A clear path for Chris Carroll

MGC Agency founder Chris Carroll started working with Ian Kinnery in early 2024 as he embarked on the path towards scaling his business up over the next five years. Since then, Ian has helped to create a clear path for Chris to reach a major growth milestone, whilst arming him with the tools to hit it.

For Chris Carroll, there’s always been a desire to succeed on his terms.

“I have always preferred to forge my own path rather than follow others,” said Chris, founder of the Teesside tech agency, MGC.

“Having been self-employed for over 20 years, the drive to build something without limitations spurred me to create MGC and continue developing it into what it is today and where it is headed.”

With growth on the horizon, he took part in the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Scale Up Leaders course, which was run by Ian Kinnery.

Already aware of Ian’s impressive reputation for helping to grow businesses, Chris said it very quickly became apparent just how much of a role Ian could play in scaling up MGC.

“Given the value he adds to businesses, it was easy to decide to continue working with him,” added Chris, who started working with Ian in early 2024.

“Ian gave me a clear vision of how to grow MGC, offering a detailed roadmap outlining the steps required to expand the business to a substantial size, and he’s expanded my knowledge of how to drive a company forward and avoid the pitfalls associated with significant growth.”

And the forecast for MGC is incredibly bright.

Having launched the business in 2014, the company is on course to be valued at £5m within the next five years – a figure Ian helped establish by implementing the targets needed to grow the company.

Additionally, Ian helped the company – which is based in Hartlepool’s innovation centre, – redefine its offering, standards, team, and goals, which have been incorporated into the five-year plan.

“As we offer a unique service, we have faced several challenges in client delivery and defining our value proposition, but Ian helped us to form our service clearly and provided insight into our brand voice to better target clients,” added Chris, who is currently recruiting a new team member each month as the company continues to expand.

“Through Ian’s advice and expertise, MGC has evolved by recruiting a strong leadership team. The operations side of the business is now run by a Technical Delivery Manager and a Client Services Manager.

“Working with Ian, I gained an understanding of how to build such a team and how to instil responsibility and standards.”

But for Chris, he also gained a lot personally working with Ian who he states is not only a “fantastic person to be around” but someone who continues to push him and his business forward every day.

And since their relationship started, Chris holds Ian in very high regard – both professionally and as a friend.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend Ian to any business that is struggling to reach the next level,” he added.

“Bringing Ian in to review your processes, strategy, and vision should be a serious consideration.

“Not only is Ian vastly experienced, but he is also a fantastic person to be around. The sessions are enjoyable, and you leave the sessions inspired to reach the next level.

“Crucially, he demands accountability. Homework is given between sessions, and while that may seem unusual, accountability is crucial.

“But Ian wants the best for all his clients, and if you follow his process, you will achieve success.”