Member Article

North East festive focus: David Cliff, Gedanken

Ahead of North East firms shutting up shop in time for a well-earned festive break, we’re quickly catching up with a few of the region’s business leaders before their holiday festivities begin.

Today we welcome David Cliff, founder of business coaching organisation Gedanken, to share his thoughts on the year gone by, the region as a whole and what he plans to do this Christmas.

Your Business

If you had to choose one thing - what are you most proud of your company achieving this year, why?

The growth our clients have experienced. We see organisations with talent, and help them to develop the thought processes and strategies to move to the next level. They are bringing jobs, growth and prosperity to the region.

What was the single biggest challenge faced by your firm in 2016?

My own illness. In Mid 2015 I was diagnosed with a relatively rare endocrine disorder, that untreated was potentially highly life-limiting. The weakness and debility the condition produced meant that I had to truly knuckle down to serve my clients well and continue to lead and supervise Gedanken professionals.

Most people were unaware of the condition except those closest to me. I really had to practice what I preach to clients about self-management, control, establishing priorities and maintaining resources.

I was in the final year of studying for my doctorate to boot. Surgery in March has effectively cured the condition and I have spent much of the year recuperating. I look forward to 2017 with the best health for a number of years.

Can you tell us one thing your business is doing in 2017 that really excites you?

We are gaining an increasing number of London-based clients as our reputation is spreading. I’m looking forward to extending this and offering support to companies across the UK. We also have a radical new leadership support programme under development.

Your Region

Which North East firm has impressed you the most this year, why?

There have been a few actually, Flame Heating Spares, with John Savage at the helm is a rising star and certainly one to watch over the next three years.

Understated but also massively able is Axiom Engineering Associates in Stockton, which is experiencing real growth without any compromise on quality.

I have worked with the directors on company strategy, structure and management development, and their results have been impressive. Both companies have such genuine people in charge who truly value their customers and staff.

Are there any emerging businesses in the region that’ve caught your eye this year that you’ve been previously unaware of?

Arktek, which is based in Sunderland, has two talented managing directors with a sound value-base. The company offers boiler and insulation solutions, flood defence and a whole range of other green services. High growth has been achieved from the start, with the company growing impressively in a very short time. I expect to see good things in 2017.

Is there an industry or sector of the North-East business community which you expect to really take off next year?

There is potential growth in so many areas. I think the digital sector, particularly in software development has a lot more to offer. Equally, I think the field of life sciences has vast potential.

Yourself

What was your first job?

I worked as a Legal Executive in a Houghton-le-Spring based solicitors firm. It is ironic my office 40 years on is in Houghton-le-Spring! I remember having some inspirational bosses who set standards for me that have lasted throughout my career.

If you weren’t doing what you do, is there a job you’d love to have?

Compassion and care are central values for me, far more than personal gain, so I would have loved to have been a doctor, but equally, I could see myself heading up a charity.

What do you do on Christmas day?

It is usually spent at home with my immediate family. I will also be visiting a relative that can’t get around so well any more.

I have to accept that as a vegetarian, I am probably one of the few humans that vote for the turkeys at Christmas!

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