From tech innovators and finance leaders to entrepreneurs and industry disruptors, today’s most influential businessmen are shaping the future of work in remarkable ways. Celebrate International Men’s day on November 19, alongside these leading men in their fields.
Alastair Gibbs – TPG Disabled Aids LTD
Alastair Gibbs (Image: TPG Disabled Aids LTD)
What do you love about your job?
At the end of the day, we can all go home knowing we have improved the lives of our customers. We often take for granted the basic daily functions we all have to do. TPG DisableAids steps in when those daily tasks become difficult.
How do you unwind?
I enjoy leading a team of volunteers at our local country park. It’s an opportunity to get out from behind the desk and get some fresh air, take exercise and support our local community.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is all about enabling members of the team to go out and be better on a daily basis. Everybody has a unique style to themselves, I just need to nurture and hone that style to get the best result for them and the business.
TPG Disabled Aids
01432 351 666
enquires@tpgdisableaids.com
https://tpg-disableaids.co.uk/
Nathan Berry – Bezarti
Nathan Berry (Image: Bezarti)
What is the secret to your success?
I started as an apprentice cabinetmaker at 16, progressing through the workshop before moving into design. Now, 13 years later, having built Bezarti from scratch, I’m proud to employ some of the very people I once worked alongside and helped me on my journey. I believe surrounding yourself with talented people is key.
What makes your business stand out?
We create truly bespoke kitchens and fitted furniture, individually designed and crafted in our Worcestershire workshop. With more than 200 years of combined cabinetmaking experience, our team shares a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
What do you love about your job?
The variety, from developing initial designs to seeing the finished furniture installed in a client’s home. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our team’s hard work come together to create something truly special.
Bezarti
01386 293101
bezarti.com
Tony Hateley – Kensi Hope Interiors LTD
Tony Hateley (Image: Kensi Hope Interiors LTD)
What is the secret to your success?
From an early age, my dad and granddad taught me the importance of quality, pride in your work and never accepting anything less than the highest standards. These values remain the foundation of everything I do today. I believe success comes from building a strong team, surrounding yourself with good people and leading from the front.
What makes your business stand out?
At TH Developments, ‘The TH Way’ represents our commitment to quality, professionalism and customer service. Anything below that standard is something I personally find unacceptable.
What do you love about your job?
One of my greatest rewards is walking around our local town, meeting customers we’ve worked for and knowing we’ve earned their trust and respect. A handshake and a genuine conversation about the work we’ve completed mean more to me than any advertisement.
01527 592 395
kensihope.co.uk
Thomas Whitby – Haus Installations
Thomas Whitby (Image: Haus Installations)
What makes your business stand out?
Our drive to innovate runs through every part of the business, from installation to aftercare. Each day, we work to shift the industry narrative and set a higher standard, showing what exceptional service truly looks like.
How do you balance your work and life responsibilities?
As a retained firefighter, a dad of three, and a business owner, I’m constantly juggling. With a strong support system, I prioritise staying present for my family while protecting the business’s long-term resilience. I’m fortunate to have a trusted team that upholds our values and keeps things moving.
What does leadership mean to you?
Setting the pace and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your team. I focus on respect and compassion, creating a culture that encourages personal and professional growth and keeps standards high. I believe this results in a hardworking and loyal team that genuinely cares.
01905 701201
hausinstallations.co.uk
James McKenzie – Cardea Property Consultancy
James McKenzie (Image: Cardea Property Consultancy)
If you were your own client, which of your products or services would you choose?
Invest in a survey! We recently did a RICS Level 2 home survey on a 1960s residential property and found what we suspected to be Japanese knotweed in the garden which can affect your mortgage or resale potential.
What makes your business stand out?
We offer a modern surveying service based on thorough, evidence led reporting. We communicate clearly and explain everything in straightforward language. So our clients know exactly what their liabilities are and what to do next.
How do you unwind?
I’m currently training for the London Marathon running for Molly Ollys Wishes. It gives me a chance to unwind and have uninterrupted time to think. Having two small children and running your own business is quite full on.
01905 469046
cardeaconsultancy.co.uk
Brett Hollis – Worcester Computers
Brett Hollis (Image: Worcester Computers)
What makes your business stand out?
We build premium, bespoke computers here in Worcester, but what really sets us apart is our personal service. Whether we’re creating a professional workstation or solving an IT problem, we take time to understand what each customer needs. We also come to you, at home or at work.
What do you love about your job?
The variety. One day we’re designing an exceptional computer; the next we’re helping someone get their business running again. I love solving problems, embracing new technology and making a genuine difference to people’s lives.
If you could go back and tell your 13-year-old self something, what would it be?
Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Take calculated risks, embrace change and never stop learning. Trust in God, stay true to your values and, above all, believe in yourself.
01905 759111
worcester-computers.com
Wajad Aurangzab – W4J Recruitment Solutions LTD
Wajad Aurangzab (Image: W4J Recruitment Solutions LTD)
What is the secret to your success?
Hard work, consistency, building strong relationships and never giving up. Always deliver on your promises, go the extra mile, and be the person people can rely on when others let them down.
What makes your business stand out?
It is our reliability, personal approach, and commitment to delivering quality staffing. We understand the pressures care homes face, which is why we go the extra mile to provide experienced, dependable staff and build long-term relationships based on trust. We don’t just fill shifts – we build partnerships and deliver peace of mind.
What do you love about your job?
Making a real difference in the care sector by supporting care homes when they need us most. Seeing W4J grow, creating opportunities for our staff, and knowing our team helps ensure residents receive the care they deserve makes all the hard work worthwhile.
01384 598851
w4jrecruitment.co.uk
Spencer McPherson – Still Moving Media
Spencer McPherson (Image: Still Moving Media)
What challenges have you met as a male in business?
If anything, I’m very conscious of avoiding the ‘pale, male and stale’ stereotype and making sure I bring an open, modern attitude into every environment I’m in.
What makes your business stand out?
The quality of both our work and the experience we give clients. People may initially see us as another production company, but once they work with us, they understand the difference. We focus heavily on quality, trust and relationships, and that’s why so many clients come back to work with us again.
What do you love about your job?
The people I meet. I get to work with incredible individuals from all walks of life, and I love helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera. My favourite moments are when someone who hates having their photograph taken finishes the experience saying they actually loved it.
07773 374316
Spencer@stillmovingmedia.com
Lee Fowkes – Stoürburgring
Lee Fowkes (Image: STOÜRBURGRING®)
If you were your own client, which of your products/services would you choose?
I’d choose our premium hoodies. With winter approaching, they’re perfect for keeping cosy, looking great, and the hidden pocket is ideal for keeping your phone and keys safe. If you’re proud to be born in the Black Country, you’ll be proud to wear it!
What is the secret to your success?
I’ve tapped into the humour and personality of the Black Country and our car culture. Combining local knowledge with my marketing skills allows me to reach people effectively. It’s about having a great product, strong marketing and a good sense of humour to grow the Stoüburgring® brand. I’ve helped other businesses grow, and I wanted to apply these skills to something of my own, driven by my passion for the Black Country.
stourburgring.co.uk
Ben Giles – The Fox Inn
Ben Giles (Image: The Fox Inn)
What makes your business stand out?
I’m incredibly proud to be known as the home of the proper carvery. We offer a fantastic selection of quality meats and freshly prepared vegetables, giving our customers great choice and excellent value for money without ever compromising on taste. For me, it’s all about serving delicious, hearty food that keeps people coming back for more.
What are the most memorable compliments you’ve received?
For me, the biggest compliment isn’t necessarily something someone says – it’s seeing customers return time and time again. That repeat custom tells me we’re doing something right.
Of course, hearing customers tell me how much they’ve enjoyed their meal and seeing them leave with a smile is incredibly rewarding. That’s exactly why I do what I do, and there’s no better feeling than knowing we’ve made someone’s day that little bit better.
01562 777247
thefoxchaddesley.co.uk