I’m an entrepreneur and adventurer of some thirty years standing. After a time in high technology sales I began a start up with some partners initially running the company from the front room of a house. Since then I have built managed, bought and sold companies, in the UK and Europe, mainly in the IT sector as well as conducting a number of business turnarounds. In parallel to my business career I have been involved in many adventure expeditions including a number of super cold journeys above the Arctic circle.

I know how difficult it is to build a business. Much like for the polar explorer there is no safety net.  Despite the fact that without businesses there would be no taxes paid to fund our society there is little support leaving many owners and company managers feeling isolated and lonely. Life for most entrepreneurs isn’t about fast cars and big salaries. This world exists for some but most live under the constant pressure of long hours, stress and risk. I wrote Against the Odds to show that there is another way, to demonstrate how vital the role of the entrepreneur is and to applaud their hard work.

After reading Against the Odds anyone involved in the management of a company of any size should be able to:

• Change the way they think to improve business outcomes
• Ensure that their start up will survive and prosper through the early years
• Work less and stress less whilst making more money
• Build long term value that can be sustained or released at any time
• Become a success and make it look easy

During the two-year journey it has taken to prepare and write the book I have met an astonishing number of entrepreneurs. Each of them has filled me with inspiration. Whilst politicians and self-publicists talk many are quietly setting about solving some of the world’s biggest problems and are often prepared to take significant risks in doing so. Hopefully, in writing this book I have done a little to highlight how important they are to all of us.