We are delighted to announce that Firestarter’s founder Chris O’Riordan has reached the finals of the prestigious 2023 SoGlos business awards after being shortlisted for the Business Leader of The Year award back in June. The Business Leader of the Year category recognises established leaders who have inspired their teams, led by example, and embraced the concept ‘with change comes opportunity’ to drive continued success.
Chris started his career as a sales manager and progressed rapidly, originally through the corporate ranks within UK and International businesses to become Sales Director and ultimately, UK Managing Director before founding Firestarter Business Solutions in 2012.
Now, 11 years later, Firestarter is a thriving business with many happy clients, past and present. Chris has built a strong team with clear goals and accountabilities, driving significant growth and continued client satisfaction. Chris always leads by example, playing to his and others’ strengths, being supportive and transparent yet expecting (and achieving) very high standards. He is extremely well respected by the team and clients, who fully buy into his inspirational and tenacious approach. Chris’s drive is infectious; always looking for an opportunity and striving for success with a smile on his face, even when faced with the ups and downs of being a business owner.
In the words of one colleague ‘he makes me want to work harder’.
Chris is a master at knowing how to interact with businesses no matter their size or the level of support provided, he’ll put exactly the same effort in to ensuring that business succeeds. He is also adept at making people feel like they’re his only client. Going above and beyond, Chris acts as a coach and mentor, even giving advice to clients that no longer have a formal relationship with Firestarter.
When asked for his thoughts on the nomination, Chris said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been selected as a finalist, the hard work that our entire team here at Firestarter do on a daily basis just goes to show our ongoing commitment to growth and driving excellence not only in our business but for our clients too.”
The awards take place on Thursday 19th October at Gloucester South Community Fire Station. Best of luck to Chris!
