The boss: Managing director David Watkins.

What’s your business about?
“Achieve UK is a business development agency, specialising in outbound business to business telemarketing services. We provide companies with a constant stream of high quality sales leads and appointments and help them get their products and services in front of perspective clients. Telephone marketing is one of the quickest and most cost-effective methods of creating new business opportunities, and unlike other forms such as advertising, direct mail, and exhibitions, telemarketing can obtain almost instantaneous results. In addition to this, we also run a wide range of training and development workshops.”

How did you start the business?
“I started the business in October 2000. I had been in sales and marketing for over 15 years when I spotted a gap in the market. It was apparent that most companies suffer from the same old problem - they have quality products and services to offer but they just don’t have the time and expertise to approach potential new clients using the telephone. It is the dreaded picking up the phone, cold call that they fear most. “So I decided to start Achieve UK to help other firms open that initial door to new business.”

Was it easy to get started?
“No – like any new business venture, it took time to get it off the ground. “It took probably a good two or three years to find our feet.”

Do you have any employees?
“I am lucky to have a small team of highly experienced sales and business professionals who have contributed tremendously to our recent successes.”

Who are your clients?
“We work with software houses, technology companies, consultancies, agencies and professional service companies – basically anyone who has a high value product or service and wants to get in front of potential new clients.”

What sets your business apart in this highly competitive market?
“We are business people not telephone operators. This means we don’t promise the earth, don’t make hundreds of telephone calls, don’t work from scripts or work in a call centre environment. We are not a conventional telemarketing company involved in high volume calling. Instead, we specialise in working with businesses which have a complex, high value product or service requiring a more strategic and consultative approach, based around market intelligence and relationship building – not hard selling. We would rather send a client into one genuine opportunity rather than on 40 pointless meetings.”

What do you think about the company’s location?
“We couldn’t be situated in a better place. Twyford is in the heart of the Thames Valley.”

What’s the best thing about being the boss?
“Having freedom of choice and flexibility – you can do what you want whenever you want to.”

And the worst?
“The buck stops with me if things go wrong.”

What’s the secret of success in business?
“I would put it down to attitude and persistence combined with four things – a clear goal, a definite plan, confidence and no fear of failure. Far too many people give up too early as they expect their businesses to be successful instantly.”

What are your plans for the future?
“To continue providing companies with quality sales leads and appointments.