Starting UP

Q1 In a few words tell us a bit about your business?

Consult DSR exists to make being a business owner or leader that bit easier. I support leaders with their business fundamentals: from HR and business planning to communication, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, health and safety, and information security. It’s all about building stronger foundations so they can evolve and succeed with confidence.

Q2 What gives your business 'the x-factor’?

The service is unique in that business leaders can access a ‘wrap-around’ form of operational support; they receive hands-on, practical help in a multitude of areas, rather than having to contract out or recruit individually for various specialisms. Being an experienced generalist means I can support across a wide range of areas and make sure they’re operating in a joined-up, efficient way.

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business ?

I realised some time ago that SMEs are calling out for straightforward and cost-effective support with their day-to-day operations. This is particularly true in businesses that are starting to hire their first few employees, or that are looking to keep their operations stable while they look forward to the future.

Q4 What do you like most about working as a start-up ?

The variety, and the ability to be agile, both as a business and for clients. I can adapt the service to meet the needs (and budgets) of clients without needing to go through a long and complex process. Better still, clients can see results in the short, medium and long-term.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date ?

It always goes back to the first project I completed, which was a full review of policies, procedures and employment contracts for a founder-led PR business, here in South London. The review ensured that their business fundamentals were fit for purpose and sufficiently conveyed the founder’s vision and ethos. While I knew the methodology underneath my services was sound, putting it into practice is another thing entirely, and early projects can set the roadmap for the success of a business. Hearing how happy the client was with the results was both amazing and a huge relief!

Q6 What has been your lowest moment ?

It’s a tie between losing out on a project I was passionate about, or the moments of loneliness as a founder of a small business. That’s why I’m a member of various networking groups, such as the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce –I feel far less lonely knowing that we’re all in this together, and we all have highs and lows.

Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years ?

I aim to develop a ‘next generation’ of consultants, who can support SMEs with their business operations from the word go. This new group will have received management training from the very start, rather than have to learn on the job, as too many managers in the UK must do. The lack of proper leadership training is (in my opinion) one of the key reasons that the UK suffers from relatively stagnant economic growth.

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business ?

Set aside at least an hour a week to review your short-term plan and make sure it’s going to deliver the results you need. Then spend another hour somewhere away from your usual work setting to think about the long term. You don’t need to solve everything at once; steady, thoughtful planning goes a long way, and you’ll feel better for it.

Q1 Who are you?

My name is Simone Stronati CEO and founder of Markets Italia

Q2 What's your business all about?

At Markets Italia we are committed to delivering quality products paired with impeccable customer service. We specialise in sourcing and distributing premium ingredients with a strong focus on truffles, a symbol of Italian culinary excellence and of course a proud product of my home region Marche. Beyond truffles our business is about connecting chefs, hospitality professionals and food enthusiasts and building trusted relationships.

Q3 Three words to describe yourself?

Bubbly, Passionate and Stubborn.

Q4 Ideal Customer?

My ideal customer is someone who values quality, authenticity and personal connection. A loyal and happy customer!

Q5 Biggest achievement?

Earning the trust of some of the most renowned chefs, restaurants and luxury hotels in London.