Describe yourself in three words or phrases
Commercially savvy, principled, docussed.
I’m always looking for new opportunities, but I also believe strongly in doing business with integrity and staying focused on what we do best.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that it’s a relatively asset-light industry. Your expertise and your team are your biggest assets. If you are good at what you do and provide real value, you can build a successful and profitable business. And the best part is that you can do this while making a real difference to students and their families.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
I’m excited about continuing to build SchoolsGroup Education (GrandVision Education) into a recognised and influential brand within our niche.
In just five years, we’ve built a strong market position and challenged some well-established competitors with more than 20 years of experience. We’re now looking beyond the UK, developing new education products for other markets.
What’s a piece of work you’re proud of – and what did it teach you?
I’m proud of building SchoolsGroup Education (GrandVision Education) from the ground up and establishing it as a trusted brand in our niche.
It taught me that building a strong reputation takes time, but consistency and trust really make a difference. It also taught me that staying focused on what you do well can be more powerful than trying to do everything.
What’s a small daily habit that helps you in your work?
Every day, I check the websites and latest news from the UK schools we work with. I like to keep an eye on the small changes, whether it’s a new announcement, a change in their priorities or something happening in the market.
These small details often give me early insights into where the market is heading.
What’s one change you’d like to see in your sector over the next few years?
As the market becomes more challenging, I’d like to see higher professional standards across the sector. I believe the future should belong to businesses with real expertise, experience and a strong commitment to quality, rather than those competing simply on price or volume.
A more professional market would ultimately be better for students, families and the industry as a whole.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in this field?
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Find your niche, build real expertise, and focus on doing one thing really well.
