Molly Fisher – the managing director of Salisbury-based Landford Stone and Gilo Cardozo CEO of Wiltshire’s Gilo Industries Group – are among two of the successful local entrepreneurs who will be sharing their experience and advice at this year’s Swindon & Wiltshire Business Growth Summit.
Landford Stone started in Salisbury 45 years ago and today employs over 30 people. The company imports granite, quartz, limestone and marble from across the world and fabricates kitchen worktops and stone installations for residential and commercial clients.
According to Molly, the firm is “renowned throughout the industry” for its standard of work and is considered the No.1 stone fabrication company in the UK. But she stressed the importance of company culture to the success of any business.
She explained: “It’s not about the money. Focus on the right things and that will follow. What motivates me is providing excellent client service. A fish rots from the head, how you lead your business will determine its success.
“Our business is our staff; we genuinely look after them and everyone is treated like family. Re-investment in your business is crucial and do not borrow from the banks unless you absolutely must.”
In addition to Molly’s appearance, aviation enthusiast and global entrepreneur Gilo Cardozo – who founded Gilo Industries Group in Semley, Wiltshire – will be showcasing “a world’s first” in aviation technology at the summit.
Gilo Industries has two divisions, the aviation arm which works with international aviation companies and the recreational part which includes products such as the Mako Jetboard and Parajet.
Gilo said: “We’re a company that never stands still. Our technology has enabled Bear Grylls to fly to a world record height above the summit of Everest and we’ve revolutionised the jet ski world with the launch of our motorised surfboard. We are producing the world’s highest power-to-weight race bike and we’re preparing to launch a new vertical take-off aircraft.”
At the Business Growth Summit, Gilo will be sharing his business story from start-up to scale-up and sharing “valuable insights” to help businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire develop and grow.
The Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Summit is organised by the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and will take place on 4 October at Longleat.
Delegate places are free and can be booked here.
Pictured above: Gilo Cardozo
