The first time I presented at a Department for International Trade event, I was battling with ‘imposter syndrome’, asking myself “what can I tell these successful business leaders?”.

However, the feedback from that first session about the insight and impact that I could contribute soon helped me to overcome those fears. Since then, I’ve not looked back.

Paying it forward is more than a slogan for me, it’s a way of life.

In the early days, Mark and I started small; getting involved with local school events to help inspire the next generation of engineers and to foster a love of hydraulics.

As the business has grown and the opportunities to get involved and inspire others to success have bloomed, I have grasped them with both hands.

In recent years, Hydraulics Online has worked with Manchester Metropolitan University to offer projects and work placements for undergraduates, studying on its business courses. In some cases, this has led to additional paid employment and, in every case, given the students valuable business experience.

As a result, I have been invited to participate in Manchester Met’s Business School programmes as a coach, mentor, advisor and even a “dragon”. Most recently, I joined the university’s Help to Grow programme delivery team to mentor and advise fellow small business leaders.