StartUp Croydon Talks to Local Business Owners

Mark Deragon

Mark is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of Information Technology. As Managing Director, Mark demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of technology trends. His expertise spans across a wide range of domains within IT, including managed support, network infrastructure, cyber security, and cloud computing.

Outside the realm of technology, Mark has a deep passion for golf. Whether it's enjoying a leisurely round with friends or honing his skills on the course, he finds solace and joy in the game. Mark's dedication to golf mirrors his approach to work - in both he is disciplined, strategic, and always striving for excellence.

Throughout his career, Mark has earned a reputation for his strategic vision, innovative solutions, and commitment to delivering results. Mark leads the RedDoor team by example, inspiring them to reach new heights and drive organizational success.

 

Matt Simms - 26/03/2024

Matthew has served the interests of the Croydon business community for over 17 years. Over the past decade, Matthew has led Croydon BID during a time of extensive regeneration and change while responding pro-actively to challenging economic environments. Matthew is the Chair of the Association of Town and City Management for the London region.

Central to the success of Croydon BID is the ability to create long-term successful relationships with partners, stakeholders, and our 500 business members to create one significant influential voice as our destination looks to change and adapt.

Amy Knight 25th Jan 2024

Amy shares her tips for anyone embarking on a side hustle.

Amy is a personal finance writer and small business commentator at NerdWallet UK. She has written for, and about, businesses in the public, private and non-profit sectors. She’s also started 4 ventures of her own, most recently a communications agency, which she ran alongside a full-time job whilst juggling two young children. Inspired by her own personal finance journey, Amy is committed to empowering others to make smart money decisions and reach their financial goals. 

Amy is the author of ‘There’s Two of Us Now’, a colour-your-own storybook for big brothers and sisters - the perfect gift for families welcoming their second baby. Amy wrote the book in lockdown whilst furloughed from her job at a university. Having self-published the book in 2021, she has shipped copies all over the world. Amy is currently studying Public Policy and Economics online with the University of Oxford.

Dee Miller - 28/04/23

Dee Miller talks about the enterprise community in Croydon and also the future prospects of next generation.

Dee Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur, brand consultant, event curator and writer. Miller is the founder of SIEGE, a business development, strategy and problem solving consultancy. SIEGE is dedicated to solving private and public sector problems in design, technology and social.

Paul Richardson / James Stockdale - 24/01/2024

James Stockdale and Paul Richardson talk about the advantages they found when they combined their efforts and merged their businesses, and they have recently supplied, configured and installed the MacBook Pro laptops in the Creative Digital Lab at Weatherill House.

James started Fruit Geek in 2017 after working at the Apple Store in Bromley. His love of Apple products is surpassed only by his love of cars.

Paul started Inception Support in 2017 after working for an Apple Service Provider in Greenwich. Prior to that he was a printer engineer and he doesn't miss it at all!

The use of Apple devices is growing daily and like Windows PCs, they need to be managed and secured. Yes, macOS and iOS are generally more secure but that's no excuse for not having them properly looked after.

"Do we hate Windows? No, we just feel that Apple devices and the whole ecosystem is better than what Microsoft and Google (Android) provide."

Samantha Dholakia 30/11/2023

As a qualified Transformational Coach and NLP Practitioner with an ILM accreditation in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, Samantha has dedicated her career to supporting individuals, families, and organisations in their growth and development. With a BA Hons Degree in Education and Teaching, a background in Health and Social Care, and a Diploma in Psychology, her approach is grounded in evidence-based strategies that deliver results.

Alexa Sage 26-07-23

Embracing impact measurement the right way: How businesses, charities and social enterprises can open doors to new opportunities and greater success

Alexa has over ten years’ experience supporting well over a hundred organisations from the public, private and charity sector to measure, demonstrate and accelerate their social impact. Her work on impact has seen her win awards for most impactful services; bring in millions of pounds in funding; deliver record-breaking consultations; and influence the national policy agenda.

Antonio Lewis

Antonio Lewis (A.K.A ‘Tone) is a versatile digital creator. As a film director, videographer, graphic designer and brand manager, Antonio has fulfilled a number of projects from the UK and Europe to New York.

Previous clients have included Mayor of London, Wrangler, Pirate Studios, The English National Opera (ENO), Westminster City Council, the Greater London Authority and more. as well as over 75 independent artists, musicians, creatives, companies, local organisations, charities and music venues.