If you’re looking for a consultant who can provide sound business management advice, based on real-world experience, then you’re in the right place.

I’ve held management roles in a range of industries, and I use that experience to help businesses in Yorkshire to grow and progress at a manageable pace.

Some of the areas I can help with include:

  • Experienced Non-Executive Director and Chairman
  • Interim Director Support
  • Succession Planning
  • Exit Strategy
  • Develop Strategic Business plans

Business growth advice and strategy planning

  • Do you feel confident and optimistic about your business?
  • Do you have a clear plan for your business covering the next 3-5 years?
  • Are you confident you can generate enough new business to support those plans?
  • Do you have a great team who are capable of delivering this plan?
  • Is your business financially stable, profitable and able to fund growth?
  • Are your business goals in alignment with your personal goals?
  • Do you have enough time away from your business to spend with family and friends?

If your answer to any of the above is no, then when and how are you going to turn it to a yes?

I can help.

Working together, we can put a business growth strategy in place that is realistic and aligned with your goals.

Business growth advice and strategy planning

  • Do you feel confident and optimistic about your business?
  • Do you have a clear plan for your business covering the next 3-5 years?
  • Are you confident you can generate enough new business to support those plans?
  • Do you have a great team who are capable of delivering this plan?
  • Is your business financially stable, profitable and able to fund growth?
  • Are your business goals in alignment with your personal goals?
  • Do you have enough time away from your business to spend with family and friends?

If your answer to any of the above is no, then when and how are you going to turn it to a yes?

I can help.

Working together, we can put a business growth strategy in place that is realistic and aligned with your goals.

Non-executive director support

Governance is becoming a bigger area of focus for many businesses, particularly those that turnover more than £5m. The risks are significant, and owners need to demonstrate that they manage their business responsibly. Having the right skills and experience on the Board is imperative.

With over 30 years of management experience, 12 in Managing Director roles, I can bring that experience to your Board in a non-executive capacity. I offer impartiality and objectivity, as well as skill and knowledge. If you need balance in the boardroom and an independent view on the strategic direction of your company, then I can help.

Interim director support

Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen in business – usually at the most inconvenient of times.

Perhaps a key member of your executive team leaves abruptly or falls ill right in the middle of a crucial project. Maybe you land a new contract that is far larger and more complex than you expected, threatening the survival of the business.

In these circumstances, it can be vital to bring in a resource immediately. But you can’t just bring in “anyone”. You need someone who can assimilate with your business quickly. Someone with experience, drive and the emotional intelligence to work positively with your team.

I can be that person. I’ve held management positions in various sectors, as well as mentoring businesses owners from several industries. I can hit the ground running and help you deliver what’s required.

If you’ve found yourself in an unexpected situation and need additional management support, get in touch.

Succession planning and exit strategy

Do you have a strategy for replacing key people in your business if they leave or when they retire?

Do you have a strategy for replacing yourself?

If you’ve worked hard building your business, the last thing you want is for it to crumble as soon as you step away. Even if you have no plans to leave just yet, you may have colleagues that are getting ready to move on.

Planning for succession shouldn’t be left until the last minute. I can help you identify people within your business who can be developed, ready to step into senior leadership roles. We’ll also look at your retention strategy, training and development programmes, and progression opportunities.

And if you are thinking about exiting your business within the next five years, I can help you prepare it for sale or handover.

Succession planning and exit strategy

Do you have a strategy for replacing key people in your business if they leave or when they retire?

Do you have a strategy for replacing yourself?

If you’ve worked hard building your business, the last thing you want is for it to crumble as soon as you step away. Even if you have no plans to leave just yet, you may have colleagues that are getting ready to move on.

Planning for succession shouldn’t be left until the last minute. I can help you identify people within your business who can be developed, ready to step into senior leadership roles. We’ll also look at your retention strategy, training and development programmes, and progression opportunities.

And if you are thinking about exiting your business within the next five years, I can help you prepare it for sale or handover, just get in touch.

Keith Ruddock, Ruddock Associates - Family Business Advice

Family business advice

Family-owned businesses face some additional management challenges, especially if family members don’t all share the same vision. I specialise in helping family-run businesses to transition successfully from one generation to the next.

Keith Ruddock, Ruddock Associates - Business Mentoring

Business mentoring

If you feel as though your business is running you or growing faster than you can keep up with, then I can help. I’ll provide advice, guidance and support to help you regain control and confidence. Don’t struggle alone – invest in yourself.

Keith Ruddock, Ruddock Associates - Business Mentoring, Family Business Advice, Business Management Support & Business Coaching

About me

Having managed companies with as many as 800 employees, I know first-hand how stressful it can be running or growing a business. I set up Ruddock Associates to help business owners reduce that stress and build the businesses they want.