MARK HENDERSON Managing Director, Compliant
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I have always been a very focussed and hardworking individual which I learnt from my parents, because of that, I always wanted to run my own company. I wanted to offer a service to businesses that really makes a difference to them and which ultimately, gains you respect for that. Through many ups and downs over the years (as I’m sure everybody has), with the continuous support of my family, friends and work colleagues, I have at last reached that point.
Tell us about your current role?
As the Managing Director of Compliant FM (UK) Ltd, which provide internationally recognised standards such as ISO to all types of businesses, my role is quite varied. As a BSI trained lead auditor, I manage the ISO projects which includes consultation support through to face to face or online meetings. I’m often out and about visiting clients and love the diversity the role brings and being able to help businesses grow is a great part of the job.
What is your proudest business achievement?
There have been many over the years, but more recently, we have been successful in gaining large contracts with nationally recognised companies such as IKEA and International Trade, both of which we helped in achieving UKAS accredited ISO standards. How has your industry changed in the last decade?
The UKAS ISO ethos is all about continuous improvement therefore the industry is constantly changing and adapting. We operate to Demings Cycle of Plan, Do, Check, Act and as such we strive to be better in not only delivery of the standards but the streamlining and improvement of the standards themselves.
What are you currently working on?
We’re currently working with a lot of clients on ISO 27001 which is the standard for Information Security, now, more than ever is the time to be cyber aware and we have certainly experienced an increase in interest for this system. Although we’ve seen excellent growth over the last 12 months, we never rest on our laurels and are always looking at ways to improve our offering and services. Along with the many clients we’re currently working with on gaining their ISO certification, we’re also looking at improving and updating our website and increasing our sales and marketing activities.
Tell us about the team you work with?
What can I say except they are the heartbeat of the company’s success. Their commitment, attitude and focus is second to none and I could not not be prouder of that. Maybe that is my proudest business achievement – the team.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Many years ago I worked at a fantastic company and learned so much from them. It is fair to say it really set me on my way with a firm footing. The manging director always said that “life is one rich tapestry of changes”. He meant that there will always be challenges and successes, but the whole effect makes it worthwhile when you lay it out and learn from its historical story. What has been your biggest challenge?
There have been a few from my life’s story but I’m lucky to have the attitude of mind to bounce back and keep on going and strongly believe that I will find the right path with the right business. With Compliant, I have now found it and feel it’s now time to develop, improve and enjoy the business with our great clients.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
I don’t actually recognise the hero status of people. After all, we are all just the same with differing paths. However, there are many people I admire for many different reasons, many household names could potentially be given for various reasons. Internally for Compliant, I do admire the attention to every conceivable detail that my colleagues, Nicola and Danielle bring to the business and their magnificent work ethic. As for externally, I always like to see people who have succeeded through adversity or commitment, so people who devote their time to recovering from a challenge or charitable causes that make the difference.
How do you unwind outside of work?
At last, an easier question! Quite simply, work does not stress me, as we respond and work closely with our customers and deliver what they need. Every Saturday being on the field with our two dogs and then settling down in the evening with some ambient lighting, chill out music and a few vodkas is very relaxing.
Favourite Book and Boxset?
Believe it or not I am in the last few months of finishing a Chartered Manager degree at Sheffield Hallam University, so any relevant book depending on the subject matter! I do like a James Patterson novel when on holiday though. Box set currently is “Not Going Out” – just makes me laugh with the continuous innuendo.
