Meet the Advisors - Best for business solutions : Best for business solutions

Let’s Do Business Group work closely with Local Authorities, Government, and Partner organisations to deliver contracts that support the business community, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs. Dedicated to supporting businesses to thrive in their respective industries, from start-ups all the way up to medium-sized organisations, our team up in Essex are here to help businesses like yours succeed. From accessing finance to enable growth, to training to help develop your team’s skills, our advisors have a wealth of knowledge to provide unique and tailored support.

Get to know our Advisors:

Craig Baston, Operations Director

Originally from Chelmsford, Craig joined the Let’s Do Business Group team back in May 2024. Previously, he has worked in economic development roles for over five years and prior to that, he held various commercial, operational and learning & development-based management positions.

His job on a day-to-day basis consists of overseeing a variety of the Let’s Do Business Group’s workstreams and projects, aligning these to the overall aims and goals of the organisation. Craig liaises with team members across the Group, public sector stakeholders, and suppliers about a whole host of things – ranging from detailed process design to strategic contract management. He often finds himself developing strategies to support more businesses across the region and working in partnership with likeminded organisations.

“Throughout my career I have always been impact driven. This started from when I was working in sales roles which had a tangible link between effort and results. I soon realised I could have a more positive impact through working with teams which led me in to management roles. After becoming a manager, the focus on supporting the team led on to me becoming interested in employee development and I later moved in to the learning and development industry where I was also able to utilise my operations and commercial background. I wanted to take this a step further and always had an interest in business, so transitioned in to not-for-profit business support. This combined all of my previous experience and allowed me to find a role where I feel I can to help encourage positive change.”

Having worked with Let’s Do Business Group over the years previously, the organisation was known to him as not only a leading business support provider in his home county of Essex, but nationally. The professionalism and expertise demonstrated through the years of work in the sector is what attracted him to the role. Getting to work with a hugely capable and proactive team of business support professionals – both in the advisory teams and divisional teams – is on the biggest pros of Craig’s job, as well as working in a job where every day he gets to work with clients who represent the backbone of our economy.

“This is a broader example than any one particular business but a standout situation for me was how Essex’s business support provision responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a hugely challenging time for the 99.2% of small companies that make up the UK’s business population. Local business support organisations and stakeholders came together to share the latest information, best-practice and support being offered locally, regionally and nationally. An example of this was through the creation of the Essex Business Intermediaries Forum, set up and chaired by Essex County Council. This has helped coordinate and promote a host of support programmes and services. The Forum continues to this day and demonstrates a shared commitment to economic growth locally.”

Whilst Essex has so many great opportunities for new and established businesses to develop, the most challenging part of his role is connecting the broad range of initiatives available to ensure consistency and awareness amongst the businesses Let’s Do Business Group seeks to help. Luckily this is made a lot easier by Essex’s strong, collaborative community of business support organisations and public-sector representatives, who are all collectively striving towards the goal of promoting economic prosperity.

A piece of advice that Craig would give to businesses looking to grow is:

“Look after your staff and customers, and the profits and growth will follow. It often helps to breakdown the fundamental elements of a business to ensure that everything is working towards this goal. For example, having a marketing strategy which includes a clearly defined target market will help align the services or products being delivered to the right people, better solving their needs and improving satisfaction. This can be easier said than done, particularly for small businesses who do not have the time, money or resources to set aside from their day-to-day operations. That is where Let’s Do Business Group aim to help through providing easy to access consultancy and expertise.”

Tim Piper, Business Finance Specialist

Before joining Let’s Do Business Group back in August 2024, Tim, from Chelmsford, had been working in banking and financial services for many years in the City, Essex, and internationally. He was also an operations manager working for a major PLC. Tim’s role as a Business Finance Specialist consists of advising new applicants on business finance applications and providing all round support for new and growing businesses.

The biggest pro for Tim in his role is getting to talk to interesting people every day, listening to their ideas and goals for their business. Whilst he enjoys getting to help an array of different and diverse businesses, the two that stick in his mind are an Indian food catering business and a post-natal support business. Something that Tim finds difficult about this role is having to decline an application that isn’t viable, when he really wants to help.

A piece of advice that Tim would give to businesses looking to grow is:

“Take the time to prepare a good business plan and keep the figures realistic. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.”

Mark Alefounder, Business Manager

Coming from a diverse background in business development, sales, and management across multiple industries, Mark, who is from Colchester, has held many senior roles to help businesses in the region boost revenue, optimise processes, and drive growth. Before joining the team back in August 2024, he also had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, public figures, and leaders across different industries, providing tailored support to help them achieve their personal and business goals.

In the short time that Mark has worked for Let’s Do Business Group, he has found it already incredibly rewarding. Mark has had the privilege of supporting numerous businesses in several different ways and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact alongside such a passionate and dedicated team! His day-to-day role as a Business Advisory Manager is all about supporting businesses on their terms, providing tailored support and solutions designed to encourage growth, address challenges, and enhance efficiency. He works closely with each business to assess their unique needs, identify opportunities, and offer guidance on funding and strategy, offering a collaborative and flexible approach at a pace that feels right for them.

“After researching Let’s Do Business Group and speaking with local businesses, I was inspired by the genuine passion and commitment the team has for supporting business at every stage of their journey no matter the size. The role offered an incredible opportunity to work with businesses at every stage, from those with an idea to well established companies, all of whom face both similar and unique challenges. Let’s Do Business Group provides the ideal platform to use my experience and make a meaningful impact across a diverse range of businesses.”

Without doubt, the biggest pro to Mark’s role is the people behind the businesses that he gets to work alongside, and the impact of the support provided. Seeing how recommendations and support have made an immediate difference for businesses is something that is very rewarding.

A piece of advice that Mark would give to businesses looking to grow is:

“Every business should look to build a solid foundation and be prepared to be adaptable. Start with good business basics and absolutely have a plan. A written down plan you can revisit that will evolve and adapt with you. Know your market and think about finances from the start. But more than that and probably the advice that is relevant to every business of any size and at any time is to seek guidance from all those who can help you on your journey. Be open to learning every day from every available resource. Be a sponge!! The more insights, mentorship, and information you take in, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate challenges and seize those opportunities.”

Dawn Andrikopoulos, Business Advisory Manager

Coming from a travel, tourism and hospitality background with some experience of the construction and logistics industries, Dawn, who joined the team in September 2024, comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Having been involved in the Careers Hub and introducing local industries to education providers, she began her journey into business support through her previous role with the BEST Growth Hub.

Dawn’s role as a Business Advisory Manager consists of meeting with clients to run diagnostics, researching the business and providing tailored support, attending networking events and Business Expos, as well as administration.

With a passion for entrepreneurism and finding assisting business owners to make their business more successful very rewarding, Dawn had previously worked alongside the Group during previous business support roles, leading her to her current position. One of the biggest pros of her job is the variety of businesses across a range of industries that she is able to support and be inspired by.

A piece of advice that Dawn would give to businesses looking to grow is:

“Do your research and use all the help you can get on the way. Above all, believe in your business.”

Matt Holder, Skills Advisor

Matt brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Skills Advisor at Let’s Do Business Group. With a diverse career background, Matt has spent much of his career in the construction sector, working as a part of an administrative and accounting team, providing support in finance, administration, business operations, and project coordination. At his previous role, he contributed to a training and consulting firm, assisting businesses and individuals in professional development and upskilling.

Since joining Let’s Do Business Group over three months ago, Matt has immersed himself in helping businesses and individuals achieve growth. His daily responsibilities include collaborating with clients to assess their needs and providing tailored solutions such as training programs, apprenticeships, and skills development opportunities.

Appreciating the balance his role offers between independence and collaboration, Matt enjoys the flexibility and ability to work alongside a team that keeps him connected, motivated, and makes a positive impact on businesses. A business which springs to mind who Matt has supported is one which was going through major changes and needed to become more agile. After some positive initial talks, he teamed up with a colleague and a trainer to run a hands-on Agile workshop tailored to their projects.

A piece of advice that Matt would give to businesses looking to grow is:

“Keep it simple: solve a real problem, stay consistent, and always put your customers first.”