Simon Biltcliffe is the founder and MD of Webmart, which matches the print buyers with empty space at printing presses around the country. The key to Webmart’s business model is the award-winning software that connects the type and quantity of work required to printers with appropriate spare capacity. "There is a huge inefficiency with presses sitting idle. We just wanted to fill the gaps," Simon explains.
A classic case of an entrepreneur spotting a market or problem and offering a new solution, Simon’s initial drive was a basic desire to set up his own business. With £10,000 of his own savings, he started a business whose turnover now exceeds £30m a year.
In business, Simon’s philosophy is somewhat unconventional. Marxism isn’t usually regarded as a key principle of a successful business but it is in the case of Webmart. Simon puts the success of Webmart down to recruiting the very best people in their fields. To do that, he believes the more you give, the more you get back. Each employee or webmarteer receives as much training, mentoring and support as he or she wants or needs.
Plus they enjoy a strong profit share (a recent annual staff bonus was a massive 88 percent of salary). Webmart also share their profits with the less fortunate through a charitable trust. As a business, Webmart have set up a business school in Harar, Ethiopia, with employees mentoring at the school. All Webmart carbon output is offset and the company is creating oxygen farms. Plus they have launched ‘print miles’ which allows clients and suppliers to measure and offset their emissions.
How to hire Simon Biltcliffe
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Simon Biltcliffe for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
See what others had to say about Simon when he appeared at their corporate events:
“Simon is a one-off. He’s a gruff, challenging, outspoken and dynamic business leader with a glass that’s definitely half full who leaves your head spinning with ideas and enthusiasm. If you want someone who’ll challenge and engage your audience, that’s brimming with business savvy – and if you want someone to make you look good for booking a speaker with a difference – then Simon’s your man!” - James, MD Timpson Ltd.
“[Simon’s] content was authentic and tangible, filled with creative examples of his own leadership and innovation. He invested upfront to be informed of the context and audience, Which showed in the quality and relevance of his presentation. His delivery was engaging and interactive, but also direct with an edge where appropriate. We could have kept him occupied with Q&A for several hours. Simon’s not your typical player on the corporate speaker circuit! As the owner of the event, he made me look good – with widespread positive feedback on the day” - Rob, Finance Director ASDA
