Business success takes drive and ambition

Why drive your business like a family saloon when you could be heading for F1 success?

That’s the question posed by Chris Gough of CGR Business Solutions Ltd., who is using his experience in business – and on the racetrack – to set up a new consultancy to help SMEs uncover the hidden power in their businesses through the effective use of their business data.

Chris, based in Telford, formerly led the Small Business Office for US giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise, facilitating the use of SMEs within the corporation; giving him direct experience of the challenges of growing a small business and their ability to deal with large corporations.

Outside the boardroom, Chris is equally at home on the racetrack, being a regular competitor in 750 Formula.

Chris says: “Running a race car is just like running a business, but race cars are not like road cars, so why treat your business like a road car? Race cars are checked and reviewed after every outing, not just the annual MOT or service; are you one of those business owners who only check their business performance at the end of the year?”

His consultancy is built on reviewing the data that every business has, allowing the owners to make effective data-driven decisions, helping them to work through issues and to position themselves for growth. An effective coach and mentor gives a business owner objective input, just like a race team manager.

Chris continues: “Racing has become more sophisticated, with software recording all aspects of a car’s performance. But that data is of no use unless it’s extracted and analysed to allow the race team to make continuous improvements.  

“Businesses already have this performance data held within their accounts packages, CRM systems or even in their paper-based records – but few really get to grips with using that data to their advantage. There is a goldmine of hidden data in every business, from trend analysis to staff performance and by analysing the data and acting from an informed position to make continuous improvements you can make a huge difference to the bottom line. This is where I can help.”

Pictured: Chris Gough on the limit of braking in his self-built race car