Martin Parkes, Head of Acquisitions and Development at TPS

“ Ian Hacon is a big thinker, a big dreamer and a big doer! With a heart of gold, a solid code of ethics, and integrity to back it up, he seeks wonderful ways and solutions to empower those for whom he serves. As a result of spending a few moments with Ian you will come out more enlightened and richer for it. Ian Hacon, is one of Norfolk's best kept secrets in the arena of the american dining experience, it is with a sense of great earnestness and sincerity that I recommend him and his company."

Mark Goodall Area Manager, Aker Solutions and Director of New Anglia LEP

“Ian's has a great aptitude for attention to detail and focusses on strategic delivery. He was of great support in his role as Treasurer and Board member during a period of my Chairmanship and I believe he currently and will in the future bring added value to any organisation he engages with. January 17, 2014, Mark was with another company when working with Ian at EEEGR"

Mark Burns Vanguard Method Consultant

“Ian has been a close friend and confidant for me for many years. He is inspirational to know and has seemingly inexhaustible energy and drive. I also know him as an extremely generous and caring friend who has a rare lust for life."

Sarah Daniels Director- The RedCat Partnership Ltd- Health and Safety Consultants

“Ian is an inspirational and driven CEO, he has true passion and commitment in everything that he does. His decisions & actions are considered, rational & focussed on what is best for his team. His outlook is dynamic & progressive. Ian is a joy to work with- his enthusiasm is catching & he exudes a positive 'Can Do' attitude."

TESTIMONIALS.

Director Wild Anglia Richard Powell OBE

"Ian is a positive dynamo of a chap. He is a great ideas chap but one who lands you in reality when needs be, and reminds you of the business plan. A big thinker, hard working, and hugely ethical chap. I like the way he thinks and acts in life and business and it is a pleasure to work with, and be inspired by, Ian."

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Chris Carr Chief Operating Officer at Zaks (UK) Ltd

"Ian has been an inspiration to me and it has been a pleasure to work for him even though it has been more like with him for the last 8 years.
Ian is a great leader whom enables his team to achieve through vision and bold goals and more importantly letting you get on with it but being there to support you on the journey.
It has been great to work for someone that is openly challenging and loves what they do but more importantly is open to challenge themselves.
Amazing bloke and I hope our paths continue to cross in the future!"

Julian Hammond Director, TIPS for Good Management Ltd

“ Ian is one of those outstanding people you may have the good fortune to meet in life. His approach to business is the most refreshing I have ever come across. Ian's passion and dedication to succeed is second to none. Whilst he is an extremely focussed individual, he still retains the ability to deal patiently and politely with people. Ian is an exceptional leader who is not afraid to push the boundaries in search of excellence, including his own. I have had the good fortune to work with Ian and his people, it has been a fantastic experience."

IaN HACON

ATHLETE WITH A BIG DREAM, ENTREPRENEUR, ENERGY COACH, SPEAKER, NED

Scott Hewitt E-learning Project Manager and Consultant - Owner@Real Projects

“I have worked with Ian at 3 different companies. He is approachable, understanding and innovative. I have always found Ian to be open to new ideas and methods of working - his openess makes him easy to work with and allows the business and the people within it to grow. His flexibility and skills are clear evident by the diverse roles that he has taken within the businesses that he has been involved in"

About me

I am a versatile Senior Business Leader.

Whilst I trained as a Chartered Accountant and am a very good accountant, most would describe me a not a typical accountant (no offence intended to typical accountants).

I have worked in Accountancy public practice (PKF, now BDO), in finance at a senior level in FTSE100 company (Financial Controller at Anglia TV when it was a subsidiary of United News and Media), owned my own business (Specialised Management Services), and been CEO of a medium sized leisure company (Blue Sky Leisure). My role as CEO at Blue Sky Leisure, and the majority of my time at SMS as Operations Director, I have been a leader of the business. At Blue sky Leisure I led a team of circa 200, at SMS around 70. My key skills are in strategic leadership. I focus on creating a shared vision that teams can unite behind and then ensuring that strategies, business plans, structures, systems, reporting and communications support that vision at every juncture. At Blue sky Leisure, this resulted in achievements at the very highest level including;

Year on Year improvements in Staff Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction levels higher that Apple Inc. (As measured by the Net Promoter Score)
Reduced Environmental Impact
Gold Standard in Investors in People, and champion status (only a very small percentage of employers hold this)
Gold Standard in Green Tourism Business Scheme and David Bellamy Award for Conservation
5 Star Visit Britain inspections in leisure assets with year on year improvement
Business of the Year Award at EDP Business Awards in 2013
Holiday Park of the Year in Visit England Award for Kelling Heath in 2013
Highly Commended in the Sustainability Award in Visit England Awards in 2013
Many other awards and accolades

I am described as a big thinker, visionary and engaging by my peers (see my testimonials below).

Outside of work I am a husband and father of 3 girls and a dog. I am a keen triathlete and in June 2014 compete in my first Ironman. .