About James
- 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
English
Native or bilingual
Spanish
Basic
Experience
- Self-EmployedIndependent Business ConsultantDecember 2024 - Today (1 year and 7 months)Palma, SpainI 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
- VA Airline TrainingFounder & Managing DirectorAVIATION AND AEROSPACEFebruary 1997 - January 2025 (27 years and 11 months)Cambridge, United KingdomI 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 ProgrammeCranfield University2009Business Growth Programme