‘High Flyer’ Trades Space Agency for Business Coaching

A former mission director for the European Space Agency (ESA) has become a certified Business Doctor for SMEs in the Hampshire region. 

Paul Dawkins, an engineer and change management practitioner who studied for an MBA at Munich Business School, had built a successful international career in satellite communications and the space sector. 

However, after years based in Germany and the Netherlands, he has made a permanent move back to Hampshire with a plan to help local companies achieve their business ambitions. 

Paul Dawkins becomes a certified Business Doctor for SMEs

“I have commercial experience that I’d like to share with like-minded business owners,” he explained. “This is about giving something back.” This desire led to Paul becoming a certified Business Doctor this month (April). He will be working from his base in Romsey.

He said: “My career experiences, from the Royal Air Force to the ESA, have led to some unique opportunities in high-tech startup businesses and equipped me with a unique way of looking at things.

“I love the process of business and of making it more effective, and I’ll do what is needed to achieve goals.”

With genuine interest in both start-ups and established SMEs, his focus will be on change management, leadership and proposing solutions that overcome barriers to growth. 

This isn’t the first time that Paul has been involved in business support – he previously ran his own small company providing management consultancy and business solutions. Prior to that he was one of the original founders of an e-commerce company, which has since been sold and is still operating successfully.

Such is his fascination with commerce that when he’s not helping local companies as a Business Doctor, Paul plans to invest in local businesses of his own, as well as pursue his hobbies, among them diving, yoga, hiking and house renovation.

Paul’s entry into the exclusive ranks of the Business Doctors national network brings their number to 44. Business Doctors’ advice is geared to drive growth. It includes strategies for boosting profits, and advice for effective people management, accessing finance, and acquiring or selling companies.

Co-founder of Business Doctors Rod Davies said: “Paul thrives on problem solving and helping people, and is highly motivated by the power of change, such as its opportunities for growth, which will be of interest to forward-thinking SMEs in Hampshire.”