Since leaving the Army I have twice built my own business in Central London. Firstly, in the 80s, a residential property development company converting circa 40 buildings in and around South Kensington into over 200 flats. Then in the 90s and early 2000s a boutique hotel company, which was sold in 2006.
Having sold the hotels I now spend the majority of my time as a non-executive Director or Chairman of various companies that seek a direct and entrepreneurial view.
Personal Business Advice
Failure is not falling over, it is failing to get up again.
Technology services company with one of the largest engineering field forces of its kind in the country. The company provides a range of network and communications services to industries including transport, telecommunications and the emergency services. Sales £350 million. Company restored to profitability with EBITDA for FY March 14 in excess of £27m.
The European market leader in Video on Demand and High Speed Internet Access providing services in up to 400,000 hotel rooms and whose Sensiq product is offered to guests in 25 languages. Working with the world’s leading hotels and hotel groups including InterContinental Hotels Group, Accor, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International.
Townhouse Hotel Investments Ltd
Founder and CEO
Sep 1990 - Aug 2006
London, UK
David Naylor-Leyland purchased and then developed buildings in Central London to create townhouse/boutique hotels, The Egerton House Hotel, and The Franklin Hotel. The success of these hotels under adverse market conditions, enabled the company to attract Private Equity support to buy Dukes Hotel in 1994. The hotels were sold in 2005 and 2006 realising significant profits for the investors.
Flaxman Properties Ltd
Founder and CEO
Jan 1981 - Sep 1990
London, UK
Specialised in high quality residential development in Central London. The company was started from the sale of own home and by 1988 had become more broadly based to include commercial and industrial developments.
Aylesford and Company
Residential Sales Negotiator
Jan 1978 - Jan 1981
London, UK
Residential sales negotiator becoming a Director of the Company in 1980.
Lieutenant in The Life Guards commanding a reconnaissance troop of armoured cars. Promoted to acting Captain as ADC to Lieutenant General R G Gard on the Kermit Roosevelt Lecture Tour 1978.
