Our guest today, Annette Houston, describes herself as "an accidental entrepreneur." Annette’s remarkable journey began at just 21, when she started "helping out" at her mum and dad’s cleaning business. Over the past 31 years, she's transformed that role into becoming the CEO of FM Services Group, based in Donegal, which today employs over 180 people.Annette is also the visionary founder of Bright Academy, an innovative online training resource designed for employees and business owners alike.In this episode of Real Business Conversations, Annette speaks candidly about her decades-long journey, the unique opportunities and challenges inherent in family businesses, and the critical importance of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and maintaining strong family relationships amidst business growth.Beyond her personal story, Annette shares a wealth of helpful insights and practical advice that are applicable to any business manager or owner, regardless of their industry or company size.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTHow “walking away” from a major client saved the businessBuilding Client loyaltyGetting the best from your consultants and advisorsThe importance of learning from experienced business owners/agencies in the early stages of business developmentWhy investment in continuous self improvement and staff training really does make a difference to the bottom lineGUEST DETAILSAnnette Houston, CEO of FM Services Group and founder of Bright Academy. FM Services Group offers a comprehensive range of services which include specialised commercial cleaning, green cleaning solutions and full service facilities management.  https://fmservicesgroup.ie/Bright Academy offers online training courses including comprehensive courses for current and future business entrepreneurs looking to build and scale a successful and sustainable cleaning business.  https://fmservicesgroup.ie/bright-academy/MORE INFORMATIONTake control of your business with accounting & business services you can trust.We take away the worry and headache of running your own finance and related business services functions.https://kinore.com/ Real Business Conversations is produced by DustPod.io for KinoreQUOTESDad volunteered my mom, and that's how the company started. - Annette HoustonWhen you take on something like this… the biggest transformation will be your own. -Annette HoustonYou are the expert in some circumstances… go with your gut. - Annette HoustonIt was not going to happen, not while I was in charge. - Annette HoustonI've probably done every job that you can think of in the company. - Annette HoustonI wouldn't have worked for me if I had to go back now and work for me when I was in the early years. -Annette HoustonKEYWORDS#Resilience #Family-business #Problem-solving #Innovation #Leadership #Training #Growth, #Entrepreneurship

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