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Board Advisor . Coach . Practical Help

25 Years Experience: Owner & Consultant

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I’ve spent 25 years owning and operating businesses, completing the full business lifecycle, from purchase, growth, maturity and leadership transition, through to private equity sale and personal exit.

I now work with business owners who want experienced, 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.

 

Full Business Lifecycle

Between 2010 and 2024, my company Riverside Environmental Services grew into a nationwide business, employing 100 staff across 3 locations.

This attracted significant buyer interest and, when the time was right, we carefully prepared the business and selected the right buyer with similar core values and ambitions.

In 2023 we successfully sold to Celnor Group, a brand new private equity backed organisation. 

I chose to exit in 2024 after preparing the leadership team for a smooth transition through coaching and the introduction of standard operating procedures. I am proud to say Riverside continues to grow from that platform today.

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  • Business Structures: Independent, Family & Group
  • Achieved Strong Market Attractiveness
  • Generated Above Market Valuation
  • Management Buy-Out
  • Prepared Leadership for Succession
  • Sale & Exit (Private Equity)
  • Continued Business Success
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Whole Business Growth & Development

Our growth required development across all business functions and leadership, including; Sales & Marketing, Operations & Delivery, Technical & Quality, Accounts & Finances, Administration & Compliance, and People & Leadership.

We introduced effective software and processes to systemise the business, reducing owner dependence and raising standards.

People arrangements were pivotal; with resource forecasting, training academies, personal development, selection and discipline all essential.

  • +10% Growth (Ave Year on Year)
  • £6m Annual Revenue
  • Profitable Each Year
  • Established Effective Senior Leadership
  • Grew to 100 Staff
  • Multiple Locations & Prestigious Contracts
  • 000s of Jobs Each Month
  • Strong Reputation

Coaching & Advisory

I now use my experiences to support a wide variety of B2B service business owners as they navigate their own challenges in growth, personal balance, developments and even succession, sale and exit, without feeling isolated.

Qualifications & Memberships

  • Association of Business Mentors (abm) member (link)
  • Financial Management (Level 7 Certificate, Strategic Management & Leadership - Chartered Management Institute)
  • Performance Management (Level 7 Certificate, Strategic Management & Leadership - Chartered Management Institute)
  • Contemporary Marketing Challenges (Level 7 Certificate, Marketing Leadership - Chartered Institute of Marketing)
  • Leading Change (Level 7 Certificate, Marketing Leadership - Chartered Institute of Marketing)
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  • Service Business Specialist (B2B)
  • Small & Medium Sized
  • Whole Business Focus
  • Level 7 Qualified 
    • Finance, Performance, Marketing & Leading Change
  • 25 Years Experience

My Approach

I believe business owners deserve our support. Small and medium sized businesses are an extraordinary power for good, but they can also be incredibly hard work and isolating for the owner. I want to use my own experience as a business owner, to help others become happier individuals, who operate more effective businesses.

01

Flexibility

A flexible approach allows me to provide the right support at the right time, adapting as your business evolves while ensuring plans translate into measurable progress and results.

02

Board Advisor

With 25 years as a service business owner (to 100+ staff), I provide board-level advice for; growth, operations, strategy, leadership, succession, and implementation.

03

Business Coach

Using straightforward, practical methods, I tailor coaching to your personal and business goals, defining clear actions and pathways, and tracking progress together through my client platform.

04

Practical Support

As a hands-on business owner myself, I turn practical experience into action, working with you, your team, or external partners to deliver focused, outcome-driven projects.
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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 grew 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

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