The Arts, Creativity and Good Business
To stay ahead in business you need creativity. Express Group, based in Gateshead,
is a great example of this. The press article below explains how the Express
Group keeps ahead of the game.
Express Success for over 25 years
By Hugh Welch
The Express Group is one of the major businesses in the region which is known not
only for its success as a leading product developer but also for its contribution to the
regeneration of the region.
After a colourful early career that included mobile discos and Quayside market stalls,
Chris became group managing director in 1988. His success as a business leader was
publicly acknowledged when he was voted North East Businessman of the Year in
1993. In the last decade the Group has evolved under his leadership from a traditional
engineering business to a leader in product design and development.
Companies that form the Group range from Pressex, a business which produces
pressed components for light assemblies, to Learning Dynamix. This is an
organisational development business and IT training company which was set up as a
joint venture with Tyneside Training and Enterprise Council, and is now operated in
partnership with the Northern Recruitment Group.
Chris is also a key supporter of regeneration of the North East and has helped attract
investment into the region through numerous seminars and other events. Express
Group is a partner in Gateshead Knowledge Campus which will play a leading role in
the development of the Baltic Business Park and create a unique community for product
development companies. Express has also jointly with Gateshead Council and ebusiness foundation been the creators of Ezone which offers incubation and business
support services to early stage and high growth technology companies.
Chris attributes the Group's success partially to its ability to recognise gaps in
the supply chain and then developing new businesses to fill those gaps but the
main reason for its success has been Chris' talent for finding key people to lead and
develop these businesses.
It is Chris' passion and commitment to succeed that drives the business forward. He
enjoys his work and often works 70-80 hour weeks. "Entrepreneurship" he warns, "is no
part time career!"
When asked what advice he has to offer aspiring young entrepreneurs Chris said, "You
must differentiate yourself and your business from your competitors through your
products or services if you want to stand out in the marketplace. Surround yourself with
people you aspire to. They will help you to maintain the momentum for your own
enthusiasm, growth and development. Motivate yourself by setting tangible goals that
are achievable in the short-term, as well as maintaining focus on your long-term
strategy. Good luck!"
Source: www.robertmuckle.co.uk/usefulinfo/ newsonline/regional/july2001