Chris Ham

Managing Director, Cibsys Ltd

I met David through Fairplace as an advisor on creating and executing a new business concept. He was fantastic help in getting the right things in place for my new firm from structuring through tax and marketing, suggesting ways to go forward, and where needed introducing useful contacts. He continues to provide useful input and I will certainly be using his service as the firm grows. September 23, 2007

Marina Kapur

Founder and CEO, Leadership in Action

I attended David’s workshop, and was inspired how he simplified the art of starting up your business. His power-packed delivery in an easy to follow toolkit was comprehensive, practical and concise. Through untiring energy,enthusiasm and humour, David delivered challenging and technical aspects to business start-up. I would recommend that anyone considering starting their own business invests in David’s training and coaching. August 20, 2009

Kunle Olafare

Head of Advisory, Dresdner Kleinwort Pension Plan, Kleinwort Benson

I enjoyed a seven month spell working with David. I was selected for the inaugural Kleinwort Benson Talent Management group and David, in his role at Cass was responsible for the delivery of this course. David has an array of anecdotal stories, which when he delivers them gave me a real sense of the depth of his business knowledge, and he is very skilful at imparting this knowledge in a challenging and supportive manner. I had a lot of fun on the course with David, we both share entrepreneurial traits, and David has been a great help towards my professional development. November 23, 2009

Andrew Fairbairn

Vice President, Deutsche Bank

David is a true professional and gentleman with an art for finding the root of a problem and achieving resolution in a thorough, but friendly and engaging manner. As a finance professional at Deutsche Bank, he demonstrated his ability to lead teams of highly motivated and diverse individuals and to add value at the director level to the work of emerging finance/technology portfolio firms. As a friend and mentor he has provided ongoing support and guidance over the years. I’m very pleased to recommend David to all comers. September 20, 2007

John Hamlen

M.D. Simply Business Skills

After a 20+ years working for big institutions in the financial sector, leaving the City to start my own venture in a different industry was daunting and exciting in equal measure. Making the leap so successfully would have been impossible without David’s expert guidance and mentoring. There are plenty of “start your own business” books available, but none written by people with David’s practical experience in this area. He truly has been there, done that, and now … he’s written the book! April 2010

Mark Lauber

M.D. Highgate Capital

Making the decision to move from working for big institutions to independent work can be a big step; there are many daunting obstacles which appear insurmountable. I suppose that’s why so many people in big organisations wish they could get out, but never do. David was a big help in finding the answers to the two big questions of ‘what do I want to do’ and ‘how can I get from here to there’. His enthusiasm for what he does, coupled with sober and wide ranging thought, good ideas, and willingness to help, made him both a catalyst and the ideal mentor in my decision to set up Highgate Capital. Many thanks, David! April 2010

Christine Stedmann

Director, Zentime Living Ltd

I first met David in June 2008 whilst attending his one day workshop on “How to start a business” during my membership at Fairplace Cornhill, London branch. I had plans to start my own Concierge & Lifestyle Management business – Zentime. Prior to this, I had been working in the financial industry for over 11 years, and my entire world evolved around the banking industry. My challenges were very evident:- to branch out completely on my own, start a new business venture at the beginning of a recession, and I also did not have a support network to act as my “sounding board” – to bounce off my many business ideas and turning them into a viable business. David was instrumental during our six consultation sessions together. He was not only a good listener but he also was spot on when it came to identifying my strengths which we used as a framework to expand and shape my Business Plan. I always walked away feeling motivated, refreshed, and full of innovative ideas following each consulting session with David.

Zentime has grown from strength to strength, expanding our list of services to Event/Wedding Planning, DIY home improvements and Business Admin Support services just to name a few. We’ve been featured in many media channels showcasing our services that is proving increasingly popular as being a part of Corporation’s employee benefits package. I’ve enjoyed my previous career in the financial world. However, the last 2 years have been an incredible journey for me with Zentime, and the rest they say is history…

Thank you for making a difference in my life, David and many congratulations on your book launch! April 2010

Terry Cunnington

Managing Director, Terry Cunnington Associates Ltd

After 25 years in corporate life in the City, I left my position as Executive Director Global Risk Management at NYSE Euronext to set up my own consultancy business. I was assigned to David Mellor by the outplacement agency, as he was considered to be right for my circumstances.

My main challenges were: making the transition from corporate life to setting up and running my own business; producing a business plan; marketing; getting clients; and deciding upon the fee structure.

David was invaluable in helping me to meet all my challenges. He is extremely personable and we quickly developed a great relationship. He has a deep knowledge of the theory and both lectures and writes on it. He also has the experience of making the transition from corporate life to running a business. He played a significant part in my business becoming successful. Once I had ceased my arrangement with the outplacement agency, David and I have continued to meet regularly as part of our networking. This is a reflection on the regard I have for David. I am sure that his book will become essential reading for people looking to make the transition to setting up and running their own business.
April 2010

Jon Sweet

Managing Director, Lysis Financial

Lysis Financial is a niche consultancy to the wholesale finance and insurance sectors offering operation and IT strategy development, change management, implementation and data management services to banks, hedge funds and insurance companies. Since its inception in 2001, the wholesale financial markets have seen one major boom, two major downturns and multiple mergers and acquisitions. Throughout this, Lysis has grown successfully, overcoming downturns in demand, shortages of good staff to recruit, and mergers and acquisitions amongst its client base.

David joined the board as Chairman in 2002. He has played a major role in the recruitment and retention of talented ex-bankers to the staff of Lysis, acted as an ambassador in the market and with clients, has chaired the board and overseen the company’s growth, and has acted as a mentor and advisor to the MD and founding director. April 2010