Paul Forrest

Professional Fundraiser | Startup Strategist | Success Sensei | Mentor | Thought Leader

London, United Kingdom (+00:00 UTC) Englishfrom London, United Kingdom
Usually responds in 5 days
Free
Price per hour
Not available
Time Blocks Available
5.00
45 reviews / 60 sessions
-
-
Next availability
Not available in the next 30 days

Bio

I’m Paul Forrest and I’m delighted to be here on Growth Mentor. I have more than 30 year’s experience helping organisations ranging form early stage start-up ventures through to large listed and global 500 companies to achieve growth and transformational outcomes. My career has spanned management consultancy, corporate finance, start-up venturing and film production (as both an award winning Producer and a Cinematographer) A mentor for more than eleven years, my strategic speciality is in the emerging technology, media and entertainment sectors. However, I have much operational experience beyond this, and I've deep knowledge and expertise in the areas of FinTech, EdTech and fashion and apparel. These days I spend most of my time as a board member, a mentor and as an advisor to fast growth, disruptive businesses on a mission to change their world, their fortunes and the outcome of their stakeholders. Beyond my business activities, I’m an accomplished ultra runner and track and field coach and established what is now regarded as Europe's fastest growth track and field athletics club less than a year ago. In addition, I’m also a course tutor at LSE where I tutor and assess the Entrepreneurial Finance Course. I am able to help in a number of areas including helping to develop growth mindsets, commercial and corporate strategies, building teams, validating ideas and pitch preparation and fundraising. I’m also a great listener for when you just need to vent. My mentoring style is to facilitate your journey as an entrepreneur by helping to equip you with right tools, skills and motivation to grow and develop as a business leader. I’m a professional misfit on a mission to inspire and make a significant impact on those whose paths cross mine. I have a real and visible passion for purpose and I have an extensive track record of success. I want to work with emerging leaders who want to learn and develop and those focused on the mantra of improvising, overcoming and adapting to the challenges they face.

Expertise

  • Advice on funding

    Helping to raise finance for ventures from pre seed through to IPO, I focus on understanding business models and growth strategy, as well as the target market. This allows me to identify the right investors and funding sources and options for business. While it's important to be ambitious, it's also important to have a realistic understanding of the amount of funding a venture needs to achieve its goals and the timeline or runway for achieving them!

  • Building a team

    I help entrepreneurs to by working with them to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member to avoid confusion and conflict. I also help them to build diverse teams that can bring different perspectives, skills and ideas to the table, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. I also help entrepreneurs to understand the need for an environment that encourages creativity and innovation to drive growth and competitive advantage.

  • Copywriting

    I can help you to create compelling and persuasive copy that captures the attention of your target audience and inspires them to take action, whether that's purchasing a product, signing up for a service, or simply engaging with your brand. I have a deep understanding of the psychology of marketing and can help you to tailor your writing to speak directly to your audience's needs, desires, and pain points.

  • Go to market strategy

    I can help you to outline how you will introduce your product or service to the market and drive sales. I can also work with you to identify your target audience, position the product, price it appropriately, choose the right marketing channels and create a sales strategy - all in the context of your overall goals and vision.

  • Idea validation

    I can help validate your idea to increase your chances of success. This involves identifying your target market, conducting market research, testing your idea with potential customers, analysing feedback, refining your idea, and determining feasibility. I believe it to be equally important to review the competitive landscape here to ensure and understand the prospects of differentiation.

  • Mindset coaching

    I can help you identify and reframe negative thought patterns and beliefs that are holding you back from achieving success in your personal or professional life. By using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and positive psychology, I can help you develop resilience, self-awareness, and a growth mindset, which can lead to increased confidence, productivity, and overall well-being. I can work with you to co-create a plan that helps you reach your full potential.

  • Technology and tools

    I can assist businesses in determining their need for technology and tools to streamline operations, automate processes, and gain valuable insights into their market and customers. My experience and knowledge of the market can help entrepreneurs identify the most effective technologies and tools for their specific needs and goals. Additionally, I can keep businesses up-to-date on emerging technologies and trends and provide insights on how to leverage them for a competitive advantage.

  • Venting frustration

    Talking to someone who will listen can be helpful to process your emotions or frustration and can help reduce stress. Sometimes, we all need a sounding board to express our thoughts and feelings without being judged or offered solutions. I am always willing and able to listen and provide a safe and non-judgmental space.

Toolkit

  • Buffer logo

    Buffer

    12 years of experience

    I use buffer to help schedule social media activities. I also use Buffer's analytics to track the performance of my posts and optimise my social media strategy accordingly. Additionally, Buffer offers several other features, such as social media engagement, team collaboration and custom reporting, to help me manage my social media presence more effectively.

  • Dropbox logo

    Dropbox

    16 years of experience

    I utilise Dropbox for sharing and document/video distribution. I can also collaborate on files in real-time by creating shared folders with my team members. Dropbox offers me features like advanced security, team management and unlimited storage which all contribute to streamlining my workflow.

  • Hubspot logo

    Hubspot

    9 years of experience

    I'm an experienced Hubspot user ad utilise it as a CRM tool managing my marketing automation. I use the sales pipeline tools and also to analyse detailed analytics such as campaign performance etc. I also use it to integrate to other third party tools I utilise such as, Salesforce, WordPress, Zoho and Zapier, to help me streamline my workflow and maximise my productivity.

  • LinkedIn logo

    LinkedIn

    20 years of experience

    I'm regarded as a very effective user of LinkedIn and have knowledge on how to optimise profiles and drive inbound organic leads using the platform. In 2015, I was voted one of the top ten business leaders in the UK on the platform by LinkedIn themselves and I continue to be one of the most engaged profiles for content creation and consumption receiving many of the new features LinkedIn have to offer as Beta testing opportunities.

Industries

  • Venture Capital

    For more than fifteen years, I have worked in the venture capital industry, helping investors to invest in innovative startups in various fields. I find it thrilling to collaborate with entrepreneurs who are dedicated to making a positive impact and changing the world. As part of my role, I have to juggle multiple responsibilities, including sourcing potential investments, negotiating deals, and offering strategic guidance to portfolio companies. I also tutor and assess the subject at LSE.

  • Blockchain

    As Chair of BTP, a blockchain based digital provenance company, I have been a key player in driving our mission to make assets trustworthy since our founding in 2018. We are making a positive impact globally, helping industries and sectors become more transparent, secure, and efficient. I am proud to serve a company with such a significant mission and look forward to our continued success as we grow and evolve.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Operating as the non-executive chair, its been a real privilege to work with the awesome team at MBN and help to make a significant impact on the company's continued growth and success. Through my guidance and expertise, we have deepened our offerings to include a particular focus on cutting-edge fields such as Blockchain, Big Data, Business Intelligence, GDPR, Cyber Security, Customer Insight, and Digital Experience and Analytics.

  • SaaS

    Having co-founded a successful RPA based SaaS offering, we successfully overcome numerous challenges to build a robust business. A hard slog through careful market research, investment in reliable and scalable technology, effective marketing and sales strategies and a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, we established a SaaS venture that meets the needs of our target market and has gained a reputation for excellence.

  • Digital Marketing

    As an advisor and mentor to the leadership team of a digital technology consultancy, I played an pivotal role in the successful acquisition of the company by WPP. Leveraging my deep industry knowledge and expertise, I worked closely with the team to develop a comprehensive growth strategy and navigate the complex acquisition process. Through careful analysis and strategic guidance, we were able to position the company for maximum value and successfully negotiate the terms of the acquisition.

  • FinTech

    Having worked with startup banks as an adviser and business consultant, I bring many years of advisory and consulting experience in developing strategies to navigate the complex regulatory and compliance landscape of the banking, financial services and insurance sectors. I specialise in helping disruptive Fintech startups build an operational response to compliance challenges and develop robust plans for their fast, but safe growth.

  • EdTech

    EdTech has immense potential to democratise education and provide equitable learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and locations. As someone who has experienced good EdTech, I can attest that it facilitates access to educational resources, teachers, and peers worldwide, breaking down traditional barriers of time and space. I'm thrilled about the work I do in this sector, as it opens up endless possibilities for a positive impact on education.

  • Cyber Security

    I have established and led cybersecurity practices in major consulting firms. My expertise lies in security architecture blueprinting, testing, risk management, and compliance. Beyond working with established corporations, I'm passionate about collaborating with startups in the cybersecurity domain. As a mentor and advisor, I keep up-to-date with the latest threats landscape, trends, and technologies.

Experience

  • Blockchain Technology Partners

    Chair

    Blockchain Technology Partners (BTP) is a UK-based blockchain company that provides enterprise-grade blockchain solutions to businesses across various industries. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. BTP's has two main products - Chronicle, an Open-Source Digital Provenance platform built on the blockchain and Sextant, which is a platform that allows businesses to easily deploy, manage, and operate blockchain networks. Sextant is built on top of popular blockchain frameworks such as Hyperledger Fabric and Sawtooth, and provides a range of features and tools to help businesses integrate blockchain technology into their existing infrastructure. BTP also provides consulting services to help businesses develop and implement blockchain solutions. The company's team of experts have extensive experience in blockchain development, distributed systems, and cryptography, and work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and design custom solutions that meet their requirements. BTP has worked with a range of clients across industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. The company is committed to promoting the use of blockchain technology to drive positive social and environmental impact, and has partnered with organisations such as Energy Web Foundation and the United Nations to develop blockchain solutions for sustainability and renewable energy.

    SaaSBlockchain

  • Cool Milk Group

    Chair

    Cool Milk is a UK-based company that specialises in providing free and subsidised milk to children in schools and early years settings. Cool Milk's mission is to improve children's health and wellbeing by providing access to fresh, nutritious milk, while also helping to reduce waste and improve sustainability in the dairy industry. The company works closely with local dairy farmers to source its milk, and uses a range of sustainable packaging options to reduce its environmental impact. Cool Investments is a member company of Cool Milk, and is a privately-owned investment firm that specialises in supporting innovative and socially responsible businesses. The company was founded in 2012 by a group of entrepreneurs and investors, and has since invested in a range of businesses across sectors including education, healthcare, and technology. Cool Investments takes a hands-on approach to supporting its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and operational support to help them grow and succeed. The company is committed to driving positive social and environmental change through its investments, and seeks out companies that have a strong social or environmental mission.

    EdTechVenture CapitalOther

  • MBN Solutions

    Non-Executive Chair

    MBN Solutions is a Scottish-based talent management consultancy that specialises in providing data science, technology, and digital talent to businesses across a range of industries. MBN Solutions also offers a range of training and development programs, including data science and analytics training courses. The company has a strong reputation for thought leadership in the data and analytics industry, and regularly publishes insights and analysis on industry trends and developments. I was primarily responsible for corporate, commercial and marketing strategy for the business. As a data thought leader, I developed a large quantum of material used to position the business as a market leader that led to the rapid and sustained growth of MBN. Whilst working with the business, I have twice been placed in the DataIQ Big Data Top 100 most influential people in data list.

    Artificial IntelligenceMachine LearningCyber SecurityCloud ComputingOther

  • Virgin Start-Up

    Start-up Mentor

    Virgin StartUp is a UK-based non-profit organisation that was established in 2013 as part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group. The organisation provides funding, mentoring, and support to entrepreneurs and startups looking to grow their businesses. I worked with a cross section of some eight early stage ventures here ranging from the fitness industry, through to electric motorcycles and on to tech ventures in the Web3 space.

    OtherVenture Capital

  • Hamilton Bradshaw Venture Partners

    Partner - Startup Mentor

    Hamilton Bradshaw is a UK-based private equity firm that was founded in 2004 by James Caan, a successful entrepreneur and former star of the BBC TV show, Dragons' Den. The firm focuses on investing in and growing small and medium-sized businesses across a range of sectors, including healthcare, technology, education, and hospitality. Hamilton Bradshaw has a strong track record of success, having invested in over 40 companies since its inception, with a total enterprise value of more than £1 billion. The firm has a reputation for being a hands-on investor, working closely with management teams to help drive growth and operational improvements. I was a Partner in the business and whilst there, successfully facilitated the growth and international expansion of a start-up visual effects company, tripling their profits in less than two years and managing their marketing efforts to facilitate growth. I was also the lead Partner for the partnership advisory council setting strategy, targets and individual actions for Partners. In addition, I provided investment due diligence and board advisory services HBVP backed ventures.

    Venture Capital

  • Mazars LLP

    Partner - International Head of Transaction Services

    Mazars is a global professional services firm that provides audit, tax, and advisory services to clients across a range of industries. With a team of over 40,000 professionals in more than 90 countries, Mazars is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve their goals. Here I successfully achieved profitable growth each year during the financial downturn. International leadership for the Transaction and Consulting services practice covering corporate finance, management consulting, capital markets and IPO/lead advisory. One of my key projects was as an expert witness in a complex global licencing matter resulting in an award of over £70m. I was also the head of Film Finance and Structuring for the firm and worked extensively with leading film funds and unregulated collective investment schemes in the media sector. In addition, I undertook a pre-IPO cash raise for a pre-cash media/digital venture during the financial collapse in the UK and successfully raised 110% of the required finance in an eight-week period.

    OtherVenture Capital

  • BDO LLP

    Partner - National Head of Management Consulting & Risk Advisory Services

    BDO is a global network of accounting, tax, advisory, and consulting firms. BDO operates in over 160 countries and has more than 91,000 professionals working in its member firms worldwide. BDO provides a wide range of services to clients, including audit and assurance, tax consulting, risk advisory, financial advisory, business restructuring and insolvency, corporate finance, and management consulting services. BDO works with clients in various industries, such as financial services, healthcare, technology, energy, manufacturing, and consumer goods. BDO's goal is to help clients achieve their objectives and improve their business performance by providing innovative solutions and exceptional service. Whilst ere I successfully established and grew consulting revenue 20% annually, delivering £15m in profitable revenue each year as the national head of service lines for Risk Advisory and Management Consultancy. I was also a member of the Risk and Regulation Committee of the Financial Services Faculty of the ICAEW (contributing to the regulatory reform for banks and insurers in the UK). One of my largest projects here was as the programme director for the transformation of BDO’s international network and its strategy. I defined the firm’s commercial and marketing roadmap. The implementation of the outcome saw an increase in global revenues from $3.7bn to $4.2bn in three years. 


    Other

  • PwC Consulting

    Director

    PwC Consulting is the consulting group of PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), which is one of the largest professional services companies in the world. PwC Consulting provides consulting services to clients in a range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, technology, energy, and consumer goods. Their services include strategy, operations, technology, human resources, risk management, and financial consulting. PwC Consulting helps clients to address their most complex business challenges, improve their performance, and achieve their strategic objectives. PwC Consulting also offers digital and technology solutions to help clients transform their businesses and stay competitive in the digital age. Whilst at PwC, I successfully developed the eInsight, eBusiness and digital transformation innovation hub for the firm, working cross sector with VC, PE and FTSE 100 clients, including Channel 5, Warner Brothers, GroupM and WPP. I also provided strategic advisory and supply chain reengineering support to large scale digital transformation projects for clients including Diageo and PE backed Punch Group. My final project whilst at PwC involved the successful design of the £100m Education Maintenance Allowance IT Programme for the DfES on time and below budget.


    Other

  • EY

    Senior Manager

    EY Consulting is the consulting group of EY (Ernst & Young), which is one of the largest professional services firms in the world. EY Consulting provides consulting services to clients in various industries, such as financial services, healthcare, energy, technology, consumer goods, and government. Their services include strategy, operations, technology, risk management, human resources, and financial consulting. EY Consulting helps clients to transform their businesses, improve performance, manage risk, and achieve their goals. EY Consulting also offers digital solutions and analytics services to help clients leverage data and technology to drive innovation and growth. Here, I successfully built and led a £2 million cybersecurity offering, as well as developing a world-class Business Trust, Privacy, and Security service line via a carefully developed go-to-market strategy. In addition, I provided lead advisory and strategic advice to multiple VC backed internet start-ups - including successful retail 'dot.com' companies and corporate development ventures with large listed corporates - with an enterprise value of upwards of £100 million. I also served as the lead UK advisor to Professor Peter Swire's congressional panel review of the Safe Harbour Strategy exploring Data Trust, Privacy, and Security.

    Other

  • KPMG

    National Head of IS/IT Consulting
    •kpmg.com

    KPMG Management Consulting is the consulting group of KPMG, which is one of the largest professional services companies in the world. KPMG Management Consulting provides management consulting services to clients in a range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and consumer goods. Their services include strategy, operations, technology, risk management, and financial management consulting. KPMG Management Consulting works with clients to improve their business performance, increase their operational efficiency, and help them achieve their strategic goals. Operating here as an experienced business and IS/IT strategy consultant, I led many successful projects throughout my time with KPMG at home, in the USA and in the MENA region and South East Asia. With exceptional skills in IT policy, strategy, shared services, and outsourcing advisory, I became the national lead for the local government team, winning around £1.25m of annual work. Example projects I worked on here include development of the Workflow Automation and Legacy Systems Integration Group, which has helped organisations streamline their processes and improve efficiency. I successfully completed various complex public-private partnership programs in the government and defence sectors, demonstrating exceptional client-side work by leading the contract KPI design on the multibillion-pound Mission Support Program for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Moreover, I played an important role in developing the initial specification and design of the £100m+ Defense Electronic Commerce Service for the Ministry of Defence, showcasing expertise in IT innovation and digital transformation.

    Financial services

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