After a serious knee injury ended Jamie Boyd’s rugby career at just 24, he used a £3,000 loan from The Prince’s Trust, now The King’s Trust, to lease a van and build a multi-million-pound operation from scratch.
Having celebrated the 20th anniversary of Today Team last year, he catalogued a typical week in the life of a founder.
Sunday
After a 20-mile bike ride followed by lunch, I spend a couple of hours working in the afternoon to set myself up for the week ahead.
Staying on top of what’s happening in the business means there are no surprises in my inbox on Monday morning.
I’m in bed by 9pm, ready for my usual wake-up time of 4.30am.
Monday
As an ex-sportsman, morning exercise is non-negotiable.
I’m never going to roll out of bed, grab a coffee and get to my desk without walking, lifting or cycling first.
After I’ve checked the bank balance, it’s time for our daily stand-up meeting.
I always knew the final score when I played rugby, and I thrived on that accountability.
I expect clear headline numbers from every department, from credit control to new sales.
Everyone knows what ‘good’ looks like and can ask for time out or support if needed.
After using the same transport management system since 2007, we’ve recently upgraded to Journease Go, a web-based platform that helps streamline booking, planning and communication.
It’s a big change, so I spend the day with the integration team, making sure the rollout stays on track and delivers the improvements we need.
Tuesday
Every other Tuesday, I spend a full day with our non-executive director, Mike McKenzie.
He keeps me accountable for working on the business, driving progress against our strategic growth plans and acting early to prevent future challenges.
Together, we review everything from our marketing strategy to our contingency plan.
Whether it’s Covid, the recession or rising fuel prices, the obstacle is the path.
Wednesday
In sport, you’re only as good as the team you field.
Today, I’m conducting first-stage interviews with our people director, using questions we’ve developed together.
I’m looking for people who are obsessed with delivering for the customer, as that client-first approach is what Today Team is built on.
I then catch up with an old friend for dinner, who is also in business.
We discuss our challenges and opportunities, exploring: What’s the learning here?
Thursday
Since our second acquisition last September, adding Elite Logistics to our portfolio, business levels have been stronger than ever, especially coming up to the weekend.
The team are flat out, so I check in to thank them.
I’m then surprised by an email inviting me to Buckingham Palace for The King’s Trust’s 50th anniversary.
Today Team started with a £3,000 Trust loan to lease a van, and I’ve since given back by mentoring young entrepreneurs.
I share the news on LinkedIn, where I regularly post business updates, and it’s great to receive kind words from customers, colleagues and mentors.
Friday
After implementing HubSpot CRM and Journease Go, I begin early-stage talks with a potential fractional chief technology officer about developing a future tech roadmap that keeps us competitive.
The end of the week is busiest, but I trust my team to handle multiple competing deadlines. Since becoming a first-time dad only seven months ago, I make sure to finish by 5.30pm to be home with my son, Jacob.
Saturday
My rugby career began at Crosfields ARLFC and today is a big day: I am taking Jacob to his first game alongside my partner, Kristy. The club has invited us to a sponsors’ day, and I feel privileged to support them financially through Today Team. Growing up in a single-parent family, I found ‘big brothers and uncles’ at rugby who looked out for me and helped to shape my life. Paying that forward through the various community projects we sponsor drives much of what we do in business.
• Ex-professional rugby player Jamie Boyd is the founder and MD of Today Team, a nationwide same-day courier company operating out of Taylor Business Park in Risley, Cheshire.