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Chris Hansen
Board Advisor . Coach . Practical Help

Technical Services Specialist

I’ve spent 27 years in technical services, during which time I worked up from trainee, to owner of a 100 employee nationwide  multidisciplinary consultancy.

I now use this experience to work with other owners who want practical guidance in growth, succession, exit or improving day-to-day performance.

I’ve been where you are. I know the challenges and I know what it takes to solve them.

 No one truly understands the pressures of running a technical services business……except someone who’s done it themself 

 

Full Business Lifecycle

Starting out as a trainee in 1999, by 2024 my company (Riverside Environmental Services) had grown into a nationwide multidisciplinary business, employing 100 staff across 3 locations.

We held contracts across dozens of strategic sectors, including some of the UKs most prestigious clients.

We built process and people systems which delivered us a strong reputation from thousands of jobs each month. Including; inspection/survey, laboratory testing, field testing, consultancy, project management and training (across multiple disciplines).

This attracted significant buyer interest over the years. Finally, in 2023 we carefully prepared the business and selected the right buyer (Celnor Group).

I chose to exit in 2024 knowing I'd developed a leadership team able to continuing building on the Riverside story.

Full Business Lifecycle
  • Trainee>Owner>Scale-Up>Sale>Exit > Advisor
  • Inspection, Testing, Projects & Consultancy.
  • Owner Managed, Family & Group Experience
  • Strong Attractiveness & Valuations
  • Management Buy-Out
  • Prepared Leadership for Succession
  • Sale & Exit (Private Equity)
  • Continued Business Success
Business Coach

Developing The Whole Business

Growth required development across all functions, so we created solutions across;

  • People & Leadership
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Technical (Quality) & Delivery (Operations)
  • Accounts & Administration

We made sure we had the right people and invested in training and development.

Then we focused time and money on effective processes, procedures & tools (software, equipment & documentation).

Systemising the business, reducing owner dependence and delivering against my principles of:

  • Empowering People
  • Visibility & Change
  • Simplify & Systemise
  • +10% Growth (Ave. Year on Year)
  • £6m Annual Revenue
  • Profitable (Every Year Trading)
  • Effective Leadership Team
  • Grew to 100 Staff
  • Multiple Locations & Prestigious Contracts
  • 000s of Jobs Each Month
  • Strong Reputation (Clients & Staff)

Coaching & Advisory

I now use my experience to support similar owners with their challenges of; growth, personal balance, developing effective functions & leaders, succession, sale and/or exit.

Every client is different and I meet each where they are.

Offering a simple retainer blending roles as:

  • Advisor
  • Coach
  • Practical Help

I've also added qualifications to my experience, achieving level 7 qualifications in performance management, financial management, marketing and change (CMI and CIM). 

Coaching & Advisory
  • Technical Services Specialist (B2B)
  • Small & Medium Sized
  • Whole Business Focus
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Level 7 - Finance & Performance.
  • Level 7 - Marketing & Leading Change

My Approach

01

Advisor

Owner or board level advice on all aspects of growing a technical services business from proven strategies and tactics. 

02

Coach

Individual owner or leadership coaching providing a sounding board, accountability partner, critical friend and skill development.

03

Practical Help

I was a hands-on owner, focused on the 'nuts and bolts' of every problem. I now use that to offer practical input in projects, documents, processes, visibility tools, software selection and many other areas.

04

The Pivotal Method

I have developed a flexible framework to guide owners on how to build the company supporting their technical skills.

My clients can choose parts, or full adoption.

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My Story

I started out in 1999 as a trainee engineer in my family’s business, working hard to prove myself as an engineer, technician , manager and consultant, before becoming a partner in the business.

In 2010, I left to pursue my own path, joining Riverside, a technical services company, to help grow and strengthen the business for an arms length owner.

After 5 successful years, I bought the business outright (with a partner) via an MBO.

We went on to grow the team to 100 staff, built a great leadership structure, won major clients and created a sustainable, profitable company with a strong reputation.

In 2023 the right opportunity came to sell to Celnor Group, setting the business up for even greater success. I worked hard on the transition, and exited in 2024 ready for a new challenge.

Now, I help other business owners create growth, develop capabilities and plan for the future. Without taking 25 years to learn the hard way!

My Story

I started as a trainee in 1999, working in a consultancy owned by my father. It wasn’t glamorous—I worked harder and earned less to prove I was there on merit. After becoming a partner, I chose to step away in 2010 and pursue my own path.

I joined Riverside to help the owner develop the business, and in 2015 bought it outright through the MBO. We grew the team, built a leadership structure, won major clients and created a sustainable, profitable company with a strong reputation.

In 2023 the right opportunity came to sell to Celnor Group. I supported the transition, and exited in 2024 ready for a new challenge.

Now, I help other business owners create growth, stability and options—without taking 25 years to learn the hard way.

 

1999

Started in family business

Trained as a building services engineer, water consultant and then worked up to associate partner in the LLP.

2010

Joined Riverside

Worked for arms length owner with my eventual business partner, growing and developing Riverside Environmental Services.

2015

Bought Riverside (MBO)

Myself and my business partner bought Riverside outright from the previous owner through an MBO.

2023

Sold to Celnor

Having grown to 100 staff, 3 regions and serving some of the worlds most prestigious clients, we finally agreed to sell, choosing Celnor as our new home.

2024

Exit After 14 Years

After 14 years at Riverside, the time felt right for a new challenge and I am delighted to see it's continued success.

2025

Pivotal

After taking some time off, I founded Pivotal, through which I am now delighted to support a range of service businesses. I learned I'd rather be busy than bored!

Testimonials

Tony Hook

"Chris has made an instant impact and a great support to the business.

Chris took time to understand how we operate and provides clear and practical advice that has helped bring structure and direction in key areas.

Chris delivers sessions in a professional and approachable manner and I would happily recommend him."

Tony Hook

MD, Accomplished Contract Services

Simon Parrington1

"Chris is a well rounded business professional with both operational and commercial experience. He is entrepreneurial, communicates well and has excellent attention to detail. I have seen the results first hand of his strategic thinking and team development skills. For many SME owners Chris would make a great coach and mentor."

Simon Parrington

CEO, Celnor

Jessica Osho

"...I’d highly recommend [Chris] to any founder or service-based business owner looking to sharpen their positioning, strengthen their commercial thinking and communicate their value more effectively..."

 

Jessica Osho

Founder and CEO of StratIntelligence AI

Laura Burke

"...I just want to say a big thank you to Chris who has been such an amazing coach. He has really helped change my business..."

 

Laura Burke

Founder, Laura Burke Training & Consultancy

Sharon Gavin1

“I had the pleasure of working with Chris for nearly 4 years. He’s a natural commercial leader and I found my weekly catch ups invaluable. Through sharing ideas, and insightful questions, I often came with an issue needing solving and left with a plan that then fed into the larger strategic direction. Chris’s skill is managing to do this with simple compelling language, empathy and humour.”

Sharon Gavin

Operations Director, Riverside

Mark Grady

“Chris has a wealth of experience and knows how to lead a successful business through its many challenges culminating in a successful exit. He would bring valuable knowledge to a business in need of a fresh perspective.”

Mark Grady

Partner, McBrides

Richard Carre

"To bounce ideas off someone that has ‘been there before’ and to learn from their experience of having dealt with the same issues is invaluable. "

Richard Carre

MD, Carre Consultancy

Marc Bains

"Chris is a pleasure to work with. He operates with the perfect blend of technical and interpersonal skills. I've known Chis for just under 10 years as our businesses have supported each other. I'd highly recommend working with Chris in any capacity."

Marc Bains

MD, South East Consortium

Lisa Pirie

"His insight goes far beyond standard business advice - he supports you in a way that feels tailored, thoughtful and completely aligned with your values.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him, and we’re incredibly grateful for the impact he’s had on both our business and our wellbeing. I couldn’t recommend Chris highly enough."

Lisa Pirie

Co-Owner, Acey Bookkeeping

25 Years+

Business Owner & Operator

100+

Staff in my business

£6m

Annual Revenue

4

Level 7 Qualifications

Newsletter: The Service Business Guide

My inside guide to owning (and growing) a services, technical services, or consultancy business. Lessons from 25yrs.

Get In Touch

To find out more simply submit the form below, or book a slot for a short call.

Meeting

Book a short introductory call

Email

chrishansen@pivotaluk.co.uk