In this episode, Judith Mackenzie and Rosemary Banyard interview Andy Walters, founder and Chief Executive of Quartix PLC.

Andy explains his shift from selling high-value capital equipment to building a recurring revenue business, leading to the launch of Quartix in 2001. He shares how he identified a gap in the market and developed a browser-based vehicle tracking system.

They discuss the key decisions behind Quartix's growth, including early technology choices, direct marketing, and international expansion—particularly into France after the 2008 financial crisis. Andy also reflects on the slower progress in the US, the benefits of AIM, and lessons in governance, culture, and founder succession.

The episode closes with his views on using AI in marketing and software, and the importance of controlling costs while investing in effective sales and marketing.

Timestamps:

00:31 Meet Andy Walters

01:06 Early Entrepreneurial Spark

01:50 Career Path to Schlumberger

02:59 Telecoms Work and Market Shift

04:35 Running a Small Company

06:08 Founding Quartix and Big Idea

08:37 Recurring Revenue Strategy

10:43 Bootstrapping to Profitability

11:58 Direct Marketing

14:27 Going International After 2008

16:15 Cracking the US Market

17:23 Why Float on AIM

20:03 Founder Role and Governance

22:30 Quartix Culture

27:02 AIM Advice and Share Price

28:33 AI Impact and Capital Discipline

33:16 What Andy Would Do Faster

34:28 Book Recommendations and Wrap Up

If you like this episode, please let us know by subscribing for future company reviews and insightful conversations about the markets, personal finance, portfolio management and stock analysis.

Hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day.

Links & Resources:

Visit Downing Fund Managers here: https://www.downing.co.uk/downing-fund-managers

Follow Downing on X/Twitter @downingllp: https://twitter.com/downingllp?lang=en

Investors reading and watch list for the long-term investor: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Top-picks-for-a-long-term-investor.pdf

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.

In the latest episode of 'Investing for the Long Term,' hosts Judith McKenzie and Rosemary Banyard welcome James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA). James reflects on his diverse and illustrious career, from his early days as a financial journalist to his current role at the QCA.

James shares compelling stories from his time interviewing high-profile business figures like Richard Branson and discusses the importance of public equity markets. James also delves into his experience in both ghost writing and authoring books, notably 'The Everything Blueprint' about Arm, and touches on the challenges faced by UK small companies in accessing growth capital.

Timestamps:

01:26 Introducing James Ashton

02:48 James Ashton's Career Journey

05:05 From Journalism to the QCA

10:06 Writing and Corporate Stories

16:15 Challenges and Changes in the UK Corporate Scene

20:27 The Unique Role of QCA

20:41 Challenges in the Competitive Landscape

22:14 Reflections on the Financial Crisis

23:54 Advice for Aspiring Journalists

24:46 Mentors and Influences

25:32 Proudest Career Achievements

30:31 The Art of Ghost writing

34:29 Reading and Writing Insights

36:36 Final Thoughts

If you like this episode, please let us know by subscribing for future company reviews and insightful conversations about the markets, personal finance, portfolio management and stock analysis.

Hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day.

Links & Resources:

Visit Downing Fund Managers here: https://www.downing.co.uk/downing-fund-managers

Follow Downing on X/Twitter @downingllp: https://twitter.com/downingllp?lang=en

Investors reading and watch list for the long-term investor: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Top-picks-for-a-long-term-investor.pdf

Visit the QCA website: https://www.theqca.com/

Visit Fund Your Retirement: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/

Follow FYR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FRetirement

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.

In an engaging conversation, Lucy Sharman-Munday, Finance Director of Eagle Eye Solutions, shares her career journey, insights into the evolving role of finance directors, and the impact of leadership on company culture. Lucy recounts her transition from aspiring doctor to finance professional, her early career at KPMG, and her experiences in various roles that shaped her approach to business.

Lucy highlights the challenges and opportunities of working with strong personalities like Sir Terry Leahy and Tim Mason, and the importance of diversity and mentorship in professional growth. The episode concludes with recommendations for navigating significant business transformations, underscoring the need for strategic focus and innovative thinking.

Timestamps:

00:45 Understanding Eagle Eye's Core Business

01:52 Lucy's Early Career Journey

03:12 Transition to Industry and First Major Role

05:14 Joining Eagle Eye and Initial Challenges

13:04 Leadership and Board Dynamics at Eagle Eye

20:33 The Role of a Finance Director

23:47 Career Advice and Personal Reflections

28:22 Proudest Achievements and Initiatives

32:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you like this episode, please let us know by subscribing for future company reviews and insightful conversations about the markets, personal finance, portfolio management and stock analysis.

Hope you enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day.

Links & Resources:

Visit Downing Fund Managers here: https://www.downing.co.uk/downing-fund-managers

Follow Downing on X/Twitter @downingllp: https://twitter.com/downingllp?lang=en

Investors reading and watch list for the long-term investor: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Top-picks-for-a-long-term-investor.pdf

Visit Fund Your Retirement: https://www.fundyourretirement.com/

Follow FYR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FRetirement

Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational purposes only. All opinions and information are for demonstrational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing carries a high level of risk and are not right for everyone. If you need financial advice, consult with a regulated financial adviser in your country before making any decisions.