Jim started his own consulting firm in 1991, after 5 years as a Graduate Trainee at Rolls- Royce Plc. In 2002, he went on to sell his various businesses to a large consulting firm and exited 2 years later.
He has since started and built a number of consulting businesses and last year started a digital publishing firm around www.presentation-guru.com
He is an experienced conference speaker enjoys working with ambitious business large and small all over the world.
Twitter handle – @impacttips
45 words about The Message Business
Do you ever wonder if your people could present your ideas, products and services with more impact? The Message Business helps businesses all over the world to sharpen their internal and external messaging, polish their sales materials, and train their people to really connect with their clients.
What was the last book you read?
A Brain Surgeon’s memoirs.
How did you buy it?
Kindle – does that make me a bad person?
And what did you read it on?
The train. I’m travelling a lot by train at the moment. I lost my license for 4 minor speeding offences. Though I’m not bitter. Just late. A lot.
What’s next on your reading list?
A self-help guide – ‘Defend yourself in court against the predations of the speeding fines industry.’
Which writer would you have loved to have met and why?
William Shakespeare. The best of Brummies.
What TV series are you obsessing over right now?
Line of Duty and Boardwalk Empire. I’m obsessed with the law.
What do you like about your job?
Being inspired by our clients’ cleverness, and helping them present it to the world with skills and impact.
Tell us what you do in 20 words?
I run business that help people and organisations to sell their ideas, products and services better than they ever thought they could.
What is the one thing about your company that we need to know?
We work hard and diligently with brilliant businesses like yours
Which is your favourite bookshop or e-bookstore and why?
Oundle bookshop cause it’s a real, old-fashioned shop where you can thumb the books and be inspired by the variety of titles on sale.
Name your favourite app and why?
Google maps because I use public transport a lot (Did I mention that I’d lost my licence?)
Go on, let us know your musical guilty pleasure?
Odyssey – Use it up, wear it out, and any Northern Soul dance anthem
And your one from the world of fiction?
Harry Potter over Tolkein every time. And I’m in love with JKR.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Shanks’ pony saved my life
Which great novel have you tried to read but failed?
Ulysses
What was your first job?
Maggot farmer
And your first in the book industry?
Started a publishing company – how hard could it be?
What is the silliest thing you have on your desk?
A Mac
Tell us about a passion you have outside the business.
Rugby
Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
My mother – she died when I was 12 and she’s inspired me ever since
When was your first London Book Fair?
2016
What do you love about The London Book Fair?
It’s a book fair and it’s in London
What is the one essential item you bring to the Fair?
Aspirin
What has been your most successful piece of business, or contact made, at The London Book Fair?
Antonella Pearce
What piece of advice would you give first-timers at the Fair?
Get to know Antonella Pearce and book a stand with her for next year