In this episode we’re joined by Geordie Mackay-Lewis and Jimmy Carroll, co-founders of bespoke travel and yachting company, Pelorus. Taking a unique approach to business, rooted in the core values gained from their military careers, Geordie and Jimmy speak on how the pandemic allowed them to slow down and build, the importance of recruiting a dependable team and the impact that advisory boards have had on the growth of their business. 

Geordie & Jimmy’s advice:

• Plan in redundancies so when the unforeseen happens, and it will, you’re covered
• It is crucial to have a good team; a tough recruitment process pays off
• Go for people with entrepreneurial flair; trust and empower them to act alone
• Welcome mistakes as you will all learn from them; conduct regular reviews so that lessons are learnt
• Staff benefits should be aligned to the ethos of the company: we give our staff time off to devote to conservation work
• We also encourage them to get out of the office (although some prefer office routines); be flexible about this
• Spend as much time acquiring clients as you do staff
• An advisory board can be invaluable, manned by those with useful experience in different fields.  If appropriate, they can become stakeholders in the company - although many will be happy to give you free advice
• Private investors may want a say in how the company is run
• Building a brand identity is important and worth taking time over - vital when you come to sell the company
• Be prepared for crises; accept the fact that things will happen you can’t plan for
• On the basis that disaster can strike at any time, enjoy what you do to the full
• Finally, stick at it - it will be worth the risk

If you'd like to contact Jimmy or Geordie you can reach them on: [email protected] and [email protected] 

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

FF&M enables you to own your own PR.

Edited by Milun Haggipavlou. Recorded & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.

FF&M recommends: 

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

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