Gold medal swimmer praises businesses

Adrian Moorhouse MBE, winner of the 100-metre breaststroke at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and World number one for six consecutive years, is now MD of Lane4, a performance development consultancy that he co-founded in 1995.

Speaking after a Business Link meeting in Thame on December 1, Mr Moorhouse said: “Seeing a full house at an event focussed entirely on the subject of business growth is, in itself, a very positive development. But, more importantly, there is clearly a real desire among many businesses to ‘get on with it and do something’ to move forward and develop their commercial and operational goals.

“Self-belief and confidence are beginning to replace doubt and navel-gazing. And, judging by the reaction of the business owners and managers at the event, there is real determination to ensure that business growth is achieved on firm foundations and is not just a quick-fix or short-term goal.”

He added: “It is enormously encouraging for the local economy to see so many businesses in and around Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire having such a healthy appetite for sustainable growth.”

The event, attended by around 50 managers and owners of firms from all over the area, was held to launch Business Link’s dedicated support services for growing businesses.

Business Link’s Laura Pelling added: “We’re delighted with the feedback we’ve received from everyone who attended and the response to Adrian’s presentation was terrific. To hear how his approach to business growth and achievement relates so closely to his experience and his determination to bounce back from disappointment to win Olympic gold was clearly an inspirational and motivational message for the audience.”

> For more information on the support services for growing businesses, call Business Link on 0845 600 9 006. Business Link also provides all businesses with a telephone helpline, Online Information Service and a comprehensive source of free advice and information for businesses at www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast, as well as dedicated support for anyone thinking of starting their own business.