The overriding theme to the presentation was PEOPLE. And not just people – EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE. And at every level, employees, suppliers and customers. Most people, Simon explained, are introspective, they know their own KPI’s, ROI, margins etc but the trick is to be extraspective. And with 7 screens on his desk he’s certainly practising what he preaches. It’s all about data gathering and then maximising that data…the Big Data.

Simon’s leadership style is one of a low profile facilitator; his role being to set the moral code for the business and his objective for every day is to align everyone’s purpose. ‘Would your mum be proud of it’ is his mantra.

So how does he do this? His recruitment policy is a Skype interview followed by a 2 minute video sent in by the candidate. He shared one with us – wow! Attracting top talent is key. People under 30 are not attracted to work for a business; they want to work for a team and they want to do good. Social reap is key. The Webmart Charity Foundation is an essential element of the business.

Transparency is paramount too. As is setting targets – ambitious targets. ‘Don’t go for 6% because you’re setting the standards too low; set a reach target 30%, 40%. Aim high! Currently a 37 million turnover business with 40 staff, Simon is aiming for 100 million turnover with under 50 staff. Another key success factor is information sharing. Screens in the office highlight order wins, cash in the bank, payments made, customer feedback.

Other ‘Webmart Ways’ include an on site gym, chill room, restaurant, Pioneer room – an Elizabethan Room, even with the whole bottom floor of the building dedicated to ‘non work’ activities. There’s even a ‘bring your ironing to work’ option – a real attractor for many staff. And all of this happening in the appropriately named ‘Yellow Shed of Wonderment’.

World class training is another feature, as Simon says: “All I want to do is align myself with the brightest people and only work with people with mental headroom. If we outgrow someone, we let go of them nicely, but I then replace with someone better..i.e. if a 30k/40k person goes – then I’m looking for 50K /6OK person to replace them. It’s all about continuous improvement”.

And Simon’s overriding message is one of transforming business, of leaving his own Marxist Capitalist legacy, his dream being to have this model replicated because for him you have to:

“Be Distinct or You’re Extinct”.