The Drive Phase Podcast

In today's episode, James invites back previous guests for an insightful panel discussion, of three business titans from both sides of the Mergers and acquisitions process. Craig Brennan, the founder, and CEO of The Little Sports Group is building a business and growing through acquisition; Dean Horidge, the former founder of Fit for Sports and is now CEO and founder of Thinkably and Chris Irwin, the founder of Ed Start Group and current CCO at Salford Red Devils. 

 

Listen in as the quad panel unravels valuable insights delving deep from their experience and positions in business growth and M& A business path, setting you up for a fruitful M & A process that will enable you to make the impact you aim for and sustain it.

 

In a nutshell, the quad speaks about:

• Their approach and experience in mergers and acquisitions, M&A transactions

• Organic growth vs growth by acquisition, detailed benefits and challenges that come with each

• Their thoughts and experiences on the process of acquisition ( the nitty gritty of valuation, negotiation, trade action) etcetera

• The 5 main signals to look out for while doing your due diligence for potential acquisitions

• How to navigate the transition cultural, value, and proposition dynamics from the acquisition side for smooth transactions

• Positive possibilities in the sector some 3 - 5 years down the road

• Nuggets on maintaining funding sustainability; a roadmap on how to go about your reliance on revenue streams

… and so much more! 

 

Connect with our guests:

Linkedln:

Chris Irwin https://uk.linkedin.com/in/chris-irwin-74150a31 

Dean Horridge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanhorridge1/ 

Craig Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbrennanlsc/ 

 

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk  

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/  

In today’s episode, James engages with Andrew Busby, the CEO of Kings Active Foundation, an organisation that has been driving sustained change in sports and activity for children across the country. Assuming the role of CEO in 2023, he has spent two decades in commercial business development before joining the Kings Active team, to create partnerships for the benefit of children globally.

Going back to 1991, The Kings Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, was established with a mission at its core: to utilise Sport and Activity to enhance the lives of thousands of children annually in the UK and globally. Over the years, they have positively impacted over 3 million children and generated more than 20,000 active jobs worldwide, all while remaining committed to their vision of getting children active, having fun, and learning together.

In a nutshell, James and Andrew speak about:

• The transition from a passion for Art & Design to entering the parking sector.
• The significance of distinguishing between one's strengths and passions.
• Insights into the role of universities and alternative paths in the broader context of achieving success.
• The narrative behind the establishment of Kings Active Foundation.
• The strategic changes to their business model because of COVID-19 and his thoughts on the pros and cons of this transformation.
• The 3 to 5-year vision of the organisation and their aspirations within that vision.
• The compelling spirit and distinctive features of Kings, particularly in how they welcome individuals back into their families.
• Andrew's strategies for maintaining a high level of productivity and performance
• and so much more!

Check out Kings Active Foundation:

Website: http://www.kingsfoundation.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kings-foundation-kings-camps

Connect with Andrew:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbusby01

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In today's episode, James speaks to Rebecca Hopkins, the founder, and CEO of The STA Group, a sports tech entrepreneur, award-winning ENS Sports PR, and co-founder of Women's Sports Week. At a time when everybody seemed oblivious to the tech revolution in the sports sector, Rebecca, to shine a spotlight on this unheralded contribution, launched the now leading global tech-led innovation in sports, The STA Group.

 

The STA Group (Sports Technology Awards Group), is a constellation of companies which includes ENS, the UK’s longest-standing independent sports PR agency, and The Sports Technology Awards, which leads in the global celebration of tech-led innovation in sport. They also have a new podcast Tech Chairs Podcast that explores technology's relationship with sports by inviting tech experts, champion athletes, and elite coaches to get their insider insights.

 

In a nutshell, James and Rebecca speak about:

• Rebecca's earliest sporting memories and her journey to sports tech

• Her first break into the world of sports that was  formerly a male-dominated sphere

• The gap she went about filling on tech recognition in the sporting industry

• The earliest stages of their launch and the biggest success story they've highlighted so far

• Greatest challenges they faced in their young stages and how they're now the leaders in their sphere

• Insights she'd learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey and interaction with high-achieving business people

• Importance of working towards being a master of one and getting into the guts of what you do

…and so much more!

 

Check out The STA Group:

Website: http://www.sportstechgroup.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-technology-awards-group/ 

X: https://x.com/SportTechGroup 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-chairs-the-sports-technology-podcast/ 

 

Connect with Rebecca:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahopkinsens 

 

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk  

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In today's episode, James speaks to Paul Gately, a professor in exercise and obesity at Leeds Beckett University, the Director of MoreLife at Leeds Metropolitan University, and the interim CEO of Obesity UK. He is one of the foremost experts in the area, consistently called upon as a keynote speaker and author in the obesity and physical activity field.

Paul's drive to assist people in tackling obesity was sparked by his observations at an American weight loss camp. He established a singular weight loss camp specifically for young individuals as a result. With a professional journey spanning over two decades, Paul has directed his passion, research focus, and expertise toward Obesity UK, a leading charity committed to advocating for, educating, and aiding people navigating obesity - the authoritative voice for individuals with obesity in the UK.

In a nutshell, James and Paul speak about:

- His experience of school sports and weight management in comparison to today

- The observations that sparked his interest in children’s obesity

- How they translated from the Weight Loss Camp model

- The biggest drivers in obesity rates by 2030

- His thoughts on the circumstances, culture and lived experiences that result in obesity

- Which country he believes is making the best progress in weight management

- His thoughts on the dynamics of home and school life that reduce obesity levels

- His routines for maintaining peak performance personally and in business

…and so much more!

Check out Obesity UK:

Website: https://www.obesityuk.org.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obesity_uk/

Connect with Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgately

X: https://x.com/profpaulgately?

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pauljgately

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In today's episode, James speaks to Gabrielle Lixton and Caroline Sparks, the Co-founders, and directors of Turtle Tots. Gaby, who had previously introduced Turtle Tots in two Bristol-based pools, recognized a growing need for swim programmes tailored to children. Both having pursued separate corporate careers before becoming parents, the two entrepreneurs joined forces after having their own children to transform Turtle Tots into a franchise business. Today, it has blossomed into a network comprising more than 50 family-owned Turtle Tots businesses spanning the UK and Ireland.

Founded in 2011, Turtle Tots is a renowned and award-winning franchise specialising in children's swimming education. Their distinctive child-centred swimming program commences during pregnancy and extends into specialized baby and toddler classes after birth. Turtle Tots franchises offer international entrepreneurs the chance to operate their own business, establish a flexible work-life balance, and expand their income.

In a nutshell, James, Gaby & Caroline speak about:

- Their swimming and corporate history before founding Turtle Tots

- Gaby's initial launch and progression of Turtles Tots

- Insights from how they have grown organically 13 years into the business

- Target demographics and locations of focus

- How their franchise is going around the elephant in the room; access to swimming facilitates

- Their biggest differentiator against the saturated UK market

- Business philosophies, strategies, and personal habits that keep them on top

…and so much more!

Check out Turtle Tots:

Website: http://www.turtletots.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TurtleTotsLtd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/turtle-tots

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Gaby & Caroline:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesparks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/-gaby-lixton

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In today's episode, James speaks to Andy Evans, the CEO of QPR in the Community Trust and chair of YoungKandC. Andy, a lifelong fan, and dedicated supporter of QPR, embarked on this remarkable journey 25 years ago when he volunteered at Brentford FC, in the hopes of securing a job in sport. Since then, his trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, having begun a community initiative football programme known as the Trust.

QPR in the Community is the charitable division of QPR, illustrating the profound impact that local football teams can have on addressing needs and producing positive change for individuals and communities. The award-winning trust actively engages with the local community, offering invaluable opportunities centred around the core objectives of promoting health, education, social inclusion, and active participation.

The home of the Grenfell Tower fire in London, this West London community trust has continued to foster unity in the face of that tragedy.

 

Tune in as James and Andy speak about

- Andy's first sporting memory and early ambitions in sports

- His smartest move that placed him in the career of his liking

- The variety and breadth of programs they're offering currently

- Recurring challenges they have to work through to run a successful trust

- How he became the CEO of a football foundation

- How they're engaging with the community in terms of coaching and delivery team

- The reception of their program from the community & the local issues they're responding to

… and so much more!

 

Links:

Website: https://www.qpr.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qpr-community-trust

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QPRtrust?s=20

Email: [email protected]

#Game4Grenfell: https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/game4grenfell-wins-prestigious-football-league-award/

 

Connect with Andy:

Instagram:https://instagram.com/andyeqpr?igshid=

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Andye10?s=

 

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud

In today's episode, James interviews Anna Kenrick, a remarkable individual who wears many hats - teacher, choreographer, and Artistic Director at YDANCE. Anna's artistic prowess shines through her creations and choreography for the prestigious National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. Her mesmerizing pieces have not only toured extensively across the UK but have also captivated international audiences. Moreover, Anna's expertise extends beyond the realm of dance as she is a certified life coach and has dedicated seven years to mentoring for the Federation of Scottish Theatre.

 

YDANCE, also known as Scottish Youth Dance, stands as a distinguished national dance organization in Scotland, catering to children and young people. Their commitment to providing top-notch art and dance experiences is commendable, with a focus on Talent Development, Education, and Participation. Through the power of arts and dance, YDANCE offers children a distinctive platform to cultivate a wide range of skills, unlocking their full potential. Their remarkable achievements have garnered numerous accolades, solidifying their incredible mission.

 

Tune in as James and Anna speak about:

• The experience that led to her creative career
• Anna's journey working in teaching, collaboration, choreography, and touring
• How they're funding their programs and the challenges around funding
• Consideration given for performing arts vs stem subjects in Scotland
• How she's pushing for the voice of young people with or without disabilities through varied art forms
• What's the metric they foresee measuring against in three years to come
• The role technology plays in her position and authority
• Reflections on her personal life and career

… and so much more!

 

Check out YDANCE:

Website: https://ydance.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ydancescotland?igshid=

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/YDanceScotland

 

Connect With Anna:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/AnnaKenrickB?s=

Email: [email protected]

 

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In today's episode, James interviews Barry Squires, the Head of Sports at the University of Brighton and Chair of the English Universities Sport (EUS). Excelling at sport as a young man he became an EUS footballer himself before successfully trialling to represent Great Britain. Following that, he served as an assistant coach for the EUS women's team for several years before eventually ascending to the position of Chairman of EUS.

 

EUS is the official association in England, responsible for overseeing representative student sports and competitions in higher education. They play a vital role in representing sport amongst some of the most dedicated student sportspeople in higher education. Alongside the other Nations Chairs, bringing the multi-sport Home Nations Championship back for Summer 2024 is their main goal.

 

A festival of elite professional sports, EUS represents 117 members in student sports. Their aim is to provide a pathway for student-athletes to represent their country in and eventually outside of the EUS as professional sportsmen and women.

 

Tune in as James and Barry speak about:

• Barry's childhood sports and his journey into football coaching
• The coaching structure in England
• The kind of themes that are challenging their industry
• Brighton's recruitment, engagement, and value addition sports courses and programs
• The criteria for eligibility for squad representations
• The diversity of a EUS team and the sports the representative teams offered
• The mantra Barry lives by, day-to-day
• The setup of their funding
• Physical outlets Barry employs to destress himself and stay at top performance

… and so much more!

 

Check out English Universities Sport:

Website: https://englishuniversitiessport.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EngUniSport

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engunisport

 

Check out Brighton University

Website: https://sport.brighton.ac.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportbrighton/

 

Connect With Barry:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrysquires/

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In today's episode, James interviews Seif Tawfik, a former first-division footballer in the Egyptian League and the founder/CEO of Stryx Sports. After experiencing a career-ending knee injury, Seif transitioned into the corporate world but later returned to the sports industry as a manager, ultimately launching Stryx Sports.

 

Stryx Sports has long established itself as Dubai's premier sports provider, renowned for its unparalleled offerings. Catering to schools, sports academies, and holiday camps, Stryx Sports delivers unique and high-quality sports programs, prioritizing excellent customer service. Beyond its exceptional services, the organization actively contributes to enhancing children's health by fostering a love for movement and sports from an early age, while also broadening their horizons. Through their unwavering commitment to excellence, Stryx Sports continues to shape the sports industry in Dubai, inspiring a generation of active individuals and ensuring a brighter, healthier future.

 

Tune in as James and Seif speak about:

• Seif's early sporting memories

• His professional football career debut, journey, and transition from it

• Seif's experience in the automotive corporate world

• When he had the idea of Stryx and how they went about launching it

• Philosophies and approaches that put him at the top

• How do they find the right coaches and the challenges linked to it

• Where they're aiming to be in the next 3/ 5 years

• How do they stand out in the multitude of competitors

… and so much more! 

 

Check out Stryx Sports:

Website: https://stryxsports.com   

LinkedIn: Stryx Sports 

Instagram: @stryxsports

 

Check out Seif:

LinkedIn: Seif M Tawfik

Instagram: @seiftafik

 

Connect with James:

Instagram: @james_ventures

Facebook: Coordinate Sports FB Page

LinkedIn: James Moore

Coordinate cloud: The Drive Phase Podcast

 

In today’s episode, James speaks to Conrad Balatoni and Laura Gallagher. Laura is an athlete mentor at the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and a British trampoline gymnast. After an extraordinary career as one of the UK’s most accomplished trampolinists, Laura is guiding young people paths using sport and physical activity as a development tool. Conrad Balatoni, a former professional Scottish footballer, embarked on a remarkable journey that began with playfully diving to save a balloon on a sofa. This passion for the game propelled him towards an illustrious 11-year career as an international football player. Now, looking ahead to the present, Conrad has successfully transitioned to a life as a financial advisor at St James’s Place Wealth Management. Tune in as James, Conrad & Laura speak about:

• Laura’s Contradictory sporting background
• Their debuts to professional sporting levels and how they progressed onwards
• Evolution of sports funding from past to present
• Challenges female athletes encounter in pursuit of sporting excellence
• Their key takeaways while stepping out of professional sports
• The catalyst behind the paths they’re currently taking
• How they keep themselves centered and at high performance
• What’s their focus for the future

… and so much more! Connect with Conrad: LinkedIn: Conrad Balatoni Twitter: @Conradbalatoni Instagram:@conradbalatoniwealthmanagement Connect With Laura: LinkedIn: Laura Gallagher Twitter: @LGallagherTra Twitter Connect with James: Instagram: @james_ventures Facebook: Coordinate Sports FB Page LinkedIn: James Moore Coordinate cloud: The Drive Phase Podcast