Phil Turner is the Global CEO of the 24hr Solutions Group, a company he founded in 2012 with the vision of creating the ultimate engineering and support services company. With over 15 years of experience in senior management roles, Phil has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success.
Under his leadership, 24hr Solutions has expanded its operations globally, providing a diverse range of engineering and support services. The company operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in more than 39 countries, and is recognized for its commitment to service, safety, and innovation.
Phil’s dedication to excellence and his ability to navigate the challenges of the industry have positioned 24hr Solutions as a premier engineering and support services company worldwide. His strategic vision continues to guide the company’s expansion and success in various sectors, including property solutions, vehicle repair and recovery, technical and fabrication solutions as well as security and cash handling and management operational support services.
Company: 24HR Solutions Group
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Philip Richard Turner: Phil Turner founded the 24hr Solutions Group in 2012 with a vision to create the ultimate engineering and support services company. His goal was to lead the industry in service, safety, and innovation1. Starting as a local engineering firm, the company quickly expanded its service offerings in response to customer demand.
The journey began with a focus on property solutions and facilities management in the UK. By 2014, the company had grown its building maintenance fleet and opened an operational center in Houghton Regis, Hertfordshire. The following years saw rapid expansion, with the company moving its operational center to Harlow and increasing its property portfolio to over 8,000 sites in the UK by 2016.
In 2017, 24hr Solutions diversified its services to include vehicle repair and recovery, and by 2018, it had added global alarm monitoring and tree care services to its portfolio. The company’s growth continued with the acquisition of AT Haulage in 2019 and the opening of a New York office in 2020.
Today, 24hr Solutions operates in more than 39 countries, providing a wide range of engineering and support services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The company has restructured into 24hr Solutions Group, with three key areas of focus: property solutions, vehicle solutions, and tech and fabrication solutions. This restructuring has allowed the company to maintain its growth trajectory and continue to innovate in the engineering and support services industry.
What were the most significant challenges you faced during the scaling process, and how did you overcome them?
Philip Richard Turner: Scaling 24hr Solutions Group from a local engineering firm to a global powerhouse came with several significant challenges. Here are some of the key obstacles and how they were overcome:
Maintaining Service Quality:
Challenge: As the company expanded rapidly, maintaining the high standards of service quality across different regions was a major concern.
Solution: Phil Turner implemented rigorous training programs and standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency. The company also established regional quality control teams to monitor and maintain service standards.
Managing Diverse Operations:
Challenge: With services ranging from property solutions to vehicle repair and recovery, managing such a diverse portfolio was complex.
Solution: The company restructured into three main divisions: property solutions, vehicle solutions, and tech and fabrication solutions. This allowed for more focused management and streamlined operations within each division.
Global Expansion:
Challenge: Expanding into new international markets presented challenges such as understanding local regulations, cultural differences, and logistical issues.
Solution: 24hr Solutions established local partnerships and hired regional experts to navigate these challenges. They also invested in a robust global communication and management system to coordinate efforts across different countries.
Technological Integration:
Challenge: Integrating advanced technology into their operations was essential for scaling but also posed significant challenges.
Solution: The company invested heavily in state-of-the-art technology, including a sophisticated control center for real-time monitoring and management. This technology integration helped streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Financial Management:
Challenge: Managing the financial aspects of rapid growth, including securing funding and managing cash flow, was critical.
Solution: Phil Turner focused on building strong relationships with investors and financial institutions. The company also implemented robust financial planning and management practices to ensure sustainable growth.
By addressing these challenges head-on with strategic planning and innovative solutions, 24hr Solutions Group successfully transformed into a global leader in engineering and support services.
How did you ensure that your company culture remained intact as your business expanded?
Philip Richard Turner: Ensuring that the company culture remained intact during the rapid expansion of 24hr Solutions Group was a priority for Phil Turner and his leadership team. Here are some key strategies they employed:
1. Clear Vision and Values:
– Consistency: From the beginning, Phil Turner established a clear vision and set of core values centered around innovation, integrity, and inclusion. These principles were communicated consistently across all levels of the organization
– Alignment: Every new hire and partnership was evaluated based on their alignment with these core values, ensuring that everyone within the company shared the same commitment to the company’s mission.
2. Strong Leadership:
– Leadership Development: Investing in leadership development programs helped ensure that managers and team leaders were equipped to embody and promote the company culture. This created a ripple effect, reinforcing the culture throughout the organization.
– Open Communication: Phil Turner maintained open lines of communication with employees at all levels, fostering a sense of transparency and trust. Regular town hall meetings and feedback sessions allowed employees to voice their opinions and feel heard
3. Employee Engagement:
– Recognition Programs: Implementing employee recognition programs helped to celebrate achievements and reinforce the behaviors that aligned with the company’s values. This not only motivated employees but also strengthened their connection to the company culture
– Inclusive Environment: Creating an inclusive work environment where diversity was celebrated and everyone felt valued was crucial. This was achieved through various initiatives, including diversity training and employee resource groups
4. Adaptability and Innovation:
– Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and innovation helped the company adapt to changes and stay ahead in the industry. Employees were empowered to suggest and implement new ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
– Technology Integration: Leveraging technology to facilitate communication and collaboration across global teams ensured that the company culture was maintained even as the company expanded internationally.
By focusing on these strategies, 24hr Solutions Group was able to preserve its strong company culture while scaling its operations globally.
What strategies did you employ to maintain quality and customer satisfaction while scaling rapidly?
Philip Richard Turner: Maintaining quality and customer satisfaction during rapid scaling was a critical focus for 24hr Solutions Group. Here are some key strategies they employed:
1. Standardized Operating Procedures:
– Consistency: Implementing standardized operating procedures across all locations ensured that every team followed the same high standards. This consistency helped maintain service quality regardless of the location
2. Investment in Technology:
– Efficiency: The company invested in advanced technology, including a sophisticated control center for real-time monitoring and management. This allowed for efficient operations and quick response times, enhancing customer satisfaction
– Automation: Automating repetitive tasks and integrating customer data systems helped streamline processes and reduce errors, ensuring a smoother customer experience
3. Employee Training and Development:
– Skill Enhancement: Regular training programs were conducted to keep employees updated on the latest industry practices and company standards. This ensured that all staff were well-equipped to deliver high-quality service
– Cultural Alignment: Training also focused on aligning employees with the company’s core values and customer service ethos, reinforcing a culture of excellence
4. Customer Feedback Mechanisms:
– Continuous Improvement: Implementing robust customer feedback systems allowed the company to gather insights directly from clients. This feedback was used to make continuous improvements and address any issues promptly
– Personalization: Tailoring services based on customer feedback helped in providing personalized solutions, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction
5. Quality Control Teams:
– Monitoring: Establishing regional quality control teams ensured that service standards were consistently met. These teams conducted regular audits and provided support to local operations to maintain high quality
6. Scalable Infrastructure:
– Flexibility: Building a scalable infrastructure that could adapt to increasing demands was crucial. This included expanding operational centers and investing in logistics to support the growing customer base
By focusing on these strategies, 24hr Solutions Group was able to maintain high standards of quality and customer satisfaction even as they scaled rapidly.
Can you share a specific turning point that was crucial for your business’s successful scaling?
Philip Richard Turner: One of the most significant turning points for 24hr Solutions Group was the decision to diversify their service offerings in 2017. Initially focused on property solutions and facilities management, the company recognized the need to expand its portfolio to meet growing customer demands and market opportunities.
Key Turning Point: Diversification in 2017
Expansion into Vehicle Solutions:
Challenge: The company needed to address the increasing demand for comprehensive support services beyond property solutions.
Action: In 2017, 24hr Solutions expanded into vehicle repair and recovery services. This move allowed them to offer a more holistic range of services to their clients, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Strategic Acquisitions:
Challenge: Rapid growth required additional resources and expertise.
Action: The acquisition of AT Haulage in 2019 was a strategic move that provided the company with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to support its expanding vehicle solutions division.
Global Expansion:
Challenge: Entering new international markets posed logistical and regulatory challenges.
Action: Opening a New York office in 2020 marked the company’s significant step into the global market. This expansion not only increased their geographical footprint but also positioned them as a global player in the engineering and support services industry.
This diversification strategy was crucial in transforming 24hr Solutions Group into the global powerhouse it is today. By broadening their service offerings and strategically expanding their operations, they were able to meet the evolving needs of their clients and sustain their growth momentum.
How did you manage the financial aspects of scaling, particularly in securing funding and maintaining cash flow?
Philip Richard Turner: Managing the financial aspects of scaling 24hr Solutions Group involved several strategic approaches to secure funding and maintain healthy cash flow. Here are some key strategies they employed:
Securing Funding:
Diverse Funding Sources: Phil Turner explored various funding options, including venture capital, business loans, and reinvesting profits. This diversified approach ensured that the company had sufficient capital to support its expansion without relying too heavily on a single source.
Cash Flow Management:
Robust Forecasting Tools: Implementing advanced financial forecasting tools allowed the company to predict revenue and expenses accurately. This enabled better planning and ensured that they could anticipate and manage cash flow needs effectively.
Optimizing Working Capital: Effective management of working capital was essential. Techniques such as optimizing inventory levels, negotiating favorable payment terms with suppliers, and improving accounts receivable processes helped maintain liquidity.
Cost Management: Keeping a close eye on both fixed and variable costs was vital. The company regularly reviewed and adjusted its cost structures to ensure efficiency and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Financial Planning and Control:
Scalable Financial Models: Developing scalable financial models that could adapt to the company’s growth was key. These models helped in making informed decisions and adjusting strategies based on real-time financial data.
Strong Financial Team: Building a capable financial team, including hiring experienced CFOs and financial planners, provided the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of scaling. This team was instrumental in maintaining financial health and ensuring sustainable growth.
By employing these strategies, 24hr Solutions Group was able to manage the financial challenges of scaling effectively, ensuring they had the necessary resources to support their rapid growth while maintaining financial stability.
