Boost Business Champions: Alasdair Croft, Amp EV

Boost Business Champions is designed to help business leaders gain insights and advice from others who are growing companies across Lancashire. We will speak to business owners and founders from across the county who have previously used Boost support about their motivations, challenges and lessons learned.

Our latest participant is Alasdair Croft, managing director at Amp EV - experts in designing and installing Electric Vehicle charging solutions that run smoothly in real-world contexts. The company is based in West Lancashire, near Southport.

Alasdair boasts a strong background in electrical engineering and founded Amp EV to deliver reliable, high-performance charging in complex, live environments. He discusses his journey so far: 

What motivates you in business, and why?

Building something that creates a lasting legacy for my family and provides opportunities for my children in the future. I want to create a business that has real value, not just financially but through the positive impact it has on employees, customers and the wider community. Knowing that the hard work and sacrifices we make today can provide security, opportunities and something meaningful to pass on is what drives me to keep pushing the business forward every day.

What is the most rewarding thing about running a business?

Developing and mentoring young people, then watching them grow in confidence and ability. Seeing someone join the business with little experience and progress into a skilled, capable professional is incredibly satisfying. It's rewarding to know that we've played a part in helping someone build a career, achieve personal goals and realise their potential. Creating opportunities for others and seeing them flourish is one of the biggest successes a business can have.

What do you find most challenging?

Like many business owners, one of the biggest challenges is managing factors that are outside of our control. Supply chain issues, changing customer expectations and the ongoing economic pressures all create uncertainty. Every customer wants the best possible service, but balancing expectations while dealing with delays, rising costs and market conditions can be difficult. The key is staying adaptable, communicating openly and finding practical solutions while maintaining the high standards our customers expect from us.

What has been your biggest lesson learned in business? 

Everyone thinks, works or communicates in different ways. Early on, I assumed people would approach problems and decisions similarly to me, but experience has shown that's rarely the case. Understanding different personalities, motivations and working styles has made me a better leader. Taking the time to listen, adapt and appreciate different perspectives has strengthened both our team and our relationships with customers and business partners.

What support did you receive from Boost, and how has it helped you and your business?

Boost has provided invaluable support by offering an independent, outside perspective on the business. Sometimes when you're immersed in the day-to-day operations it's difficult to see where improvements can be made. It helped us identify gaps, challenge our thinking and introduced us to specialists who could provide additional expertise. We've also benefited from guidance on areas such as business finance, marketing and exit planning. 

That combination of practical advice, education and signposting has played an important role in supporting our growth.

What is the best piece of advice you have received as a business leader? 

To build a business that doesn't rely solely on me. As business owners, it's easy to become involved in every decision, but that's not sustainable for long-term growth. The goal should be to transfer your knowledge, values and processes into the business so it can operate successfully without your constant involvement. That creates a stronger team, empowers others to make decisions and ultimately builds a more valuable and resilient business.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start and grow a business?

Build your support network as early as possible. No one has all the answers, and trying to do everything yourself can slow your progress. Surround yourself with people who have different skills and experiences, whether that's mentors, advisers, accountants, fellow business owners or organisations that support growing businesses. Having trusted people to turn to for advice can help you avoid costly mistakes, make better decisions and give you the confidence to tackle challenges as your business develops.

What are your growth plans for the next three years?

To significantly expand our presence across the UK by establishing a number of satellite offices in key locations. Alongside increasing our geographical reach, we're focused on strengthening the business by improving profitability, increasing efficiency and continuing to invest in our people. Our target is to grow revenue and profitability by threefold while maintaining the high levels of service and quality that have helped us build our reputation.

Why is Lancashire a great location for a business?

For us, Lancashire has been an outstanding place to grow a business because of the level of support available. When we first started in Sefton, we received very little assistance. However, moving to West Lancashire proved to be a pivotal moment in our journey. Lancashire County Council and the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce welcomed us, provided guidance, introduced funding opportunities and helped accelerate our growth. That support gave us the confidence and resources to take the business to the next level. 

Who inspires you in business, and why?

Two people who inspire me are Lord Alan Sugar and Steven Bartlett. Although they've taken different paths, they both started with very little and built successful businesses through determination, resilience and a willingness to take risks. They recognised opportunities, backed themselves and learned from setbacks along the way. What I admire most is that despite their success, they remain open about the challenges they've faced, which is a reminder that persistence and continuous learning are essential in business.