Business Doctor Steve Ennis Wins Mentoring Award

Business Doctors is delighted to announce that Steve Ennis has been named a winner at the National Mentoring Matters Awards 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution to mentoring UK business leaders.

Steve has been mentoring on the government-backed Help to Grow: Management Course for the past three years through the University of Worcester Business School, supporting small business owners to strengthen leadership, strategy and long-term growth.

Steve attended the awards ceremony in Central London alongside his mentee Richard Sadler, owner of CJC Aggregates & Landscaping Supplies, who nominated him for the award. In a remarkable outcome, both mentor and mentee were recognised as winners on the night, highlighting the strength and impact of their mentoring partnership.

The Help to Grow: Management Course has already supported more than 10,000 UK business owners, and the programme has recently received further backing, with the government confirming it will be extended for another three years.

Reflecting on the award, Steve said:

“Mentoring is one of the most rewarding things I do. Watching business owners gain confidence, develop their leadership skills and achieve real growth in their businesses is incredibly fulfilling.

Working with Richard has been a fantastic experience and I’m grateful for his nomination. The Help to Grow: Management Course is a brilliant initiative that is making a real difference to UK businesses.”

The next cohort of the Help to Grow: Management Course begins in April at the University of Worcester Business School.

Business owners interested in taking part can contact Steve Ennis or Laura Swain to learn more about joining the programme.

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Steve Ennis Finalist

Worcestershire, UK – Business Doctor and SME growth specialist Steve Ennis has been announced as a finalist in the “Biggest Impact Award” category at the National Mentoring Matters Awards 2026, proudly sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade.

The award recognises mentors who have made a significant and lasting impact on their mentees’ business success. Steve’s nomination came from Richard Sadler, owner of CJC Aggregates & Landscaping Supplies, following their time working together during the Help to Grow: Management Course at the University of Worcester’s Business School.

“I’m honoured and delighted to be selected as a finalist,” said Steve. “Huge thanks to Richard for the nomination – it was a privilege to mentor him. His energy and leadership have been pivotal in driving CJC Aggregates forward, and it’s inspiring to see the business thrive.”

Steve’s nomination highlights his commitment to practical mentoring that empowers SME owners to scale with confidence, especially through initiatives like Help to Grow, backed by the Small Business Charter.

The glittering awards ceremony will take place in Central London on Thursday, March 12th, bringing together the UK’s most dedicated mentors, programme leaders, and entrepreneurial support champions. Steve joked that his next big task is to find the right tie for the occasion.

Get in touch if you would like a conversation with Steve.

  • Steve Ennis is part of the Business Doctors network, offering hands-on support to SMEs seeking growth, clarity, and operational excellence.
  • Help to Grow: Management is a government-backed programme providing senior leaders with the tools to boost business performance, delivered by leading business schools across the UK.
  • The National Mentoring Matters Awards celebrate the transformative impact of mentoring on individuals and businesses nationwide.

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Jason Newington Business Doctor

(Left to Right: Saumitra Kamat, Jason Newington, Graham Robson, Matt Levington)

Jason Newington, a seasoned business leader with three decades of experience in operational strategy, financial management, and business transformation, has joined Business Doctors to support SMEs across London and the South East.

Jason’s move follows an exceptional 31-year career with FMC, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in growing the company from a single-title start-up into a leading multi-brand organisation. His experience spans launching new product lines, leading acquisitions, and driving operational and digital transformation – all of which now form the foundation of his work with small business clients.

“After an amazing journey with FMC, I wanted to apply everything I’ve learned in a more personal, hands-on way, working directly with the entrepreneurs and business owners who are the backbone of the UK economy,” Jason said.

At Business Doctors, Jason brings a refreshingly practical approach to growth and problem-solving. Whether it’s developing more accurate budgets, streamlining reporting, improving operational performance, or preparing a business for investment or exit, he helps leaders gain the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions.

Jason is also highly experienced in digital transformation, including AI implementation and IT and CRM strategy, and is passionate about helping businesses harness technology to drive sustainable growth.

He joins a growing national network of Business Doctors committed to offering “hands-on support” to SMEs, startups and solopreneurs.

“I’m here to help business owners feel less overwhelmed, more in control, and excited about where they’re going next,” Jason said.

If you would like a discovery call with Jason, please get in touch.

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Saumitra Kamat Business Doctor South East England

Saumitra Kamat, a commercially driven strategist with a passion for people and purpose, has joined Business Doctors to support SME growth in the South East of England.

With over 25 years of experience in commercial leadership roles across multiple sectors, Saumitra has helped businesses scale, diversify, and navigate change, but it’s his belief in human-centred, values-led growth that now drives his next chapter.

“I’ve reached a stage in life where meaningful work, family and balance are more important than job titles,” Saumitra said. “Joining Business Doctors allows me to use everything I’ve learned to support entrepreneurs who are building businesses not just for profit, but for purpose.”

At Business Doctors, Saumitra helps small business owners and founders cut through the complexity of growth. Whether it’s clarifying their value proposition, developing a clear commercial strategy, or building scalable systems, his approach is always grounded in real-world practicality and delivered with empathy, honesty and encouragement.

Saumitra’s own professional journey has spanned fast-growing startups, global corporates and ambitious mid-sized firms, giving him a deep understanding of how to unlock growth at every stage. He specialises in aligning vision with execution, supporting strategic decision-making, and helping founders stay focused on what really matters.

He now joins a national network of Business Doctors committed to working side-by-side with SMEs, solopreneurs and startup leaders, offering hands-on support, not just advice.

“Business owners are under more pressure than ever,” Saumitra said. “I want to help them step back, take a breath, and move forward with clarity, not just as entrepreneurs, but as people.”

When he’s not working, Saumitra is deeply invested in his own learning and development, from skill diversification and adapting to industry shifts, to growing his network and staying informed. You’ll often find him tuning in to BBC Radio 4, exploring new ideas and perspectives to bring back to the businesses he supports.

If you would like a discovery call with Saumitra, please get in touch.

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Rod Davies, Jenny Davies Pat Kennedy, Graham Robson
LR: Rod Davies, Jenny Davies Pat Kennedy, Graham Robson

Business Doctors is pleased to announce the appointment of Pat Kennedy as its newest Business Doctor, serving SMEs across Scotland. With a long, proven career in the corporate world, Pat brings extensive experience and a genuine passion for supporting small businesses through their growth journey.

Over many years in senior operations, change and growth roles across major organisations in Scotland, Pat has developed deep insight into what it takes to build and transform a business from the inside out. He has led teams, driven change and delivered tangible results. But perhaps most importantly, Pat realised that his greatest satisfaction came from helping people, supporting business owners, sharing insights, and seeing their enterprises thrive.

That insight led Pat to partner with his fellow Business Doctor, Vicus van Biljon, to focus on working with SMEs across Scotland. In his new role, Pat’s focus is clear: roll up his sleeves, listen carefully, and help businesses make practical, manageable steps forward. Instead of endless jargon, he delivers real support.

Outside of his professional work, Pat is a strong advocate for community and connection. Whether through local business networks, mentoring young talent or simply contributing to the local economy that helps Scotland stay strong, Pat brings energy and a heart for people and place.

Pat said: “I’m excited to bring my energy and experience into this new chapter, and to help your business write the next one.”

Business Doctors said: “We are delighted to welcome Pat Kennedy. His combination of deep operational experience and his passion for working with smaller firms aligns perfectly with our mission. We know his hands‑on, insight‑driven approach will bring significant value to business owners across Scotland.”

Pat Kennedy will work closely with business owners and leadership teams to identify practical opportunities, monitor progress and embed sustainable change. His arrival reinforces Business Doctors’ commitment to delivering tailored, expert support to SMEs seeking to grow, adapt, and succeed in the competitive Scottish business environment.

About Business Doctors

Business Doctors is a national advisory network supporting small and medium‑sized enterprises with their day‑to‑day challenges and growth ambitions. Our team of experienced Business Doctors offers pragmatic, hands‑on support across operations, finance, strategy and change, helping business owners achieve clarity, momentum and long‑term success.

Click here to arrange a discovery call with Pat.

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Rod Davies, Alastair Stewart and Graham Robson
(LR: Co-Founder Rod Davies, Alastair Stewart, Graham Robson)

Business Doctors is delighted to announce the appointment of Alastair Stewart as its new Business Doctor for North Yorkshire. With over four decades of experience in sales, business development, and strategic leadership, Alastair will bring deep expertise and a fresh, hands‑on approach to supporting SMEs across the region.

A proven track record, now channelled into helping local business owners

Alastair joins the Business Doctors network after a long and varied career in which he has built, led and scaled teams and operations globally. He has driven revenue growth, negotiated and closed significant deals, and forged long‑standing client relationships in sectors ranging from retail analytics to data centres and network services.

Beyond the numbers, Alastair maintains a people-centric perspective, mentoring teams, cultivating confidence in individuals, and simplifying complex challenges so that leaders can act with clarity and conviction.

As he puts it:

“With over 40 years’ experience in sales and business development, I’ve led teams, grown revenues, and built strong relationships across industries from retail analytics to data centres and network services. I’ve had the privilege of working across EMEA, driving revenue growth, leading high-performing teams, and closing major deals.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What really drives me is helping people and businesses unlock their full potential. I’ve always believed in building trusted relationships, simplifying the complex, and making a real, lasting impact, whether that’s transforming a sales pipeline, guiding a leadership team, or mentoring individuals to grow in confidence and capability.

Now, as part of the Business Doctors team, I’m passionate about using everything I’ve learned to help business owners across North Yorkshire overcome their challenges and achieve their goals, without the jargon, just practical, down‑to‑earth support.”

In his role, Alastair will partner with business owners to assess their current challenges, sharpen strategic focus, and implement practical action plans in areas such as growth planning, commercial optimisation, team leadership, operations and resilience. His approach aligns strongly with Business Doctors’ philosophy of “getting on the pitch” alongside clients, not merely advising from the sidelines.

What Alastair hopes to bring to North Yorkshire SMEs

  • Practical, jargon-free support: Alastair’s priority is to translate strategy into action in a way that is clear, measurable, and sustainable.
  • Trusted, local presence: As someone embedded in the region, he understands the particular challenges and opportunities of Yorkshire businesses.
  • Hands-on collaboration: He views his role as a partner, walking clients through the journey rather than directing from afar.
  • Focus on capability building: Beyond solving immediate problems, he aims to leave every client in a stronger leadership position than when he joined.
  • Scalable growth and resilience: He’ll bring discipline, insights and structure to help SMEs grow in a controlled, resilient way even in uncertain times.

Founder’s welcome

Matt Levington, Co‑Founder and Managing Director of Business Doctors, expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment:

“We are thrilled to welcome Alastair into the Business Doctors family. His depth of experience, integrity and passion for helping businesses truly align with our mission. Alastair brings both the commercial mastery and the relational mindset that make a difference. I have no doubt that businesses across North Yorkshire will benefit greatly from having him as their trusted advisor.”

Next steps & contact

Alastair is now accepting complimentary Discovery Sessions for business owners in North Yorkshire who want to explore how they might move their business forward.

To get in touch with Alastair:

About Business Doctors

Business Doctors is a national network of hands‑on business advisers dedicated to helping SME owners tackle their greatest challenges. Rather than traditional coaching, Business Doctors works side by side with business leaders, blending real‑world experience, proven frameworks and practical tools to deliver sustainable results.

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Business Doctors Launch with Matt Levington and Alastair Beveridge

With over 25 years of experience leading transformation in major global organisations, Alastair Beveridge is excited to announce the launch of his new venture as a Business Doctor. In this role, he will work with business owners in Bath, South Gloucestershire, and West Wiltshire to unlock growth, navigate challenges, and help them realise their commercial goals and personal aspirations.

Alastair’s impressive career includes senior roles at Zurich, Ernst & Young and AXA UK, where he served as a Programme Director and strategic change leader. Drawing on this deep expertise, he brings a rare combination of analytical rigour, real-world business insight, and a passion for practical, results-driven solutions.

“My mission as a Business Doctor is to help local business owners grow their businesses and fulfil their aspirations—whether that’s scaling operations, improving profitability, or simply giving them more freedom to enjoy the life they have built,” said Alastair. “I will be working closely with them to uncover the real challenges and help put in place steps to help them move forward with confidence.”

Alastair thrives on solving critical business problems, helping owners reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity. His approach is collaborative and grounded in the reality of running a business, offering practical strategies tailored to each unique situation.

“Alastair has the perfect blend of experience and humility that we look for in a Business Doctor, and we are delighted to welcome him to our growing team,” said Matthew Levington (managing director).

Outside of his professional work, Alastair is a dedicated supporter of grassroots sport. He spends his spare time coaching a youth rugby team and supporting a junior cycling team, championing the role sport plays in building stronger, healthier communities.

Business owners seeking to navigate challenges, scale their operations, or gain a fresh perspective are encouraged to connect with Alastair for an introductory consultation.

Business Doctors launched in the Northwest of England two decades ago and now has offices in Bulgaria, Belgium, India, the Republic of Ireland, Malta, the Middle East, Myanmar, Portugal and South Africa.

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Uspire Leadership and Training, Business Doctors SME Support, in action.

Uspire Partnership and Business Doctors join forces to empower Business Growth and Leadership Development.

The Uspire Partnership, a sales and marketing training leader, and Business Doctors, a renowned provider of hands-on business support for SMEs, announce a new strategic partnership.

By combining expertise, they will offer an even broader range of leadership development, business strategy, training, and coaching services, helping businesses of all sizes accelerate growth, navigate change, and build future-ready teams.

What This Partnership Means For Clients

Looking ahead, this partnership unlocks exciting opportunities. By combining expertise, they can offer an even broader range of resources, insights, and strategic development solutions. Whether supporting SMEs with hands-on business growth or helping corporate enterprises enhance leadership excellence, this collaboration means more value, expertise, and more significant opportunities for success.

A Partnership Built on Expertise and Shared Values

Initially founded in 2010 by Mark Francis and Jonathan Brough, The Uspire Partnership has successfully trained over 4,500 delegates across 14 countries, specialising in sales and marketing training for mid-sized and corporate businesses in industries such as FMCG, food retail, financial services, technology, and pharmaceuticals. Their mission is still to create the finest commercial leaders in the world, energising them with the skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Business Doctors was founded in 2004 by Matthew Levington and Rod Davies. For the last two decades, the organisation has been helping small and medium-sized enterprises overcome challenges, scale effectively, and achieve long-term success. With a well-established franchise network across the UK and internationally, they provide affordable, hands-on business guidance tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs.

Bringing Businesses Together for Greater Impact

A key focus of this partnership will be the growth of Uspire’s membership programme, The Network, which will strengthen Business Doctors’ extensive regional footprint. Additionally, Uspire’s corporate clients will have access to Business Doctors’ proven 10-step strategic programme, offering a structured approach to business growth and resilience.

This collaboration will create a dynamic learning community, connecting business leaders across sectors. By fostering knowledge-sharing between SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises, they aim to provide fresh insights, innovative solutions, and new growth opportunities.

“Our partnership with Business Doctors is a natural fit,” said Pippa Dunford, Managing Partner of The Uspire Partnership. “We share a common vision of providing a safe space for businesses, teams, individuals, and leaders to develop and thrive, whether through face-to-face interactions or online platforms.”

Matthew Levington, co-founder of Business Doctors, echoed this sentiment: “Together, we are committed to building and inspiring confidence in people to lead and navigate change, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.”

Both organisations have undergone significant transformation in recent years, adapting to the challenges of an evolving business landscape. By joining forces, they are committed to delivering an even more robust suite of services, helping leaders, teams, and businesses develop, adapt, and succeed in an ever-changing world.

Please get in touch if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

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Businessman Darren Downs joins Business Doctors

Business Doctors has welcomed West Midlands Businessman Darren Downes to their national business owners support network.

Darren will launch his new business in and around South Warwickshire in the New Year with the full backing of the wider Business Doctors team.

From start-ups to working in multinationals such as Bosch and British Gas to working in key leadership roles in a family-run business, Darren’s career spans 35 years.

Managing director and co-founder Matthew Levington said, “Darren has a breadth and depth of commercial experience in businesses of all shapes and sizes; this, combined with his excellent people skills and empathetic nature, make him an ideal fit for Business Doctors.”

Darren says every business is unique, and his philosophy is that the owners and their teams have the knowledge and skills to face the challenges they face. He believes his job is to help them extract that and support them on their successful journey.

Darren said, “I love getting under the skin of a company, working with owners and senior teams to get the best out of their businesses.”

Business Doctors launched in the Northwest of England two decades ago and now has offices in Bulgaria, Belgium, India, the Republic of Ireland, Malta, the Middle East, Myanmar, Portugal and South Africa.

Business owners in the region are invited to contact Darren here.

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Bruce Spain joins Business Doctors. Pictured here with founders and support team.
LR: Lynne Rawlinson, Bruce Spain, Matt Levington, Jo Kerrigan.

We’re thrilled to introduce Bruce Spain, the latest addition to our team. Bruce will operate in Bristol and Bath in collaboration with fellow Southwest Business Doctors Paul NeckRichard Tidswell, and Raphael Fiorentino.

Matt Levington, managing director of Business Doctors, said, “Our mission is to empower local businesses, providing the guidance and support needed to thrive in today’s challenging market. Bruce has all the qualities we look for in a Business Doctor, and we are confident he will make a huge difference to business owners in the region.”

The Southwest of England is home to a vibrant and diverse economy, with a significant number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) contributing to its growth and dynamism.

Among these bustling enterprises, the demand for strategic support and specialised business guidance has never been higher. Local business owners are seeking more than just survival; they seek growth, sustainability, and a competitive edge. Bruce is ready to meet this demand head-on; he has a strong background in sustainability and a keen awareness of social and environmental impacts, an experience he will use to help businesses grow profitably and responsibly.

Bruce said “I have led organisations from start-ups through SMEs to fully structured corporate organisations. I have navigated the solitary path of business growth, shouldered the weight of personal guarantees for loans, and grappled with the intricacies of managing cash flow, so I understand the day-to-day challenges that come with running and growing a business.”

Businesses seeking support can contact Bruce here.

Business Doctors launched in the Northwest of England in 2004 and now has offices in Bulgaria, Belgium, India, Iran, Republic of Ireland, Malta, Myanmar, Portugal and South Africa.

Book a complimentary discovery call

If you want to avoid the pitfalls of business growth, book a complimentary discovery call with one of our expert advisors.

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