John Hewitt and Associates

John Hewitt has worked in Consultancy/Business Development for over 30 years. In March 2009 he started his own company “John Hewitt and Associates” to provide Business Development Support in a different way. Here he tells us why he decided to go it alone.

What is the nature of your business?

Having been made redundant at 58 years of age I realised I was not likely to get another job. I was determined not to “sign on” so I harnessed my experience and contacts and put them to work in a different way.

John Hewitt and Associates provides business development support to a group of world-class companies who all look for opportunities within the same business sectors but who do not compete with each other.

This service is primarily targeted to the Pharmaceutical, Electronic and Health care clients and operates throughout the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

I provide the same service as an in-house sales team or a business development manager but on a shared basis. This means that in a time of cut backs I can provide my client with access to my networks/data base and customer contacts for a fraction of the cost of employing a full time person, whilst still maximising every opportunity.

What is your advice for other entrepreneurs?

The best advice I could give is ‘Don’t wait for others and believe in yourself.’ When you look at hugely successful entrepreneurs like Alan Sugar or Richard Branson the common quality that they all have is their self-belief. They saw an opportunity, went for it and made it work their way.

What are your plans for the future?

To gain more clients and to expand my network utilising people who can develop with and from my idea. As my customers grow I can then look to employ additional people to work with me.

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