Partner Article

5 Circles throws ring of support around growing businesses

Busy professionals steering growth are benefiting from a one-stop shop for strategic business support following the launch of full-service consultancy 5 Circles.

Founder Maxine Fox combines more than 25 years of experience backing businesses with a wide network of sector specialists to help firms run smoother, smarter and better.

And that network was out in force at the official launch of 5 Circles as Newcastle’s Bealim House brought together a hive mind of proven business success.

“5 Circles is all about helping businesses find the time — and develop the strategy — to realise their potential and grow,” explains Maxine.

“Growth covers so many different parts of a business that it’s often difficult to know where to focus, what to do next and who to turn to.

“I get to know my clients, identify opportunities and help them to deliver effective solutions. But sometimes it takes more than one pair of hands to maximise the potential.

“That’s where my amazing network comes in. I work with people I trust and people with a proven track record of helping businesses thrive.

“To see so many of those people supporting the 5 Circles launch was incredibly humbling. It also underpinned how committed we are as a region to collaboration and, ultimately, growth.”

Maxine launched 5 Circles after identifying the fact that many businesses excel in certain areas but fall back in others — lacking the full range of support required to reach the next level.

And the proven problem solver adds: “I know that success depends on five things working together — a product or service people want, an effective way of getting the word out, great people and culture, finance and funding that stack up, and operations that run smoothly.

“The network I’ve been able to build for the last 25 years means I’m perfectly placed to help businesses understand how they are managing those five areas and point them in the direction of the people who can help.

“I’m very proud of my network and many of the people I work with on a daily basis have become friends. I wanted the 5 Circles launch to demonstrate just how powerful effective collaboration can be but I never imagined so many people would rock up on a Tuesday!

“5 Circles is built on friendliness, curiosity, loyalty and trust and all of that shone through in a buzzing room. I felt so supported and now I want to amplify that support regionwide.”

North East movers and shakers from across a range of professional services, hospitality and media heard how Maxine intends to scale businesses at speed.

Combining first-hand experience with a range of unique diagnostic tools, she promises to ‘roll up her sleeves’ and deliver honest, transformative advice.

And no challenge is too big or small for an individual as comfortable working with big business as she is advising sole traders and start-ups.

Bealim House’s bar and gin distillery provided the perfect backdrop for an early evening of networking and new connections with more than 120 guests given an exclusive insight into 5 Circles’ vision.

And Maxine adds: “I wanted to personalise what I do as quickly as possible but hosting a business launch is always a leap into the unknown.

“I’m in the same boat as the businesses I work with — I need support from experienced professionals to help 5 Circles grow.

“I suppose the launch event was a risk in some respects. I am all about leveraging a network to inspire growth and so I needed a full room of like-minded people to prove that concept.

“In the end it felt like I was surrounded by positivity, friendliness and talk of opportunities and challenges. 5 Circles is all about helping businesses move forward with clarity and confidence — surrounded by the right people at the right time.

“So many of those people were in the room this week and I came away determined to do more. Watch this space!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .