About
In early 2009 I placed my family’s 106 year-old company, Savekers Limited, into administration.
I was in the fourth-generation of family members to work at (and run) the business. It goes without saying that letting go was tough but equally very freeing. During my time in the business I even learnt to weld, electroplate and metal polish – as well as carrying out an MBO, making family members redundant, overcoming a major fire, acquiring businesses and running multiple sites. I was a finalist in numerous high profile awards and the person that stood in front of a workforce that I’d known since I was a child and with tears running down my face had to tell them I was closing the doors for a last time.
I had many highs and many lows during my time at Savekers, not just professionally but also personally. Anyone that has been part of their family’s business will know all about that I’m sure!
During summer 2011 I was asked if I wanted to buy what was left of the business back off the gentleman that bought it from the administrators – but you can’t ever go backwards. It was, however, reassuring to have my value to the business recognised.
After working as a business consultant for a year following the administration process, I set up a new business in 2010 “Jeeves Services UK Ltd” with the aim of supporting busy professionals with lifestyle management. As much as this concept is extremely valuable I found it a lonely place to be after running a challenging SME with a large team. I decided that I needed to get back into a dynamic and innovative organisation and in summer 2010 decided to look at joining a bigger organisation again.
An opportunity presented itself in September 2010 – the chance to join the Principle Group. With years of successful brand implementation behind them, especially within external branding (particularly signage) they wanted to have a structured offering for interior brand implementation. In 2011 I moved to Principle Graphics, a division of the group, as MD to work with a truly outstanding team. This time allowed me to continue the healing process and realise that once you’ve owned and run your own business it’s very hard to be an employee – I needed to spread my wings again and own my future.
I am extremely active within the Midlands region as a voice for businesswomen, SME’s and manufacturing among many other issues. My passion remains with brand strategy and family businesses which is where I find myself again.
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford
Some Links
Below are some links to areas of this site where you can find out more:
My personal account of the journey through the final stages of Savekers (pdf file).
Blog posts – including topics such as administration, family businesses and women in business.
You can also follow me on twitter. (@DaniSaveker).
