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James StevensonJS

James Stevenson

Independent Business Consultant

€800/day
Palma, ES
15+ years

Average response time: 1 hour

About James

I founded my company at 23 and led it for nearly three decades, gaining first-hand experience of the challenges in growing and running a complex business. Over time it evolved into a specialist provider of regulated pilot training, with Airbus and Boeing simulators and clients across the UK and internationally. That journey taught me how to anticipate change, adjust strategy and keep moving forward in competitive environments.

My background is in commercial aviation, one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. Running a training company taught me how to balance compliance with customer focus and commercial agility. Those lessons apply far beyond aviation — and today I enjoy working across different fields, particularly with businesses that value both discipline and creativity as they grow.

Now, as a business consultant, I work with founders and SMEs, providing hands-on, project-based support in strategy, finance, sales and operations — the areas where smaller teams often need an extra pair of experienced hands. I’ve built B2B partnerships with airlines and decision-makers while also driving direct B2C sales. That mix of business development, deal-making and customer focus means I bring both strategic and commercial impact to the projects I take on.

Experience includes:
  • Raising finance for high-cost assets and managing banking relationships
  • Developing and launching new products in competitive markets
  • Building B2B partnerships with airlines and stakeholders
  • Negotiating contracts and handling creditor situations
  • Strengthening sales processes and customer acquisition
  • Steering a business through disruptions including Brexit and COVID

Like any founder, I had to wear many hats — which means I now bring a wide toolkit and a practical, problem-solving approach. I typically work with small and mid-sized businesses needing targeted help for a period of time rather than a permanent hire.
  • English

    Native or bilingual

  • Spanish

    Basic

Remote only
Primarily works remotely

Experience

  • Self-Employed
    Independent Business Consultant
    December 2024 - Today (1 year and 7 months)
    Palma, Spain
    I work with founders, start-ups and SMEs on a project or interim basis, drawing on 25+ years’ experience to provide hands-on support in strategy, finance, operations and growth. My focus is on helping businesses adapt, grow, and solve complex challenges without the overhead of permanent hires. Work is delivered remotely and flexibly, combining advisory insight with practical execution.

    Some of the ways I support growing businesses include:
    • Shaping business strategy and helping leaders navigate market shifts, scaling challenges and change
    • Guiding product development and launch planning, including positioning, pricing and go-to-market strategy
    • Improving financial management practices by refining cashflow, reporting, and bank or investor relationships
    • Negotiating contracts, supplier agreements and partnerships to build more resilient commercial foundations
    • Supporting start-ups end-to-end — from branding and digital setup through to marketing, customer acquisition and retention
    Business development Strategic planning Project Management Change Management Marketing
  • VA Airline Training
    Founder & Managing Director
    AVIATION AND AEROSPACE
    February 1997 - January 2025 (27 years and 11 months)
    Cambridge, United Kingdom
    I founded the company at the age of 23 and grew it into one of Europe’s leading specialist providers of regulated airline pilot training — with its own Airbus and Boeing simulators, UK CAA and EASA approvals, and a strong reputation for training quality and customer experience. Over nearly three decades, I led the business through major industry disruptions and regulatory change while continuing to innovate and deliver market-leading programmes.

    Key highlights:
    • Built Europe’s first APS MCC pilot training programme, establishing market leadership
    • Secured complex financing and bank leasing for multi-million-pound flight simulator assets
    • Navigated regulatory process to become an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) under UK CAA and EASA
    • Expanded the customer base across the UK and Europe prior to the CAA’s withdrawal from EASA
    • Built strong B2B relationships with airlines and industry decision-makers
    • Managed restructuring, creditor relations and cashflow in challenging times
    • Maintained high customer satisfaction and repeat/referral business

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Education

  • Business Growth Programme
    Cranfield University
    2009
    Business Growth Programme

Skill set

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