Spotlight Series: Matt Clarke
Legacy Club shines a light on some of our members to see what makes them and their business tick.
We spoke Matt Clarke, Co-Founder of CES
Please tell us a little bit about you the person (not you the business owner): I am a father of 3 young children, Arsenal FC fan and am huge Carp fishing addict!
Born is East London and now live in Epping, Essex.
Highly motivated and proactive to all situations and decisions
Describe your business in less than 30 words: We are a high quality mechanical and electrical contractors who work predominantly in the education and healthcare sectors concentrating on smooth delivery of all projects by using the best staff that have been trained "The CES Way"
What industry or sector does your business fall in to?: Construction
What did you do before you started your business?: I started as an apprentice at a local electrical contractors prior to staring and setting up CES with my business partner Dan Appleby.
What have been the biggest struggles that you have encountered, and what did you do to overcome them?: We did last year have a large contractual dispute with a client that did not want to pay, so we employed a very well regarded dispute specialist who won our case and we got paid what we was owed.
Have you had any external investment to date?: No
Have you ever had to make any major changes or pivots to your business, and why?: Yes many dependant on the economic climate or current industry trends! One that sticks most in my mind was probably 3-4years ago was when we decided to back out of the working in the social housing market as the work was too much hassle for little reward. It was a great decision and streamlined our business and helped us concentrate on bigger projects and less projects per year.
Do you struggle with, or have you found any of the following barriers to your business growth?: Leadership Capacity, People & Talent
Do you have any business hero's, if so, who are they?: Not really to be honest, but if i had to pick anyone Alan sugar as he built up a huge empire from humble beginning's.
Financial Rewards or Business Awards?: Financial Rewards
What was the last book you read?: Currently reading, "How to win friends and Influence people" by Dale Carnegie
Tell us something totally unique about your business: We have some members of staff that are still with us now that started with the business over 10years ago and each year we take on 2 apprentices!
Finally, please tell us what we can look forward to with your business in the next 12 months.: We are possibly looking to move into a new sector and market with a new service offering to produce long term reoccurring revenue, but its still early days, so watch this space!!
