Gavin Wheeldon: Difference between revisions
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== External links == |
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* [http://fromdragonsden.co.uk/episodes/series-4/series-4-episode-4 Dragon's Den Series 4 Episode 4] |
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* [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/support_services/article7107278.ece How I made it: Gavin Wheeldon of Applied Language Solutions] |
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* [http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk/winners-and-finalists-2007 National Business Awards – 2007 Winners and Finalists] |
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* [http://online.businesslink.gov.uk/Growth_and_Innovation_files/QA_International_Trade.pdf Business Link - The Queen's Award for Enterprise, International Trade 2010 ] |
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* [http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-millionaire/episode-guide/series-4/episode-5 Channel4 Secret Millionaire] |
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*[http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/business/42C37A853B95495AB982FAA84A1F3A64.htm Gavin Wheeldon Leeds Metropolitan University] |
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*[http://www.appliedlanguage.com Applied Language Solutions] |
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*[http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/7/business-news/35859/look-overseas-to-boost-growth Oldham Chronicle: Look overseas to boost growth] |
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*[http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1583008_applied-language-solutions-founder-quits Manchester Evening News: Applied Language Solutions founder quits] |
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Revision as of 00:48, 9 February 2013
Gavin Wheeldon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 May 1976 |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Entrepreneur |
Gavin Wheeldon (born 12 May 1976) is a British Businessman, self-made millionaire and entrepreneur from the Manchester area who has been on TV programmes such as The Secret Millionaire and Dragons' Den (UK).[1]
Business career
After leaving school Gavin went on to do a Btec in Computer Studies while continuing to work by selling windows and then, at the age of 19, going on to become Sales Manager for a Government Magazine selling advertising space. It was leading on from this that Gavin started his first business venture, Government Information Bureau. However, this business failed and Gavin returned to work for an IT Company dealing with Content Management Systems and later moving to a large language translation company, thebigword, based in Leeds, UK.[2]
After gaining experience working in the language translations industry Gavin spotted a gap in the market as no companies at the time were making the most of technological advances. This led to the launch of his own business,[3] in 2003, which in 2009 had an annual turnover of £6.2m GBP. Gavin appeared in Series 4 of Dragons Den to try and persuade the Dragons to invest in his company but severely overvalued his company and left without the investment he wanted. The company's accounts show it made a profit £77,000 after tax in 2009. The accounts say that it "meets its day to day working capital requirements through a mezzanine funding arrangement" paying a 10 percent interest rate, secured against all of the assets of the company. Applied Language Solutions was awarded a major contract to supply interpreters to the criminal justice system in the UK, however the majority of registered police and court interpreters refused to sign up with the company, leading to questions in Parliament as to whether the contract was viable.[4] 60% of Registered Public Service Interpreters still refuse to service ALS Ltd's Framework Agreement with the Ministry of Justice. On 23 December 2011 he sold the company initially for £7.5 million.[5][6] In July 2012 Gavin left ALS quoting "Once you have worked for yourself, working for a big corporate is not as enjoyable. “Corporate life didn't suit me, but I feel very sad to leave all the ALS staff and customers. “It is like a relationship break-up. I still feel ALS is a great business with a lot of potential.".[7] In written evidence to the UK Parliamentary Justice Select committee, Capita PLC provided reasons why the senior management team at ALS -including Gavin - were removed: '..There was insufficient experience and capability to handle and address the issues being faced by service users and the Ministry in its capacity as the commissioning public authority. We were not satisfied with ALS management’s attitude to business process adherence, implementation planning, audit management and service delivery...' After leaving ALS Gavin embarked on a new business venture, becoming a Director at IntaFood [8] a Food and Drink events company, offering cookery courses and events for private parties and Corporate Events.
Gavin himself said in the Times interview "How I made it" (about a contract with Hewlett Packard worth £22,000): “I was ringing up and pretending I was this huge translation company when really it was just me in the back bedroom with a phone and PC. I won the contract and then thought: oh my God, how on earth do I deliver this?”.[2]
Gavin’s mum, Denise, says – ‘My nickname for Gavin was our small Arthur Daley, my dad always said if he didn’t end up behind bars he’d end up making a fortune!’[9]
Gavin has a preference for Porsche sports cars but has also driven Ferraris and Lamborghinis.[10]
Other Work
In January 2010 Oldham Council set up a Business Leadership Group, of which Gavin is a member. The group comprises 14 local business owners who are giving their own free time to advise Oldham Council and local regeneration body Oldham Partnership on economic policy matters.[11]
Charity
In 2007 Gavin took part in the Channel 4 programme The Secret Millionaire[12] embarking on a 10 day secret mission to Rhyl, North Wales. During which time he visited several volunteer groups and charitable individuals. To the present day, Gavin keeps in contact with the organisations and individuals he met whilst taking part in the programme.
Awards
In 2007 Gavin's business was awarded the AXA Small to Medium Business of the Year at The National Business Award[13]
Also in 2007, Gavin was awarded Institute of Directors Director of the Year Award and in December, gained the IoD Diploma in Company Direction.[14]
In April 2010 Gavin's company was awarded The Queen's Award for Enterprise.[15]
References
- ^ Dragon's Den Series 4 Episode 4
- ^ a b How I made it: Gavin Wheeldon of Applied Language Solutions
- ^ Applied Language Solutions
- ^ "House of Commons Hansard Debates for 10 Oct 2011 (pt 0004)". Publications.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
- ^ "News Release". Phx.corporate-ir.net. 2011-12-23. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
- ^ "Capita snaps up under-fire translator - Business - Evening Standard". Thisislondon.co.uk. 2011-12-23. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
- ^ Manchester Evening News: Applied Language Solutions founder quits
- ^ IntaFood
- ^ "Millionaire Gavin goes undercover". oldham-chronicle.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
- ^ "Gavin Wheeldon". Real Business. 2011-11-24. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
- ^ Oldham Chronicle: Look overseas to boost growth
- ^ Channel4 Secret Millionaire
- ^ National Business Awards – 2007 Winners and Finalists
- ^ Gavin Wheeldon Leeds Metropolitan University
- ^ The Queen's Award for Enterprise, International Trade 2010