Mike Harlington's Linkedin Analytics

I have a wealth of experience spanning multiple sectors, with a business journey that began in 1989. Since 1995, my focus has been on investing in small businesses, with a particular emphasis on "blue-collar" enterprises. ManorDrive Strategic Investments is dedicated to supporting businesses that have undergone expansion but may require additional expertise to manage their growing operations. Currently, I am actively seeking opportunities to invest in smaller companies, especially those whose owners are contemplating a slowdown or exit. My career commenced in the security industry, where I collaborated with the Home Office and Prison Service to pioneer innovative CCTV and security systems. I also served as a national contractor for renowned housebuilders like Bellway Homes. In 1994, I formed one of the first online business directories, offering an affordable way for companies to establish a web presence at a time when websites cost a substantial sum, and Google was still in its infancy. After successfully scaling this venture to a national level, I sold. Subsequently, the business passed through various hands, including Scoot, which later became Yell. My passion for audio and lighting led me to assist a friend in the audio-visual hire industry, ultimately leading to several years of touring with bands and artists and collaborating with the Superclubs in Ibiza. During this period, I had the privilege of working alongside an acoustician who imparted valuable insights into acoustic design. This experience culminated in the design and construction of music studios for artists, educational institutions, theaters, cinemas, and live entertainment venues. I co-founded MS3 in Hull, a unique fiber optic network that competed with the incumbent operator, providing customers with a choice where none had previously existed due to the absence of BT presence. This initiative transformed the landscape for the people of Hull, offering improved telecommunications options and encouraging investment by both established providers and new companies. I played a pivotal role in the regulation of the legitimate hemp and cannabis industry as the creator, Managing Director, and Chairman of the CTA, which grew to become the largest trade association of its kind globally. The CTA was once a formidable force in shaping industry standards and practices.