Stephen R Houston

Named one of Britain’s Top 50 Business Advisers by Enterprise Nation - Small Business Network in 2015 100th Business Angel Investor | Angel Investor of the year 2013/14 @ Halo - the Northern Ireland Business Angel Network I am a Halo Angel Investor - Halo is the business angel network for Northern Ireland. It’s role is to match companies with growth potential with high net-worth individuals – 'the angels' – who may wish to invest in them: Halo has proven very successful; named British Business Angels Association Angel Network of the Year 2010. I’m from an FMCG & property background. Formerly a manager / director of (amongst other enterprises) Marks & Spencer, Houston Fashions & Tata-Steel (Steel Company of Ireland): I returned to Northern Ireland in 2005 after a spell in the USA & ROI. I’m currently a non-executive director @ Sophia. Today my focus is all about maximising what can be achieved in partnerships with start-up businesses. (I prefer to be informed; having a hands on style of investing, staying close to the scene of action) It’s a lot of hard work getting new companies off the ground & this is where a vested financial partner, providing not only equity, but knowledge & ‘sweat’ can alter the dynamics for success. (Yes, I’m prepared to put in whatever hours are required. You’ll find I have an endless amount of energy & enthusiasm - my loyalties are towards the business) I understand the significance in actively engaging with customers rather than simply pushing a static marketing message out to those customers via traditional means - instead meaningfully connecting & generating profitable activity. 20+ years in turnaround management & start-ups has helped me to become adaptive to change, fitting in easily with my new environment(s) & in doing so (mostly) gaining the respect of the project teams. Friends & career referees repeatedly refer to me as...”driven, focused & (infectiously) enthusiastic...a man on a mission” Ask anyone of them & they’ll tell you that I enjoy tackling challenges that are results driven & I love delivering on them. Approaching them in an innovative & progressive manner. I'm looking for my next innovative & pioneering business (team) to invest in. Specialties BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • Strategic Partnerships & Alliances • Competitive Market Intelligence • Marketing Model Concepts & Alternatives • Customer Relationship Management FINANCIAL CONTROL • Financial Purchasing & Contract Negotiations • Budgeting & Cash Flow Optimisation OPERATIONS INNOVATION • Succession Planning • Leadership, Staff & Team Development • Process Redesign & Change Management • Start-Up & Multi-Site Operations