I spent over three decades building and running a print technology business, so I understand this sector from the inside. I know how these businesses think, how they grow, and where they tend to get stuck. If you’re running a print or tech business and want to talk to someone who genuinely gets it, that’s me.
Meet Keith McMurtrie
SUMMIT GUIDE – WEST LANCASHIRE
I spent 33 years at Tharstern, a print technology business based in Lancashire, working my way from Technical Manager to MD before leading a management buyout backed by private equity and eventually a successful exit to a global company. So, when I say I understand what it takes to build, grow and sell a business, I mean that quite literally.
What that experience gave me isn’t a theory. It’s a clear understanding of where growth comes from in print and technology businesses, and where it tends to stall. I’ve navigated the complexity of scaling a technical business, expanding into new markets, and building a team and culture capable of carrying the business forward without everything depending on one person.
That’s the experience I now bring to founders and MDs who want clarity, momentum and better outcomes. I work best with businesses in print, technology and software, though if your business sits close to those sectors and the challenges feel familiar, we’ll probably have a useful conversation.
WHO I WORK BEST WITH
Founders and MDs who know their business has more in it than is currently showing up.
If you want honest input, a clear plan and someone who’s been where you are, we’ll work well together.
WHERE I SPECIALISE
Software, workflow, systems and operational performance
Through my work with MACH Advisory, I help print businesses fix broken workflows, get more from their MIS platforms, and align their systems with how the business runs. Good strategy needs good operations behind it.
Leadership mentoring
I work with founders, MDs and senior leaders who want straight-talking input on decisions, direction and navigating growth. I’m not here to tell you what you want to hear. I’m here to help you work out what needs to happen next.
Exit planning and succession
I led Tharstern through a management buyout and eventually a successful exit to a global business. If you’re thinking about your own exit, whether that’s in two years or ten, getting the groundwork right early makes an enormous difference.
Scaling and international growth
I took Tharstern into North America and built a loyal customer base there from scratch. If you’re looking at growth beyond your current market, I’ve done it and I know what it takes.
I don’t sell labels or frameworks. I work out what your business needs and focus on that. Sometimes it’s strategic clarity. Sometimes it’s operational. Often it’s both. Whatever it is, you’ll get straight-talking input and someone who stays involved until the work produces results.
THE FRAMEWORK
SUCCESS GPS
Most business plans sit in a drawer. SUCCESS GPS is built to make sure yours doesn’t.
It’s a structured programme that has been developed over eight years and tested with more than 450 businesses. It gives you and your leadership team a clear, agreed direction, a set of priorities that everyone understands, and real accountability for making progress happen.
The work covers three things: getting clear on the results you want, aligning your people around that destination, and building the habits and ownership that keep things moving. The result is a business that grows with purpose rather than just activity.
