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Stuart may have started out as the reluctant leader, but in
the last 10 years he’s proved himself wrong and transformed
his business into an award-winner.
When a series of events left Stuart as the only candidate
in the company to take on the role of managing director, it
was only loyalty to the business that saw him accept the job.
“I never saw myself as a leader,” said Stuart.
“But I believed in the company and wanted to do everything
in my power to improve it.”
After being thrown into the role of leader, Stuart set about
turning the business around and giving it a new direction.
As well as putting quality systems in place, he developed
the company’s first long-term strategy.
“My first two ports of call were the customers and the
staff. Listening to what they wanted helped me to make improvements
that not only boosted staff motivation and customer satisfaction,
but also sales.
“I wanted to create a culture of improvement where everyone
strives to be the very best they can and the business went
from strength to strength from there.”
Since Stuart’s arrival in the top job, Biocatalysts
Limited has picked up a host of prestigious awards, including
Small Business of the Year at The Western Mail Business Awards
2005, The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Parcelforce’s
Small Business Award and two Outstanding Practice Awards from
Investors in People.
Stuart’s approach to problem-solving has also earned
him praise. His practice of ‘transformability’,
which aims to look to other industries for inspiration, has
resulted in the business becoming one of the most innovative
in its field.
When looking to be inspired, Stuart need not look any further
than his own home. His 13 year-old daughter Lauren has a neuromuscular
condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and uses a powered wheelchair.
Despite this physical limitation, she compensates with an
amazing strength of character, participating in life to the
full with her friends and achieving well academically in school.
“Lauren is one of the toughest people I know. Although,
perhaps because she has been through so much and copes so
well, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly. This is a common
trait we share! Even though she is very weak physically, her
strength mentally is overwhelming and I always think that
if she can do it, so can I.
“Although I never pictured myself as a leader, it’s
now a role I’m very comfortable with. I think I judge
my success as a leader on the success of the business so that
has motivated me.
“I think one of the most important characteristics for
a good leader is the ability to see the big picture and the
people in it. Treating everyone equally goes a long way and
communication is also crucial.
“Winston Churchill was a superb leader. Not only was
he inspiring in hard times, but he never shied away from his
responsibility as a great leader. He made very difficult and
controversial decisions for the greater good and believed
in his judgement. That, to me, is inspiring.”
Mike Clay, general manager at Biocatalysts Ltd, is one of
four managers on Stuart’s team. He said: “Stuart
leads by example. He has a ‘do as I do’ style,
which is very effective. He’s a dynamic leader and his
passion for the business is infectious.”
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