Hello, I’m Ian
Founder of Competitive Edge
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s this: businesses don’t grow unless their people do. Helping them get there is my passion.
My career journey is one of leadership. In sales, operations, and learning & development roles over more than 3 decades. I’ve led high-performing teams, transformed sales cultures, and designed learning strategies that don’t just tick a box but truly move the needle.
My Ethos
I believe in learning, and so I don’t believe in ‘off-the-shelf’ training; every organisation is different, and so are its people. My approach involves partnership, together we create the conditions for change and the environment for learning experiences that make a real difference.
I don’t believe in ‘teaching at’ people. Learning should be engaging, immersive, and practical. When I step into a room with grown-ups, it’s not about me, it’s about them, it’s about creating an environment where people feel engaged and inspired to learn and grow. Then, the magic happens.
My Career Journey:
My early career was in a B2C environment, leading teams for brands like Currys, Dixons and Miller Brothers. I made the transition into the B2B domain, leading highly successful teams in sales and operations leadership roles.
I’ve had the privilege of leading transformational learning strategies as Director of Learning and Development for some major brands, including Brammer Buck & Hickman (Rubix Group) and RS Components. And, as the founder of my own successful business, I’ve worked extensively with some amazing brands, such as McDonald’s, Kärcher, Ontex, Scania, Xero, Adler & Allan, CEF, and Marwood Group delivering people-centric strategies that have driven tangible business performance improvements.
I’m a professionally qualified Executive Coach and EQ-I 2.0 practitioner. I hold Occupational and Personality (BPS Level A & B) accreditation, and I’m a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals. But beyond the credentials, my mission is clear: to help businesses grow by unlocking the full potential of their people.
Why this Matters
When your people are engaged, inspired, and equipped with the right skills, they literally become your competitive edge. My approach and real-world experience in business and commerce have been the catalysts that makes it happen.
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to invest in your people, help them grow, develop, and genuinely enjoy what they do, then I’d love to have a conversation with you. Let’s build something extraordinary together.