Meet Ian: Managing Director and founder of Schoolhire Solutions Ltd

The next subject of our ‘Meet the team’ series is Ian, the Managing Director and Founder of Schoolhire Solutions Ltd.; responsible for establishing the business and brand you know and love today. 

Here, Ian explains in his own words, how Schoolhire Solutions Ltd. came to be…

A professional footballer: 

“Starting off as a professional footballer at the age of 16, I was very lucky to have played for teams that were very successful. 

I was in the squad at Wimbledon during the FA Cup victory in 1988 and was a substitute in the Charity Shield, as well as winning the Division 3 Championship (Division 1 now) with Bristol Rovers. 

As my last league club Maidstone United went into administration I was left with a decision on my future. I passed all my coaching qualifications and managed several clubs, including Sutton United, before looking at other businesses to run alongside my football career.

Schoolhire Solutions Ltd., established 2012:

In 2012 I formed Schoolhire Solutions Ltd. where we were originally assisting one school with their lettings programme and finding ways to increase revenue with their facilities. 

Over the years the company has gone from strength to strength, and – where we began with just one school on our books – we currently manage 25 schools in the South of England. 

What is clear to me, important for profit and growth, is to work closely with these schools and to fill spaces that meet the values of the Trusts; maximising revenue from hirers is more profitable than having more numbers on your portfolio. 

We have continued to break targets; turnover and net profits have grown considerably, and we are excited about the next few years.

The staff at Schoolhire Solutions are amazing and all extremely driven and focused. To have staff that are reliable, trustworthy, and hardworking are paramount to a successful business.

These fundamental skills are vital to any company trying to compete and build credibility. We are blessed to have the staff that meet all these criteria.”

So, what does the future hold? 

“We will continue to grow but maintain credibility as we develop partnerships with new schools and Trusts. I am very proud of everyone who works for the company and the future looks very bright.

As for me I will continue to support staff and work closely with them, build new relationships and partners that are suitable for progression and development. 

The business has come a long way so it’s extremely important we keep our feet on the ground and look for improvements and new ideas. Our achievements have been excellent and standards high so it’s very important to not be complacent.

And as for my hobbies, football will always play a big part in my life and my golf will no doubt drive me mad, but I will keep working on that slice :(!!“