Richard Matthews, Group Managing Director, freshbaked


Finalist: Businesses with Less than 250 employeees

Freshbaked Group is a service provider of four divisions - freshbaked training, freshbaked business, freshbaked corporate and freshbaked communications.

Since Richard started the company in 2004 it has achieved 100% growth in turnover, boosting its original investment of £15,000 to £1.2 million. The number of employees has also risen, from just 4 to 30.

He is a model of inspiration for his staff with his passion and focus for customer service being part of his qualities, as well as his strong belief in the company. He inspires colleagues to adopt similar values.

He manages to maintain a healthy balance between work and home life, and encourages his staff to do the same, as well as genuinely caring about their progression and achievement.

When making decisions which will affect everyone, he doesn't do it alone. Instead, he invites their input to make a choice which they can all be satisfied, such as the moving to new premises. He has introduced policies which include flexible working hours, home working and "in lieu" accrual schemes, and also a programme which works with child care vouchers. He ensures that his workforce is happy and comfortable.

During busy periods, he's not afraid to roll up his sleeves and pitch in to relieve the pressure whether he answers the phone or provides training materials.

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you?
I started my career at 18 earning £45 per week as an apprentice.

Who inspires you?
People who are doing better than me!

What is your top leadership tip?
Make sure everybody counts and everybody knows they count.