Network to help start-ups scale up and see success

 EX-OFFENDER Gethin Jones is on a mission to inspire people to '˜think it, say it and do it' in order to boost their business. Â
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Oct 2018, 17:43 BST
Updated 9th Oct 2018, 18:49 BST
Gethin JonesGethin Jones, founder of Unlocking Potential, and Mark Legg, the managing director of CDM Contractors, who have set up Synergy Success NetworkGethin JonesGethin Jones, founder of Unlocking Potential, and Mark Legg, the managing director of CDM Contractors, who have set up Synergy Success Network
Gethin JonesGethin Jones, founder of Unlocking Potential, and Mark Legg, the managing director of CDM Contractors, who have set up Synergy Success Network

The self-styled Robin Hood of the business world has joined forces with Mark Legg, the managing director of CDM Contractors, to set up a new networking and training service called Synergy Success Network. 

The pair hope to use their experiences to help start-up businesses to scale up by running a series of networking events, training courses and support packages. 

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Twenty per cent of the profits from this new venture, based at Fairway Business Park, will go into Gethin's other business '“ a social enterprise called Unlocking Potential '“ so he can give motivational speeches in prisons, schools or to charities.   

Gethin, from Hilsea, said: '˜Most of the people who see motivational speakers are those who can afford it, through big companies but actually those who would benefit most are the ones who cannot afford it, or who would never get the opportunity. 

'˜I am like Robin Hood, redistributing the wealth.' 

Gethin, 47, set up Unlocking Potential in January 2017. He spent eight years in prison, and overcame drug addiction, when he was inspired to change his life after completing a volunteer placement with The Meridian Trust. Through that he got a job with Portsmouth City Council. 

He quickly rose through the ranks, and after becoming disillusioned with austerity and seeing government cutbacks, he set up his own social enterprise. 

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He has also written a personal development book called Unconscious Incarceration, which goes on sale tomorrow.  

Mark, also from Portsmouth, took his business from small beginnings to being a million pound UK-wide company that employs more than 70 people.

Gethin said: '˜We bring different skillsets. Mark brings the practical elements of setting up a business and I bring the leadership and management. 

'˜We understand that success comes from building a supportive, nurturing culture. We'll be sharing the '˜think it, say it, do it' model that builds success.' 

The Synergy Success Network will be holding a launch event at 6pm on Thursday, January 10 at the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth. Go to facebook.com/synergysuccessnetwork

Related topics:Robin Hood