Ian Hargreaves

About Me:

I own and run Next Level BD Ltd, providers of bespoke business development to owner managers of SME businesses who have ambitions to grow.  I left college at 18 intending to work for a year and then take up my place at Leeds University to study law, but I discovered I loved working in business so I decided to carry on. Since then I've had roles ranging from Sales Executive to Managing Director and I have worked in businesses from start-ups to a global Plc, but predominantly I've spent my time helping to run owner managed SMEs.

My overriding ethos is that there is no 'one size fits all' solution to business development. I believe that there are globally accepted commercial principles that could and should apply to every business: but the detailed application of these principles needs to be tailored to suit the individual characteristics of a business and the specific personality and objectives of its owner(s). And that's what I do.

Specialist Sectors:

None!  Since establishing Next Level we have worked with over 150 local business owners from every industry and profession imaginable from Accountants through to Manufacturers

Expertise:

As a former Sales Director as well as Managing Director I would probably say Sales is an area of 'expertise'. However, I believe my greatest asset is my genuinely broad commercial experience - the nature of running SMEs is that even if you have a very clearly defined role you are ultimately involved in every aspect of the business to some extent.

Companies I Work With:

Owner- managed businesses from any industry or profession. Predominantly they are reasonably well established and between £1 and £10 million turnover when we meet and all have aspirations for growth

What My Clients Say About Me:

Ian is different to most consultants and coaches because due to his real-life commercial experience he can talk about multiple different issues as they arise and help you get results quickly, whilst always keeping you focused on the task in front of you.

Christian Cain, Managing Director of Inline 

The business has become more harmonious and is running smoother and more efficiently than ever before,and I now have far more confidence in managing both my business and my people. Perhaps mentor, advisor, motivator, sounding board, confidence builder, believer and listener goes some way towards describing what Ian adds to my business.

Kate Eady, Managing Director 

We have moved our business further forward in the last two years than we did in the first ten, and this is due to having the skills and tools that Ian has taught us.

Lesley Watson, Partner

What I Like To Do In My Pastime: 

I am a trustee of Leeds Children's Charity and unfortunately a season ticket holder at Burnley FC. Having accepted that I am no longer able to try and play football I have recently taken up trying to play cricket...I'm not proving to be a natural so far!

You can view Ian's LinkedIn profile here

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