary of your details, including any experience or qualifications that you feel will help your business be a success.
WHAT is the business – give an outline of what industry you are entering, what sort of clients you will target and why you think it will work.
POTENTIAL – what are your dreams, where do you see this business going in the coming months and years. Share your ambitions and persuade us to support you.
BARRIERS – sometimes we all hesitate…but do you know why? If you can, tell us what specifically is holding you back rather than giving a wide sweeping answer.
Once completed, click the 'Submit' button on the form, or email your application to Cirencester Business Support Launch
We really look forward to working with you soon!
Got a question?
Fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
