Andrew Silver leads Gosforth-based 360 Growth Partners - a consultancy that works with businesses to accelerate growth. Its services include leadership training, people management, financial strategies, technology solutions and marketing.
Mr Silver and his team work with a variety of businesses nationally including Black & White Engineering, Decorating Centre Online, and Newcastle Premier Health as well as creative companies Vida Creative, Jump and McBryde & Co.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
I started out as the regional sales executive for Swallow Hotels which was owned by Vaux Breweries . My salary was £9,000p/a and no commission or bonus structure. That was 33 years ago!
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What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
Opportunity comes to those who go looking for it. I have created many of the roles that I have held in business. I had a great mentor during a critical phase of my career and she always helped me see things from a different perspective. I now try to support those I coach to do the same.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
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The desire for immediate results and pace of change means that it can be a challenge to get clients to think strategically. We are pragmatic strategists! We work with clients on their strategy but support the implementation of it.
‘A vision without a plan is just a wish.’ I do believe that. We support clients to just give some time to the objectives and strategy before jumping to the tactics
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
Hybrid working has given us a challenge in getting in front of people. We were already set up to work remotely as that is our business model, but we have definitely improved our digital approach over the last couple of years.
Although we can do much of what we do across a screen, there is also no substitute for meeting face to face for some activity. Building trust with our clients is critical so whilst the online world can work further down the road, the screen is too one dimensional. We also work collaboratively with our clients to develop their plans and face to face is far more productive.
Who is your role model in business?
Having worked for Virgin twice in my career I would have to give a mention to Sir Richard Branson. But anyone who has a vision and can inspire belief in a team of people to achieve it is to be admired and listened to.
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What would your dream job be?
It is what I do now! That might sound trite, but I have always had a desire that one day I would have a role where I can support other companies to achieve their vision. The satisfaction I get from seeing the impact of what we do on the growth of individuals and businesses is why I get out of bed in the morning.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
Go and do the hard yards working inside growing organisations, focus on life-long learning, respect the opinion and expertise of others and remember you have two ears and one mouth for a reason!
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
The North East has a vibrant business community. It is big enough to make a difference but small enough to really care about its impact on the lives of those who live here. Northerners are warm-hearted folk who want to make things happen, and their desire for straight talking can, if harnessed correctly, accelerate arrival at the destination.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
Critical. As chair of The Key, a youth charity, and mentor for the Boys Network I know first-hand how business leaders can impact the lives of young people and inspire them to achieve great things. It is the responsibility of businesses and their leaders to invest in our community to create long term sustainability and greater opportunity for all.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
I’m not sure how good I am at it, but I love open water swimming. With a new granddaughter I also hope that I am doing a decent job as a husband, father and grandfather, but I am still learning!
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