Marshall Arts keeps coming up with the right answers

Paul Marshall, the director of Marshall Arts, which is based in Elvington, North Yorkshire, has sold artwork to retailers, nursing homes, restaurants and hotels. His company is on the brink of achieving £1m turnover.

Marshall Arts has provided customers with wall-art since 1977, and currently employs 12 people. As well as wall art, the company provides canvas prints, framed mirrors, and contemporary artwork.

It recently produced a 2.1 metre high mirror with a 6mm bronze frame.

Mr Marshall, who bought the company from his parents in 2004, said his success had been partly due to his decision to join the What If? Forum, where business leaders meet to discuss how to improve their companies.

Mr Marshall said learning from the collective experiences of a diverse group of business people facing similar issues and challenges had been “invaluable”.

The What If? Forum is hosted by business leaders or high-profile corporate executives who meet in groups of no more than 18 people.

Mr Marshall said: “I’ve been a member for 10 years now and it’s been life-changing.

“It teaches you how to manage the business rather than letting the business run you. You can learn so much from listening to others, and discussing different ideas, you benefit a lot from the meetings.

“Meeting the group and the chairman one-on-one helps to keep you on your toes in terms of keeping the figures tidy, and it’s very good for networking as well.

“All the companies are non-competitive so there’s no danger of divulging any information to rivals.

“It’s a very helpful scheme.

“As a result of doing the right things, which include constantly innovating in a tough climate, the business is now poised for additional growth.”

Mr Marshall said the company is due to expand into Northern Ireland.

Harrogate-based Richard Bosworth, who founded What If? Forum in 1967, said: “Working together the group invariably uncovers the hidden wealth in each other’s enterprises, opening up new horizons and fresh possibilities.

“Paul’s success reinforces how members are constantly learning, applying best practices – and re-inventing themselves and their businesses.”

Members joining the scheme go through several points on a monthly agenda, which include a strategic programme and business reviews, as well as setting personal goals for every three months.

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