Our Story
Our founder and principal business consultant is Russ Nathan C Eng CBE. He is probably best known for taking Romtec plc from start up to public quote on the AIM market. This IT business grew rapidly through organic growth followed by joint ventures, acquisitions and finally being itself acquired by a US corporation.
Previously he was a specialist in the computerisation of production management in manufacturing companies then advancing through a sequence of high profile jobs with major IT companies. In parallel with the day job he chaired several public sector organisations including Business Link for which he was the national chairman.
More recently, Russ set up Russ Nathan and Associates in order to make his extensive skills and experience available to SMEs with high growth potential.
Russ’s approach to business mentoring is not that of conventional consultants. For the clients of Russ Nathan and Associates, he is a force for a strategic and planned approach to achieving greater business success. For example among current clients:
We have worked for a client in the construction sector for 3 years and in that time their turnover has tripled.
Our client in the recycling industry was restructured and is now achieving 25% revenue growth year on year.
Our founder, Russ Nathan was awarded a CBE for his services to training & enterprise
Experience Profile
Heading up a division of 300 IT professionals in my early thirties (Scicon)
Early participation in the development of IT facilities management in the UK (Hoskyns and EDS)
Start up and growth of an IT marketing services company to a listing on the AIM market. (Romtec plc)
Business Modelling – Assisted an internet platform and database business to identify an optimal business model to enable high growth and profit. Worked with client to develop the business plan followed by introductions and negotiations with potential funders along with introduction to a key source of marketing expertise.
Client Comment: “Russ is always positive in offering his sound advice and support”
Vision and Market Objectives – Worked with owner and CEO of a motor racing management company based at Silverstone. Helped with the positioning of the business in the motor racing industry and in evolving a strategy for growth. Helped to define their range of services including the feeder programme which trains and qualifies aspiring racing drivers.
Client Comment: “Russ is charismatic and inspirational with a unique ability engage with directors and employees at all levels”
Quick Fixes – Worked with a prestige plastering company with modern and heritage projects. They were doing outstanding work gaining them industry awards but needing a roadmap for profitable growth. This involved initially some “quick fixes” including improvements in marketing and sales, sales proposals, project accounting and control and customer loyalty.
Client Comment: “Russ is a great guy to work with. Always constructive, good humoured with solid advice; we’ve never had cause to disagree with his input”
3 Year Plans – Several clients have worked with me to develop this fundamental building block. The plastering company was one of these but others included a satellite R&D company expanding to manufacturing, a recycling company and a tanning salon chain. The acid test for 3 Year Plans I develop with my clients is “are they realistic and achievable?” Implementation is best delegated to managers who are committed to them and have a track record for performance. Should they also be used for obtaining funding they need to be comprehensive and thorough. Experienced in sourcing funding.
Client Comment – “Our relationship with Russ has been an outstanding success”
Planning for Growth – Occasionally I help clients who have experienced early success but now ready to build an organisation and financial structure fit for a larger company with high growth potential.
Adoption of a more formal management structure with regular board meetings (but not always) and reporting. Modularisation of the business reflecting market or product/service segments is usually on the agenda along with a profit centred accounting system.
Client Comment: “My whole team greatly respect and appreciate Russ’s input and guidance”
Driving Growth – The transition from small company to a larger company often requires the development of a “business development group” to drive marketing and sales. This enables progress from director only selling to a team which is proportionately resourced. The business development group which I set up and lead has achieved 25% year on year growth.
Client Comment: Russ’s initiative and recruitment for our BDG was a game changer for us”
National chairman of Training and Enterprise Council and Business Link (UK Government)
Negotiation and merger with major IT research corporation (Total-Romtec)
Racing driver competing in the national series GT Cup; 8 podiums in 22 races.
Preparation for Exit and Negotiation: I took my own company to a quote on the London Stock Exchange and subsequently negotiated its sale to an American corporation. Recently negotiated the sale of a major recycling company to a large corporate buyer.
