Over the past 20 years, I have founded three businesses, which all sit under my holding company, SK4 Holdings. These are LSC, Nurtured Childcare and Smile Society.
LSC, which I founded 20 years ago, is now the UK’s largest provider of specialist PPA cover and wraparound childcare for primary schools.
In 2021, we launched Nurtured Childcare after my wife and I struggled to find suitable childcare for our first daughter. It now operates 12 children’s day nurseries across the North of England.
Smile Society, our dental group, was founded in 2025 and currently operates four fully private dental practices.
Outside the group, I also own Cheadle Town FC, a non-league football club which plays in the North West Counties Premier League and Women’s National League.
For me, most days start with exercise. Fitness is very important to me, so I go to the gym three mornings a week before work. I also run, cycle, play padel regularly and aim for 10,000 steps every day.
I normally get into work at around 8am. The first 30 minutes are usually spent on emails before moving into meetings and the day’s priorities.
Because I lead three businesses, I have a heavy involvement in building the right leadership teams.
Monday
On Monday, I spent the whole day interviewing for a head of marketing for Nurtured Childcare.
Like the rest of the group, Nurtured Childcare has grown through acquisition.
As it has grown, we have built out the leadership team, and the head of marketing will be the latest addition.
Tuesday
LSC is on a similar growth path, and on Tuesday morning we welcomed the team from one of our recently acquired companies, Primary Sports Coaching, to our head office in Stockport.
I gave them a presentation, along with a couple of members of our senior leadership team, and then I met with my colleague Mel, our operations integration manager, to talk about the integration plan for the business.
Nurtured Childcare has also recently appointed a new Chief Financial Officer, Aaron Awan, who I’ll be working closely with to progress our new deal pipeline. Ahead of that, I spent an hour on Tuesday afternoon with our Financial Controller, Chris Grubisic.
Later that day, I had an interview with our marketing team about a campaign for LSC, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Following that, I had a meeting with Cheadle Town. I usually only spend an hour or two a week on the club, but I meet once a month with its three full-time members of staff.
Wednesday
Wednesdays are built around our weekly senior leadership team ‘Level 10’ meetings across all three businesses.
At the end of each 90-minute meeting, each participant scores the meeting out of 10 for how effective it was. This helps keep meetings focused and effective.
We begin these meetings with Smile Society, the dental group, first thing, followed by LSC from 11am to 12.30pm. After that, I have lunch and go for a walk before the afternoon is focused on Nurtured Childcare.
Last Wednesday, once those meetings were finished, I had one-to-ones with leaders and managers from businesses we have recently acquired to hear their questions and concerns and make sure we all understand where we are and where we need to be.
Thursday
Thursday took me to London for a Business Leader Summit hosted by Sir Richard Harpin, who sold his business, HomeServe, for £4bn. I try to attend something like this at least once a month to keep my finger on the pulse.
Friday
Friday was largely taken up by meetings, although I still blocked out half a day for some deep project work.
Saturday
On Saturday, I’m usually at Cheadle Town, so I try not to do any work then.
Work-life balance is obviously a challenge for any founder, and I’ll often find myself flipping open my laptop in the evenings.
But I’m trying to limit that now because I’m married and we have two children.
One thing I find helpful is ending each day by time-blocking the following day’s tasks.
That helps me switch off because I can shut my diary knowing what I’ll be doing tomorrow is all planned, so I can enjoy my evening.