‘Copy Rocky’ call from Derby business leader

Business leaders in Derbyshire have been urged to battle the current recession by taking a lesson from Rocky Balboa, the fictional American big screen heavyweight boxing hero.

The call came from multi-award-winning Ian Hodgkinson, managing director of Derby-based Hodgkinson Bricklaying Contractors, during a seminar at Pride Park for regional business leaders bidding to grow their companies.

He told them: “Remember Rocky's recipe for success in life – ‘it ain't how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward...blaming others don't help.”

Too many members of the business community were still moaning about their lot instead of looking to turn challenges into opportunities, said Ian.

“When you get knocked down, get back up and have another go. Don't worry too much. Stay positive and learn from your mistakes,” he told the conference.

“Have a winning mindset and work smart. Be honest with your customers and take care of them. If you don't, somebody else will. If a potential customer can see you are trustworthy and can deliver, price is of secondary importance.”

Ian said that his personal ambition was not to own the biggest building company in the UK - but was aiming to own the best.

Other speakers at the seminar were Action Coach business coaching principal Neale Lewis, and Gareth Singleton and Mark Plampin, both partners in PKF accountants and business advisers.

Ian is pictured (far left) with (left to right) Neale Lewis, Gareth Singleton and Mark Plampin.