Your Speakers
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Peter WatsonManaging Director and Co-Founder of Distract
Peter Watson is Managing Director and co-Founder of Distract, an innovative and award-winning marketing agency based in the Cathedral city of Lincoln in the East Midlands. Most recently, Peter has been named as Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Distract was founded in 2015 while Peter and his business partner and Operations Director, Bradley McKenny were still in their second year of university, primarily as a social media agency. Distract has since grown to a team of 17, serving more than 75 clients across the UK and beyond. The agency now offers paid search, paid social and digital PR services as well as an in-house creative team that encompasses web design and development. Many entrepreneurs claim to be innovative and forward thinking, but few plough ahead as much as Distract. In a bold move in 2018, Peter took the unusual step of hiring a dedicated videographer to follow him throughout his working week to document his business journey. There are more than 100 episodes of the documentary ‘Inside The Journey’ available to watch on YouTube. Peter has also pioneered the use of podcasts within the agency, hosting his own reflective and relaxed podcast ‘Behind The Journey’ and launching an agency podcast featuring the team in the form of ‘Ask Distract’. As well as Distract, Peter is the founder of Featured, a seed fund incubator company specialising in helping start-ups launch while offering advice and support. During 2019, Peter is also launching an e-commerce platform for the automotive industry and will be seeking to get many other entrepreneurial projects off the ground alongside this. Peter is also writing and publishing a business book this year, reflecting on personal branding and business development. |
Antony VoakesAssociate Director, Wright Vigar Chartered Accountants
Specialist in Family Business and Agriculture With a wealth of knowledge and experience Antony joined the Wright Vigar team in 2019. He provides a broad range of tax and business advice to owner managed businesses and high net worth individuals. Antony likes to work closely with clients to gain a full understanding of not only their business and long-term goals but their family dynamics as well. He will work with you every step of the way, being there when that all important advice is needed.
Antony helps clients structure their affairs to minimise their tax liabilities and pro-actively plan for long term succession, for asset or business sales or to plan their estate to minimise Inheritance Tax. He is also experienced in working with clients on corporate restructuring projects, management buy-outs and share schemes. Outside of work out can find Antony enjoying a meal out and spending time with the family or keeping up with his fitness. He was also previously chair of Lincoln Minster Round Table, raising funds for local causes in the area. |
Mark JarvisThe Referral Builder
With a background in international hotel chains and over 20 years starting, building, managing and selling my own businesses, Mark is well aware of the highs and lows that businesses can face.
Mark shows his clients how to successfully build their businesses and sustainable growth through relationships, not just transactions. Specialising in a proven track record of helping firms attract better clients, save time and build profit, Mark says " I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a unique perspective on life and business that could be just what you are looking for – ask anyone that’s around me." |
Your Host : Sam KirkManaging Director, J-Flex
Sam joined the family business in 2015, heading up the Marketing Department and was appointed Managing Director in May 2018.
Sam successfully succeeded his father (and founder of the business) last year and was quick to introduce an ambitious Company Plan and Vision that provided clear focus and direction, and has subsequently seen the business earn recognition at the Midlands Family Business Awards, North Notts Business Awards and The Institute of Directors Awards, where Sam was named Young Director of the Year. As well as the “day job” elements and working on the strategic side of the business, Sam often travels overseas for work and makes regular visits to China, India, Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium and Spain – just a handful of the 55 counties that J-Flex exports to! |