Meet Our Members

Mark Fuller

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of our Chairman, Mark Fuller. Mark was not only a visionary leader but also a mentor and friend to so many. His energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for bringing people together left an indelible mark on our Progressive Leaders peer group and on those who came before. 

​

On behalf of all our members, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Geraldine Fuller, Mark’s family and loved ones. We will remember him for his wisdom, his generosity, and his passion for building a culture where leaders inspire each other, share ideas, and enjoy the journey together. 

​

As we mourn this tremendous loss, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying forward the values Mark championed. Progressive Leaders will continue to be guided by his belief in the power of strong peer connections, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the work of our group.

Jun Zhang

I founded Atmos International in 1995. Together with my senior management team, we have grown the business to deliver pipeline leak detection systems to over 1500 pipelines.

Making Atmos a better place for my colleagues and our customers, solving a problem for our customers, helping my colleagues develop and supporting one another motivates me every day. I see Atmos as a family and together we are focused on making a difference for our customers. It’s about the united challenge and making it rewarding and fun for each person.

Graham Whiley

I’m a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building businesses that create real impact. I founded Sagegreen Consulting, a business management consultancy, and The Executive Mindset, where I work with executives and leadership teams around the world - from global corporations to privately owned SMEs, third sector organisations, and the public sector.

​

With experience as a CEO, chairman, and non-executive director, I’ve led large corporate operations with turnovers exceeding £800 million. My focus is on leadership development, executive mindset, and organisational transformation - helping people and businesses unlock their full potential.

​

I have been a member of this group for over 13 years. My continued commitment reflects the value I get from this investment - I really do have other things to do with my time and my money! There have been stand-out events like exiting some of my businesses, coping with COVID-19 and dealing with Brexit, but more than that is the regular learning from world class speakers, ongoing peer group support from business leaders who totally understand what running a business entails and have the generosity of spirit to share their experiences and skills freely. The diversity and calibre of the group makes it a privilege to be part of it.

Jed Hassid

I’m an experienced business consultant with a broad background across sectors including professional services, chemicals, and the public sector. My expertise spans business development, account management, and project delivery - with a track record of getting things done on time and on budget.

​

I’ve coached over 70 high-growth businesses through my work with Winning Pitch and previously worked as a strategic marketing consultant with Ci Research and Robson Rhodes. I’ve supported a wide range of organisations - from SMEs to multinational corporations- helping them focus on delivering real value to their customers and, in turn, their stakeholders.​

​

Progressive Leaders has been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally. Over the years, it’s challenged my thinking, sharpened my focus, and connected me with a network of peers who truly understand the demands of leadership. It’s a space where I can reflect, be held accountable, and continually evolve as a coach and business leader.

Sam Gladman

I co-founded Substation in 2018 with our first site in Macclesfield. Fast forward to 2022, and we opened our flagship centre in Brixton, South London. I also co-own a hardwood climbing hold manufacturer based in Sheffield called Lock - we’re still in our infancy, but have the long-term goal of bringing sustainable and renewable climbing holds to the mass-market.

When I’m not tearing down hills on my mountain bike or doing a bad impression of a climber, you’ll usually find me seeking out a beach with my wife Bianca and our three young children. 

Through all the ups and downs of running businesses, having children and everything else life throws at me, the Progressive Leaders group has offer stability, advice, mentorship and most of all an amazing environment to learn and thrive not just as a business owner but as a person in an ever changing world.

Geraldine Fuller

I'm a marketing and communications specialist with over a decade of experience leading strategic brand, PR, and consultancy work across sectors.

After founding and directing Geraldine Turner Marketing Ltd. in 2013, I built a portfolio focused on helping businesses grow through thoughtful, tailored marketing strategies.

​

In 2021, I stepped into my current role as Marketing Director at Pure Blue Vision Limited, where I continue to shape brand narratives and connect audiences through impactful campaigns. With a background rooted in creativity, clarity, and results, I’m passionate about aligning messaging with purpose and helping brands stand out for the right reasons.

Dave Lowe

Starting in 1981 as an apprentice bricklayer before adding skills including Site Management, Health & Safety, Estimating, Quantity Surveying, project and Construction Management, eventually becoming the Managing Director in 2011.

​

I attended Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme, (2011) followed by their Ambassador Programme (2015) and most recently Goldman’s Unicorn School (2023).

​

This peer-to-peer style of learning was a huge support to myself and the business at a time when I needed it most. I’d say this was instrumental in me joining Progressive Leaders.

​

In 2023 I took on the position of Executive Chairman, at MC Construction allowing me to spend more time focusing on leadership, strategy, and relationships with key stakeholders.

​

Being part of Progressive Leaders has been key to our continued success as a business. The support network of like-minded people in very similar situations is for me the best part of this style of learning, however the huge variety of speakers has given me much needed knowledge, which has been put into practice and adopted by the business to much success.

I’d go as far as to say that the group has been part of some of the most crucial decisions of my career. It even offered me great support personally, which helped me get into The Magic Circle only last year.

Rob Ditchfield

I have owned and managed B-engineer for the past 14 years. B-engineering was set up by my dad in 1990 and I have worked for the business since 1997 when I left school and I took over reigns and ownership in 2009 when my father retired.

I’ve since grown the business from 5 employees in 2009 to over 50 today and expanded our services from just mechanical projects to also air conditioning, electrical as well as a thriving service and maintenance department.

The speakers and workshops Progressive Leaders put on are brilliant, but I get the real value from the group in the support of the high calibre of peers that you help them with situations in their business, as well as them being there for you to support you when you need a person or team to advise.

I joined the group in 2017 and the support I have received from my peers has been invaluable. If I had to put it in a monetary value, I would say the decisions the team has helped me make has saved me hundreds of thousands of pounds. They really are the board you can't afford!

​

• Aided by helping with some major decisions – mainly putting me back in my box when I have a crazy idea!

• Turnover when I joined 7 years ago was £2 million and this year we will do £9 million.

• Staff numbers were 23 when I joined - now 55.

• Inspired me to make my business a B corp.

Philippa Simpson

As Managing Director of BLOCC Interiors and BAYA, I’ve spent my career nurturing talent and cultivating innovation within the interior design industry.

At BLOCC, I collaborate with developers to deliver interiors that resonate with buyers and reflect each project’s unique identity. 

BAYA, on the other hand, allows me to work closely with private clients on bespoke projects that bring their personal vision to life.

Leading both companies, I ensure that every project -whether for a developer or a private client - is delivered with precision, care, and attention to detail. My focus is on creating spaces that combine functionality with artistry, making each project an opportunity to inspire and exceed expectations.

Tim Densem

I'm the Finance Director of Beechfield Brands, a Manchester-based company that’s been a trusted name in the promotional, merchandise, and retail re-branding textile industry across Europe since 1995.

​

We operate under four distinct brands – Beechfield, BagBase, Quadra, and Westfield Mill – supplying high-quality head wear and bags to a wide range of markets, from retail to promotional and merchandise channels.

Our business spans wholesale design, manufacturing, and distribution, with sourcing operations based in the Far East. We’re a team of around 40 people, driven by a customer-first approach, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and employee well-being.

Phil Simmons

In 2010, I took over the reins and became Managing Director and have since gone on to become the Executive Chair of the holding company Salop Holdings which is a group of three successful businesses.

Simmon Signs: Specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of high specification, vandal-resistant road traffic solutions.

​

Lifos Advanced Battery Technology: We create innovative, award-winning power solutions to deliver safe, dependable energy storage for a wide range of applications. 

​

Solar Technology International: Since 2000, we've been turning sunshine into serious results. As an award-winning team of solar specialists and engineers, we're passionate about developing smart, forward-thinking tech that performs when it matters.​​

Paul Buck

I am CEO & Founder of EPIC Global Solutions, a global gambling harm prevention consultancy that has worked in 36 countries and high-risk sectors for over 11 years. I have a personal lived experience of overcoming a pathological gambling disorder, and its devastating effects, which inspired me to create EPIC and help others avoid or recover from the devastating consequences of gambling addiction.

With my executive level business skills and insights, I have developed a unique and effective approach that combines sector-leading training, education, awareness, and strategic consultancy to reduce the risks and impacts of gambling related harm on individuals, organisations, and society.

I also founded and support the EPIC Restart Foundation, a charity that empowers people who have suffered from gambling harm to rebuild their lives, post treatment, and achieve their potential. 

Robert White

A senior business leader with a proven track record of delivering positive change in competitive markets. As CEO of Brabners, I have overall responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the UK's leading independent law firm.
 

We see it as our responsibility to play our part in co-creating a path forward for the Northern economy, from our position at the heart of the business community. That is why we launched 'True North'. A network of purpose-led organisations committed to unlocking the true potential of the Northern economy and the abundant attitude and ambition of our 'Northern Stars'.

I am proud to sit as Chair of The Brabners Foundation - an independent grant-making charity with a guiding mission to alleviate hardship.

I am also Chair of The Epic Restart Foundation - a UK charity that helps to rebuild the lives of those impacted by gambling harm. 

Luke Wren

Hakim Group helps optical business owners find the best home for their businesses and teams, and ensuring their legacy and financial future is secure. Promoting entrepreneurial spirit in future generations of optometry.

I am a resourceful, self-motivated, results driven business leader with a solid financial and management understanding using expertise gained through studying for my MBA as well as my experience working in my current roles.

I possess strong financial reporting, analytical, and strategic skills from being jointly responsible for a retail business, and solely responsible for running a franchising and joint venture business, and leading the organisation's acquisition strategy.

​

Stephen Law-Lyons

I am CEO of APC Cardiovascular a successful and well-respected healthcare sales and distribution company.

We offer direct sales and support for numerous cardiovascular and cardiology product ranges,  supplying hospitals, clinics and health-centres Worldwide with a range of high quality products, incorporating the latest technological advances. 

Member Board of Trustees at Active Cheshire.

Alastair Richards

I am passionate about advancing the fight against cancer through North West Cancer Research - promoting research, information and education to make our region healthier.

I'm also delighted to have been elected as the President of Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce for the next two years,