Fifth Element

Jan 10 2008 by The Journal

FOR Andy Whitaker the decision to invest in Talent Den or to employ another member of staff was an easy one to make.

Although the temptation to take on an additional employee was great, Andy’s belief was that long-term, getting expert advice from business leaders and entrepreneurs would be far more beneficial to the company.

Andy’s faith in his choice has been repaid many times over, as his marketing company, Fifth Element, has seen its turnover increase by 300% since he started Talent Den.

Leeds-based Fifth Element is one of the longest serving members of Talent Den, having signed up for the programme almost two years ago.

“It was quite an investment for a small company like we were at the time, as there were only two of us initially,” said Andy.

“But I took the view right from the start that we needed to surround ourselves with the best advisers.

“For me, Talent Den was just something that was too good to miss and was worth the financial investment because it was what we needed to accelerate our growth.”

While Andy has been participating in Talent Den he has not only seen a massive increase in turnover, but has also seen his staffing levels grow to 12.

“For us it has been exceptionally good value and we will stay with it as long as it continues to deliver value to the business,” he said.

“Everyone involved in Talent Den has exceptional experience in running highly successful businesses, and their input means that we can short circuit the mistakes that we would otherwise inevitably make.

“It is a bit of a ruthless process and you are constantly being challenged about the decisions you are making, but that’s what we signed up for. It is really useful to have someone who can look at your business dispassionately when sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees.”

As the managing director of the business, Andy has found that Talent Den has given him someone to be accountable to, ensuring that he never gets complacent. “However much we have invested in Talent Den has been repaid to us many, times over,” he said.