Business growth partner for service led firms.
Stepping into your company as a hands-on senior leader and fixing what's holding growth back.
How I work
I’m Maxine Fox and after 25 years inside businesses, I know where the gaps hide.
Every business runs on five things working together. I call them the 5 Circles:
A service people want to buy
A way of winning new work
Great people and culture
Finance and funding that stack up
Operations that run smoothly
When growth stalls, it's usually because two or more of these have stopped talking to each other. I find where, then roll my sleeves up and fix it with you.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Most businesses call me when one of these is keeping the owner up at night.
Growth has flattened and you can't see why. You grew fast. Then it just stopped. Nobody can quite put their finger on what changed.
You're buried in the day job. You're the best fee-earner, the HR department and the head of marketing. There's no time left to actually lead.
A big move is coming. You're planning to raise finance, buy another company, hand over or sell. The business needs to stand up to scrutiny first.
The parts don't join up. Marketing promises one thing. Operations delivers another. Finance finds out last. The gaps are costing you.
New work relies on one or two people. Everyone else is busy doing the work, not winning it. If those people step back, the pipeline dries up.
What changes I can help you make.
When we've worked together, you'll have:
● A clear plan everyone's working to. No more ten ideas and no direction.
● Time back to lead. You stop firefighting and start running the business.
● A business that's ready. For investors, buyers or a successor, whenever you need it to be.
● The right advisers around the table. Funders, accountants and specialists from my network.
Ways to work together
Full Circle: a senior leader in your firm
I join your team once a week or once a month. I work across all 5 Circles, bring in the right people and make the changes happen alongside you.
Circle Forward: half a day to get unstuck
We sit down, get everything out of your head and onto paper, and turn it into a plan. Then I hold you to it. Most advisers stop at the plan. I don't.
Circle Connect: unlock connections
A warm, inclusive membership community for business owners and individuals who want to build the right relationships.
Catch: a workshop for winning work
A practical session for your team on the difference between marketing, business development and sales. Everyone leaves knowing how to bring in new clients.
5 Circles values
Friendly
I pride myself on being friendly. When you work with me you will get a friendly demeanour and a willingness to help.
I will be excited when opportunities come to fruition. I will share in your celebrations and really become an extension of your team.
Loyalty
When you work with me, I become part of your team even if it’s just for half a day. With loyalty comes the responsibility of confidentiality. What we discuss goes no further.
Curiosity
I will ask you lots of questions, and more importantly, listen to your answers. I firmly believe that I can’t help you or your business if I don’t understand it.
I will take the time to get to know and understand you and your team. With this, I will know how to help.
What people are saying about 5 Circles.
Get in touch
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and get in touch with me.