About

Who we are

Rob Hart – Robust Business Ltd are a business consultancy business based in Ipswich. Specialising in supporting Small and medium sized companies. Focus is on growing the business, exit planning or investment.  Charity expereince includes grant bid writing and manaing in the third sector. Through our wide range of services, we can help identify the next steps needed to achieve your goals and provide the practical strategies and support to navigate the path to success.

What we do

Every business has specific requirements one solution does not fit every organisation. By truly understanding the client and the objectives enable Robust Business to support the company to reach its targets. Whether you’re looking to increase sales, implement new systems, develop business change or drive growth strategies, Robust Business are your partner. Working in not on your company means we are supporting and strengthening the processes already in place.

Why choose us

We are not afraid to ask the sometimes difficult questions needed to help identify your goals and the solutions to achieve them. Growing a small business or succession or exit planning require investment in time. Robust Business provide the results required.

Rob Hart, Robust Business, Business Owner

I am the owner of Robust Business Ltd and have 30 years of work experience. My histroy includes Engineering trained, 10 yers working for a fast growing business, 14 years running my own business and 5 years as a Chief Exec of a large Charity.

Employment History

I started my career as a trainee refrigeration engineer, gaining qualifications in refrigeration and electronic engineering. Working within the refrigerated shipping industry, I was able to work in Australia utilising the qualifications gained. On my return to the UK, I became an engineering manager of static refrigeration units including leading a £3M UK-wide refurbishment project. On completion, I furthered my career through the managing and implementation of a telematics temperature monitoring system. This solution is now widely used throughout the transport sector to monitor remote refrigeration units and chart their operating temperatures.

In 2007 I took over the family business, working in the construction industry as specialist diamond drilling contractors. The first challenge was to guide the business through the 2008 recession and grow the business into a significant player in the market. Dealing with all aspects of business from marketing, accounting, and operations. I managed this whilst dealing with the controlled closure of the family landscaping business over a 2 year period. In 2020 I sold the business to venture into business Consultancy.

I spent 8 years volunteering as a primary school governor, giving me a broad spectrum of public sector schooling from staff resourcing to premises management. I was an active member of The Round Table of Great Britain and Ireland from 2008 to 2020. During my membership of Round Table, I took on the role of Chairman as well as other significant positions.

Later Career

In 2016, I became a Non Exec director of a social enterprise CIC business, Lofty Heights. Here I used my expertise to guide and grow the business as it becomes a key partner in providing services for the local authority and local Clinical Commissioning Groups (NHS).  For the past 5 years i have continued to work as a consultant for Lofty Heights. In the role as Finance Director overseeing the financial operations of both divisions of the company Services and Education teams.

From 2021 I became Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Orwell Mencap who support Adults with learning and physical disabilities in the Ipswich area.  Operating in the charitable and social care sector has been highly rewarding with challenges around funding of services provided.

Qualifications

I have an MBA in Business Administration including trade qualifications in Health and Safety and site management. I’ve significant experience in all aspects of business and operating a charity. My skillset including a high level of understanding of management accounts in both the private and public sectors. i have obtained a vast and varied experience in running businesses in multiple sectors and industires. This has given me extensive exposure to different business challenges and knowledge. I have transferable skills which help to guide and advise a broad spectrum of businesses in many sectors through challenges which can be encountered. More information is available on my Linkedin profile or contact me via the contacts page to arrange a 30 minute meeting for free to discuss your requirements