Testimonials

David Leigh
Football Sales Manager UK & Ireland, Nike (business partner)
"I had many dealings with Mark during my time at Nike and have always found him to be a very competent manager. Mark is personable, organised, experienced and commercial and brings a sense of balance to discussions and I would recommend a conversation with him."

Damian Hughes
Owner, LiquidThinker Ltd (business partner)
"I have known Mark for a number of years and believe that his professionalism, thoughtfulness and passion would be a great addition to any team, organisation or group that are looking for clear leadership and an injection of drive towards their goals and aspirations."

Ben Meeks
Managing Director of Citybloc Climbing
"We've been working with Mark for a while now and in that time have seen our processes, revenue and profits really improve. It's simple stuff but it's practical and if you put the effort in, it works and means our business has grown and will continue to grow because of this."

Matt Day
Head Coach South Devon, Brazilian Soccer Schools
"I found Mark very approachable. He was always willing to listen and to support the work I am doing in South Devon. He was very quick to respond to any queries. He was always willing and able to find different solutions to problems. He was very enthusiastic about his work and always looked to do the best for the organisation and the franchisees."

Paul Preece
Owner Mosaic Marketing and Promotions
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
"Having known Mark for a few years now, I have always found him to be very helpful in setting up promotions as well as knowledgable in the whole process from concept to delivery of a campaign. He knows his subject matter inside out and you know he will deliver on his promises."

Andy Simpson
Director, FASTSIGNS (Leeds) Ltd
"I worked with and for Mark during his time at Garforth Town and ICFDS when we were the signage partner for Garforth Town, Brazilian Soccer Schools and Socatots. Mark worked extremely hard at helping us as sponsors get as much as possible from our involvement with the club and, consistently coming up with new and creative ways for us to promote ourselves to the franchisees, sponsors and fans of the club. He has a very cool head on him, and knows how the business side of sport needs to work in the interests of both sponsor and club. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark to an organisation looking for an honest, hard working and creative individual."

Richard Bosworth
Chairman in Yorkshire, Vistage International
"When Mark sets his mind to something he is 110% committed and his passion and enthusiasm knows no bounds, he is a smart operator and always open to new ideas and thinking that will improve the performance of the business and its people."

Paul Dempsey
Regional Manager, Giles Insurance Brokers
"I worked with Mark for several years after his appointment at ICFDS. I negotiated a commercial sponsorship deal and insurance arrangements with Mark, who transformed the organisation by introducing professional standards and systems. Mark is an outstanding organiser and communicator and made a huge impact on the business. I have no hesitation in recommending him to prospective employers or business partners."

Mocky Khan,
Partnerships Director Parallel Promotions
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity.
"Mark is one of very few sports people that can combine their passion for sport with marketing and commercial knowledge. I have hired Mark on a number of occasions and he has delivered each time to brief, budget and within timings. Mark clearly is an expert in his field and I will use his services again."

Max Eppel
Employed Barrister, Sports Law, McFaddens LLP
"Mark is someone with whom I first began working around 2 years ago. I immediately noticed his professionalism, attention to detail and in-depth knowledge not only of football but of the business of football as well. In my experience it is rare to find someone with this combination of skills. Mark also has many innovative methods for developing young talent which may well add significant value to a relevant business. He is able to present them clearly and compellingly. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark and would be delighted to be contacted further should it be necessary."

Steve Watson
Franchisee, Socatots
"Mark was my main contact at ICDFS before and after I became a Socatots franchisee. He was approachable, professional, thorough and very good at explaining how the business worked. He helped me write a business plan and answered all my questions promptly and honestly."

Peter Butler
Franchisee Owner, Brazilian Soccer Schools
"Mark was extremely helpful and really drove my and other franchisee's businesses forward with his level headed and determined approach."

Andrew Watkins
Director/Owner, eko create LLP
"It was a pleasure working with Mark. We worked on a fairly difficult project having to take lots of information and media and make it into something useful, we wouldn't have been able to complete this project without Mark. He knew the workings of his company inside out and had an answer for every question no matter how complex. You can tell he loved his work, he's enthusiastic, a real grafter and a credit to ICFDS."

John Clement
Senior Marketing Manager, Findel Education
"It was a pleasure to work with Mark. It's rare to find someone with such a level headed ,measured approach to business, who can mix both the commercial and sporting worlds. I worked with him for over 2 years and found him progressive and decisive, with an eye for spotting the opportunity and maximizing it. I have huge respect for him both professionally and personally."

Simon Hartley
Owner, Be World Class
"Mark and I were members of the Vistage CEO's group together. Mark's input and advice is always very insightful and valuable. As a result, I have recently introduced Mark to a very old friend who I know will benefit from Mark's business acumen. I can do this safe in the knowledge that Mark will provide massive value to his business. He is thoroughly professional and a pleasure to work with."

Carl Reader
Accountant, Dennis & Turnbull (business partner)
"I've worked with Mark in relation to the ICFDS franchise. Mark has proved to be a very impressive character, combining his business know-how and expertise that he has with a strong desire for ICFDS to be the very best provider of children's coaching. He has been extremely efficient to work with, and it has been a pleasure dealing with Mark and his team at ICFDS."

Ian McClurg
Owner and Director of Coaching, Brazilian Soccer Schools Burlington
"Mark was a great asset for Brazilian Soccer Schools and Socatots as both programs continued to build internationally. He is very professional in all his dealings, passionate about his work and has the ability to analyze business situations and provide practical solutions. On several occasions Mark's "out of the box" thinking has allowed us to overcome obstacles quickly and keep moving things forward. This is vitally important in any new business. He is excellent at facilitation and has a great knowledge of marketing concepts, business operations and establishing brand consistency. Mark's constant support has helped us to successfully launch Brazilian Soccer Schools and Socatots within our local markets and we are very appreciative that he constantly challenges us to aim higher. We look forward to working with Mark for many more years to come."

Isabel Radford
Account Manager, Pop-Up Banners
"Mark and I developed a supply agreement for pop-up banners to benefit ICFDS franchisees. I found it very easy to work with Mark - he is straight forward, enthusiastic and focused. He has great passion for what he does and is a phenomenal negotiator!"

Sharon Cain Quest PR Yorkshire
MD, Quest PR
I was in Mark's Vistage CEO group and was impressed by Mark's knowledge of, and expertise in, the sports sector coupled with his commerciality, sales and marketing acumen. Mark's passion about accelerating children's sporting goals and ambitions is reflected in his strong track record and he is professional, trustworthy, talent and highly capable."

Przemek Olewnik
CEO, Socatots Poland
"I am very pleased to write this recommendation for Mark. We worked with Mark for over a year while Mark was a Managing Director at ICFDS and we set up the ICFDS franchises in Poland. His vast knowledge of the subject and very professional support led to successful development of my business. Thanks to his help and constant stream of guidelines, Socatots in Poland is a leader in its field. Mark is also very likable person and working with him will be both productive and fun. Should anyone require more information, do not hesitate to contact me personally."