Colin Thompson - CEO - UK 
Have a vision for the future It’s been a busy time for sourcing professionals (though, when isn’t it?) with potentially highly significant political developments in the US and Europe, the announcement from various corners of the globe of some hefty deals. While more details emerged of how the new UK government plans to tackle its … Read more
There are ten critical areas where your ability to think largely determines your business success. The greater clarity you have in each of these areas, the better decisions you will make and better results you will achieve. 1. Key Purpose What is the purpose of a business? Many people think that the purpose of a … Read more
These basic competencies are considered vital for effective leadership: A leader must be able to look unflinchingly at the realities of the organisation and marketplace. To “interrogate reality,” a leader should ask: The leader’s vision must be both feasible and far-reaching. CEOs should build a vision by expanding their intellectual horizons. Get out of the … Read more
Every Year many business owners typically make resolutions which they hope will improve their business success over the coming 12 months – the commercial equivalent of drinking less and getting more exercise. But with a triple-dip recession expected to be on the cards this year and with the retail sector particularly very vulnerable, which aspects … Read more
There are several different aspects of courage. Perhaps the most important is the courage to endure, to persist, to “hang in there”.
Be generous with praise. Everyone wants it and it’s one of the easiest things to give. Plus, praise from the CEO goes a lot farther than you might think. Praise every improvement that you see your team members make. Once you’re comfortable delivering praise one-on-one to an employee, try praising them in front of others. … Read more
China is synonymous with strong and secure economic growth. Indeed, so entrenched is this sentiment that commentators talk of Chinese exceptionalism; i.e.; that the usual rules of economics do not apply. But rules are rules. And there’s concern that China’s rapid build up of credit has left it vulnerable to a sharp slowdown. A very … Read more
Business Case analysis has become mandatory for important decision making and planning in government, business, and non-profit organisations everywhere. As a result, most case-building responsibilities now belong to those who are not “finance” people. Everyone talks about the business case but surprisingly few people really know what that means. That was true in the early … Read more
Many of today’s business leaders, when planning for growth, admit to lacking a clear view of how to achieve their aspirations, and they say they are distracted by a wealth of potential opportunities. According to a recent strategy survey of over 500 executives worldwide, nearly three-quarters (74%) agree that there are more options for growth … Read more
Once initial sale terms are agreed your buyer will review commercial aspects of your business – such as contracts, staff and key customers – to ensure the claims you have made about the business are accurate. This process is known as `due diligence`. Do not start due diligence until you have agreed a price and … Read more