TGt Meets... James Phipps

As part of our Entrepreneur Week Specials, we've been speaking to James Phipps from Excalibur Communications.

Tell us a little bit more about your business?

Excalibur manages the IT, Fixed Line and Mobile services for around 6000 UK businesses and has its roots back to 1993. We are a Microsoft Gold Partner and Vodafone Platinum Partner. Based in Swindon, our turnover is nearly £8m and we recently got Investor In People accreditation.

What inspired you to set up your business?

I started an MBO in 2010, I knew that the business had huge potential but was not realising it and the marketplace had opportunity for growth.

What do you think attracts people to starting their own business?

The freedom it provides.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

People, greatest strength but also can be a weakness if the wrong values.

Do you have a motto or favourite motivational quote?

Empowering staff - Sin first, ask for forgiveness later and as long as no-one dies then it doesn’t matter as long as you are trying to do the “right thing”.

What advice would you give someone looking to take the plunge and start a business?

It is the hardest option but like parenthood is also hugely rewarding. Hold your nerve, back your instincts and take advice.

What’s the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?

Innovating with a changing workforce, Generation “Y” work differently and to attract or retain you have to innovate.

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Taking a £50k profit business to £1m+ in 3 years.

When you’re not busy running your business, how do you like to spend your down time?

Two young daughters always keep me busy but I watch sport all around the world each year to give me a distraction (Football in Ghana, Cricket in Australia and Manny vs Mayweather fight in Vegas for example), meet new people and have new experiences. Plus films, I love films.