For many, the title of Managing Director conjures images of boardroom meetings, financial reports, and perhaps the occasional golf outing – but not for Stuart Barrow, Managing Director of Promoting Independence Ltd. !
MAIN IMAGE: Stuart (left) is partnering with John Callas of Athena Handling on the new Moving and Handling Show 2025
Each of Stuart's days is a dynamic blend of strategic decision-making, hands-on involvement, and a relentless focus on enhancing lives through occupational therapy. Through his leadership, he not only ensures the smooth operation of the company but also contributes to the advancement of the occupational therapy profession as a whole.
His work is a reminder that being a Managing Director is not just about managing a business – it's about making a positive impact on people's lives every day.
(this feature first appeared in our Sept/Oct issue in our Week in the Life series, if you'd like to read it in print please request a copy)
Monday
The first day of the week is a strategic planning and OT consultancy day; my week typically begins with a focus on one of the core services offered by Promoting Independence Ltd., an Occupational Therapy Consultancy. The day starts early with a team briefing where I review the current caseload with my team of occupational therapists (OTs).
Promoting Independence Ltd. specialises in enabling individuals, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, to live more independently. My expertise in this area is invaluable as I provide guidance on complex cases and ensures that each client receives personalised and effective solutions.
This is followed by a series of client consultations. Whether it's assessing a home for accessibility improvements or advising on assistive technology, my mornings are spent in the field, directly engaging with clients. My hands-on approach not only keeps me grounded in the practical side of the business, but also allows me to stay connected with the real-world impact of my company's work.
The afternoon is dedicated to strategic planning. I believe in the importance of continuously evolving the company's offerings to meet the changing needs of the market. This involves reviewing current projects, discussing new opportunities, and setting long-term goals with my senior management team.
I'd say my leadership style is collaborative, encouraging input from all team members to foster a sense of ownership and innovation.
Tuesday
Today's a networking and business development day. Networking is a crucial aspect of my role, and Tuesdays are often reserved for expanding Promoting Independence Ltd.'s professional network. I attend various industry events, ranging from local business breakfasts to national conferences. These events provide me with the opportunity to meet potential clients, partners, and other industry leaders.
One of the highlights of my networking activities is my involvement in the Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference (OTAC), an event I founded to bring together professionals in the field of occupational therapy and home adaptations. Planning for OTAC is an ongoing task, and I often use networking events to promote the conference and secure speakers, sponsors, and attendees.
After a morning of networking, the afternoon is spent in meetings with potential clients and partners. My approach to business development is consultative; I listen carefully to the needs of prospective clients and identify how Promoting Independence Ltd. can provide value.
This often involves tailoring services to meet specific requirements, whether that's developing bespoke training programmes for care staff or offering consultancy services for new housing developments aimed at the elderly with the housing associations we work with.
I also work closely with external suppliers and often spend time meeting with them or talking on the telephone to discuss how things are going.
Wednesday
Training and professional development are pillars of my management philosophy. On Wednesdays, I focus on the continuous learning and growth of my team. I'm a strong advocate for equipping my staff with the latest knowledge and skills in occupational therapy, ensuring they are at the forefront of industry developments.
The day usually begins with an internal training session, where I often take the lead. I enjoy sharing my expertise with the team, discussing new research findings, and demonstrating the latest assistive technologies. These sessions are interactive, encouraging team members to discuss challenges and share experiences.
I also dedicate time to my own professional development; I believe in the importance of lifelong learning. This may involve attending a webinar on the latest trends in occupational therapy, reading up on new legislation affecting the sector, or engaging in discussions with industry experts.
Currently, I'm working in partnership with John Callas, Occupational Therapist at Athena Handling, to see how incorporating Moving and Handling training by skilled OTs for OTs into OTAC and the new Moving and Handling Show in Wales 2025 can improve outcomes not only for clients but for the therapists carrying out the assessments.
The afternoon is often spent working on training programmes for external clients. Promoting Independence Ltd. offers a range of training services, from courses for care home staff on mobility aids to workshops for builders and architects on designing accessible spaces. I oversee the development of these programmes, ensuring they are comprehensive, up-to-date, and tailored to the needs of each client.
Thursday
As the Managing Director, I am deeply involved in the HR aspect of the business. Thursdays are often dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of my team and handling any HR matters that arise. I believe that a happy and motivated team is the key to the company's success, and take a proactive approach to staff welfare.
The day begins with one-on-one meetings with team members. These meetings are an opportunity to check in on my staff, discuss their career development, and address any concerns they may have. I take pride in fostering a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
I also spend time reviewing HR policies and procedures, and work closely with the company's HR manager from Peninsula, our outsourced HR company, to ensure that our policies reflect best practices and comply with all relevant legislation. This includes everything from health and safety regulations to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
In the afternoon, my focus shifts to recruitment. Promoting Independence Ltd. is a growing company, and attracting the right talent is crucial. I'm involved in the recruitment process from start to finish, from reviewing CVs to conducting interviews.
I look for individuals who not only have the right skills but also share the company's values and passion for improving lives through occupational therapy.
Friday
Fridays are dedicated to two key areas: planning for OTAC and collaborating with universities. As the founder of OTAC, I'm deeply involved in every aspect of the event's organisation. This includes liaising with speakers, coordinating with the venue, and ensuring the marketing strategy is on track. OTAC is not just a conference; it's a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and building a community of professionals committed to improving lives through home adaptations.
My collaboration with universities is another important aspect of my role. Promoting Independence Ltd. has partnerships with several universities, where I contribute to curriculum development, guest lectures, and research projects. I'm passionate about nurturing the next generation of OTs and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the profession.
The day often ends with a meeting with university representatives, discussing ongoing projects and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. My involvement with academia not only enhances the company's reputation but also ensures that Promoting Independence Ltd. remains at the cutting edge of occupational therapy research and practice.
We are taking two students on a leadership placement for the final quarter of 2024 and into 2025 from the University of Salford.
The Weekend
While my weekdays are packed with activities, I understand the importance of work-life balance! The weekend is a time for rest and reflection, where I can recharge and spend time with my family. However, my passion for my work means that I often spend some time over the weekend thinking about new ideas, reading industry publications, or preparing for the week ahead
I also use this time to reflect on the company's achievements and challenges. As a firm believer in continuous improvement, this downtime allows me to think strategically about how Promoting Independence Ltd. can continue to grow and evolve.
And as an active triathlete I also ensure my Sunday sea swim happens, as this facilitates great wellbeing and fitness and thinking time away from a working environment.
Find out more about the events and organisations mentioned above and how they can help with your next project at Promoting Independence, OTAC, Moving & Handling Show, and Athena Handling.