A former director of Newcastle’s historic tea company Ringtons has brewed up a new venture – a self help group for top business leaders.
Jon Malton became the first non-family member to be invited onto the board of Ringtons Tea in 2007, after almost 20 years with the firm working his way from the shop floor to the boardroom. His career took him all over the world visiting suppliers, attending trade exhibitions, and adding valuable contacts to help in his demanding role.
After leaving the Byker business he launched his own consultancy Malton and Co, to give other business owners the benefit of his experience to help them succeed. Now Mr Malton has created the Lighthouse Business Club, a community of business owners and senior executives who share their ideas, challenges, and opportunities with each other to help them grow their businesses.
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Initially aimed at businesses with a turnover in excess of £1m, he said future groups will be aimed at senior managers and small business owners. Each peer group will have no more than 12 members, all from non-competing organisations, across different industries, with different skill sets and viewpoints.
They will meet every six weeks at different venues across the region. Each meeting will end with a social event such as axe throwing, river trips or simply a meal out. He has already booked venues such as The Catalyst, Live Theatre and Alnwick Gardens with the first meeting being held in an executive box at St James’ Park. Mr Malton said he took the name from St Mary’s lighthouse, which he sees every day from his house in Whitley Bay.
He said: “Lighthouses are amazing structures, they guide people to safety, keep them away from danger and stand up to all the rigours that nature sends. Business is sometimes like a rough sea and my role leading the club is to help navigate members and their organisations into calmer waters, and towards their goals.
“The meetings will be insightful, dynamic and value adding. They are based on 100% trust and confidentiality and the willingness of members to share and take part in the process. It will be like having your own board of non-executive directors for less than the price of one. I’ve already booked some world-class speakers from around the world to talk about topics including strategy, exit planning, futurism, sales, marketing, and customer service.
Founder members include Karen Weir, MD of Blyth based Weir Insurance, and Tony Cleary, founder of County Durham’s Lanchester Group. Ms Weir said: “We’ve been helping our clients with their insurance needs since 1972 and as far as insurance goes, we’ve probably seen it all. But as an MD, there are times when it is good to talk to people at an executive level who have no hidden agenda and who simply want to offer their experience and help. That is why I think the Lighthouse Business Club will be a success.”
Mr Cleary added: “When you are in the right environment with trusted people you make better decisions, become better leaders, and achieve better results. Jon has used his vast knowledge and experience to provide this unique club and I’m sure it will shine its light on a lot of successes in the region.”
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