Paul Blowers
With a diverse background in business formation and management, Paul is the founder and CEO of Hurst UK Ltd. Launched at the beginning of 2003, the company provides IT Resource Solutions and also supports the Cowes Sailing Networks, which facilitates the exchange of business opportunities. Paul develops long term and trusting business relationships that can develop into B to B partnerships and senior C level placements within Corporations.
Paul is passionate about the value of the "community" and "business networks", he has become an expert in the creation and the expansion of vibrant communities that can drive revenues and form new relationships. In his spare time Paul is a competitive sailor winning Cowes Week 3 times and has also been a World and European Champion sailor. Paul also sits on the fund raising committee of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Nick Daniels
Nick founded his first company Preferred IT in 1998 at the age of 27. Preferred grew from zero revenue to £18M in 5 years which place it twice in the Virgin Fast Track for the fastest growing privately owned companies. In 2003 Nick led the restructuring of the company into two distinct divisions and raising of the Investment Capital to allow the plan to be implemented. Once successfully completed he left to concentrate on start ups but returned in 2007 to lead the company through a management restructure and strategy review. In 2009 Preferred was sold to aap3.
Prior to 1998 Nick worked The Span Consultancy. Joining in 1993 he was responsible as Account Manager for the relationship with IBM EMEA and grew revenue from £1.5M in 1993 to £21M when he left to form APP3 in 1998.
Nick was twice a finalist in the EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year and graduate in Chemistry from Southampton University. He lives on the South Coast of the United Kingdom with his wife and two children. He is a keen sailor who represented the UK in various events before he concentrated on business. He now spends his spare time running the Start Sailing Youth program at his local sailing club.
