I am the first to admit that I will have encountered critics over the years and It helps not to be viewed as perfect!
In life, any opinion must be weighed by the constructive or fair way it is made.
I can say without hesitation that I have been consistent, enabling people to form a clear opinion and then respecting their right to choose.
Of course I reserve the right to be persuaded that I may have missed something occasionally.
If we all agreed on everything it might suggest we had lost some value.
Respect is possible and preferable where we might find ourselves of a different opinion to others.
One person’s reality can be different to another and we come at things from different angles and these are our “Influencers”.
In truth we all learn from each other and remain a “work in progress”.
It’s Impossible to ignore consistencies in what people say when taken from a broad spectrum and our real identity builds like pieces of a puzzle over time.
I have been richly blessed through business travel, resulting success and the generosity of others in their reaction to me.
It can seem self indulgent but it becomes the accumulation of who we are and offers a little proof that we gave of our best and might be yet awaiting our greatest adventure.
To those who have been uplifting I give thanks.
To those occasionally disappointed I give apologies.(excluding business competitors of course!)
So, who am I according to others and what are my leanings?
Jon Coneybeare, a key decision maker at BAE Defence made this comment via his
Derek's knowledge and experience of sales and marketing speaks for itself as he is clearly a leader and innovator in its field. Derek's greatest asset for me is his ability to deliver simple and effective solutions that everybody understands. His communication skills are exemplary ensuring an affordable solution is always delivered within agreed timescales.
“Derek is high quality experienced marketing professional who offers sound and practical advice within the SME sectors. I have no hesitation in recommending Derek to potential clients. He is ethical and responsible and complies with the standards laid down by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.” October 14, 2009 Christopher Lenton, Chairman, The Chartered Institute of Marketing
“I highly recommend working with Derek. In my experience working with him as a colleague at Enviro Tech International's partner company in Europe, Enviro Tech Europe Ltd, Derek has always been a complete pleasure to work with. He is an honest and trustworthy individual, and is completely ethical, creative, diligent and thorough in everything he does. One thing is for certain: when Derek puts his mind to something, he will do it correctly and his customers and colleagues will be pleased with his results.” October 15, 2009 Karl Loepke, Chief Business Development Officer, Enviro Tech International, Inc (Chicago)
“It is a privilege to be associated with a man of such integrity and of flair in his chosen profession. I have seen Derek in negotiations (where I was on the other side!), in presentations and socially. His interpersonal skills and conduct in each situation were second to none. In terms of market development, Derek took a start up chemical company to the international stage in less than two years and was the mainstay of their credibility until he decided to leave to make his skills available more widely. I commend him unequivocally.” December 16, 2009 Chris Barry, Achor international Ltd, Chairman
“Derek has a successful background in Business in Europe and is hugely respected. His nature can be seen through his work with The Chartered Institute of Marketing, where he works hard on behalf of SMEs. He is a giver who is genuinely interested in helping people. It is reassuring to know such people still exist.” November 20, 2009 Rosie Phipps, Founder, Principal and Owner, Oxford College of Marketing
“Derek is a most positive and enthusiastic individual with superb communication, commercial and interpersonal skills. He stands above the rest by his ability to explain complex issues clearly and efficiently. He is certainly a good time manager with exceptional organisational skills. We can all learn from Derek's guidance, understanding and his ability to quickly absorb complex technical and business issues in the shortest possible time. It is always a pleasure to meet and work with Derek and I am sure that you will benefit from his innovative and creative strategies and also having him as part of your network.” September 2, 2009 Kevin Parkin, Managing Director, Davy Markham Ltd
“I have worked with Derek on a number of projects over several years. Derek is extremely personable and a pleasure to work with as well as being dedicated and professional.” November 22, 2009 Andrew Ainsworth, Investment and Development Manager, Barnsley Development Agency
“Derek is one of those unique creatures who starts out as a client and ends up as a friend on your Christmas card list. I have had the good fortune to be employed by Derek as a speaker for his event and also to spend time with him socially. I am certain that if you chopped off Derek carpenters head he would have the word integrity written right through him. I have certainly enjoyed working and spending time with Derek and look forward to doing so often in the future. Clive Gott Professional Speaker” September 10, 2009 Clive Gott, Inspirational speaker, Clive Gott Ltd
worked directly with Derek at Baron Blakeslee Europe
“I have worked with Derek in a number of guises’ and he has always been professional, and trust worthy which is a rare thing these days. More recently I have engaged Derek in some key marketing initiatives for my business and he has more than achieved the objectives and has been excellent value for money. I am very pleased to give my personal recommendation for Derek.” September 9, 2009 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity Graham Fraser
“Everyone in the SME sector could make use of Derek. An exceptionally gifted sales professional, with flair, style and panache. Use him to bring that extra bit of 'business' into the company without a large increase in your overheads. Or use him on a project basis, to bid and win new business. However you choose to make use of his skills, you will be glad you did.” April 1, 2010 Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, Creative Mark Robert
. “Derek is really leading the way to get the word out for Barnsley and to help all Barnsley businesses to grow and succeed. His energy is amazing and his hours of work seem to be endless. Keep up the good work Derek' Success comes in 'cans' not in 'can'ts' and you are definitely a person who can. db” January 28, 2010 Dorothy Betts, Enterprise Coach, Enterprise Barnsley
worked directly with Derek at Barnsley Development Agency
John Hufton, Manager, Barnsley Enterprise Agency (business partner)
was with another company when working with you
“If you are wanting a sensible and balanced approach to your Marketing and Business needs then look no further. Derek does not try to 'blind you with science' however he is technically adept and understands the rigours of running a Business. Derek's infectious enthusiasm reassures and empowers his clients to achieve greater things” April 1, 2011
Core-Chem Limited has worked closely with Derek Carpenter since our business began in September 2002. As a new business we needed to ensure that our marketing and sales support created quick responses. Derek established initiatives that gave us immediate tools and support that provided the early revenue that helped us on our path to our successful trading today. The decision to use his skills was a significant factor in our progress. His honesty and integrity, which are values we hold strongly, were obvious from the start. If you are an established or new starter business, Derek's knowledge and marketing skills can add value and results to your business. He has a strong work ethic and therefore will be able to keep pace with the demands of a growing business. He can advise you on a wide range of subjects that will help bring strength to your business. He will put forward strong ideas that, when implemented to the full, can benefit your future growth and longer term strategies and potential. He is a good people person and will develop the best in your staff. Bernard Pye, Managing Director of Core-Chem Limited.
Dear Derek,
Just a few words to reflect on 1997, our first full trading year.
Having benefited from your assistance in selecting the right person to avail ourselves of the best opportunity for sales of your product, 97 wasn't without its problems.
Myself and Gavin reflect on the efforts of all at Amity.
The past year has confirmed your statement "Quality Through Partnership" and
manifested the similarities in both our companies attitude to total quality
management.
Your encouragement for improvement by our employees and your training to assist
continual cost reduction for our customers has been invaluable.
The projections on chemical savings through the product and the applications for customers such as Shorts Guided Missile Systems of up to 80% savings, certainly manifests Amity's commitment.
Your excellent technical and customer support has made our people feel confident, challenged and responsive to our common goals and have belief in your honesty and integrity and enjoy the open lines of communication and access to all your personnel.
Thanking you in anticipation of a long and faithful relationship.
Yours sincerely
Jack Burns
Managing Director – JG Burns Limited, Belfast.
Dear Derek
I think this is probably the first time I have written formally to a governor to share the appreciation of a patient's family, but it is a pleasure to do so.
Mrs W has dropped me a very nice note (copy enclosed) to say how much she
appreciated your help when she had concerns recently regarding her
Husband’s care on Ward 34. I was pleased to learn that the staff were able to listen to and resolve her concerns quickly but really do appreciate the lengths you went to, to help her get this resolution.
Mrs W clearly valued your help a lot, with good reason.
On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to add my sincere thanks to those expressed by Mrs W.
Kind regards,
Steve Wragg – Chairman, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
I write to acknowledge that I have known Derek Carpenter since 1994 as a
competitor, work colleague and on a Personal level.
As a former Director and founder of Amity UK Limited I can confirm Derek was
instrumental in establishing the sales and marketing success of the company.
Through his skills he always promoted a balance of satisfying customer
and company needs.
During this period we achieved the highest results in the companies’ existence, which were not achieved again following his departure.
As Chairman of the Institute of Directors for the South Yorkshire region and on a
business skills and personal level I have no hesitation in supporting Derek's skills.
His standing in the chemical industry and in particular the solvent cleaning industry is without comparison.
Andrew Platts – April 2006
It is clear that I have been around the best of people and from it I feel hugely privileged.
