Luke Harris

Luke Harris Chief Operating Officer | Strategic Growth Leader | Multi-Business Scale Specialist | Business Advisor and NED Based near Bath | Nationwide UK - - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeharrisbusiness/ Commercially astute and operationally driven leader with a track record founding and scaling multi-million-pound companies across construction, services, property, and advisory sectors. Former CEO, founder and owner of a national contracting company, now supporting private equity and founder-led businesses to optimise operations, drive profitable growth, and enable strategic exits. Deep expertise in P&L management, cross-sector scale-up strategy, M&A integration, and board-level leadership. Proven operator with hands-on experience across 10+ SME businesses and strategic advisor to leadership teams. Areas of Expertise • Multi-Business Operational Leadership • Cross-functional Team Leadership • Board & Investor Relations • P&L Ownership Across Portfolios • Performance Optimisation & Decision Support • Organisational Restructuring • Growth Strategy & Business Development • Commercial & Cost Management • Private Equity Growth & Exit Strategy • M&A Execution & Post-Acquisition Integration Professional Experience Harris Business Advisory/ Animo Collective Group 2005— Present Founder | Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor Deliver high-impact coaching and strategic advisory services to founders, business owners, and executive teams across the UK. Facilitate 1:1 coaching, boardroom-style peer sessions, and tailored growth strategy workshops to help clients scale sustainably, lead effectively, and make confident strategic decisions. Provide operational insight, leadership mentorship, and investor readiness support to a range of growth-stage businesses. Integrate commercial acumen with leadership development to create measurable improvements in enterprise value, strategic clarity, and personal resilience. Key Accomplishments: ● Coached and mentored founders and executives across industries including, construction, sport, hospitality, services, financial, legal and events ● Facilitated strategic planning sessions and performance reviews for scale ups and SME’s ● Supported founders through investment raises, restructuring and high stakes decision making ● ● ● Delivered growth coaching programmes resulting in improved leadership alignment, revenue growth and market repositioning. Created scaleable toolkits for leadership development, resilience training and exit readiness. Enabled clients to leverage core competencies, streamline operations, and unlock new market opportunities, resulting in lasting strategic transformation. Page 1 | 3 Global Sports Relations Acquirer and Growth Specialist 2023 — 2024 Acquired and scaled sports recruitment firm focused on securing U.S. college scholarships for teenage athletes, expanding reach and service offerings. Delivered life-changing opportunities for young athletes by guiding families through the recruitment and scholarship process, with a high placement success rate. Built partnerships with academic institutions, sports agencies, and training organisations to broaden scholarship access and athlete visibility. Key Accomplishments: ● ● ● Introduced new sports disciplines, events, and mentorship programs, enhancing client value and expanding the company’s competitive edge in the youth sports sector. Developed and launched multiple revenue streams, including showcase events, coaching clinics, and academic advisory services, increasing overall profitability. Established a B2C-focused sales strategy, improving client acquisition, conversion rates, and lifetime customer value. HHC investment Property Developer/Investor 2017 — 2023 Headed property development and investment initiatives focused on residential and small-scale commercial assets, including leasehold commercial units. Managed end-to-end development lifecycles—from feasibility assessments and planning approvals to construction oversight and final disposal or leasing. Sourced, evaluated, and acquired high-potential properties, optimising investment returns through redevelopment, planning gains, and asset repositioning. Conducted in-depth market analysis to inform strategic decisions, enabling well-timed exits and sustained portfolio performance. Key Accomplishments: ● Built and maintained property portfolio, balancing yield generation with capital growth across varied market conditions. ● Negotiated acquisition terms, lease agreements, and funding structures to maximise ROI and mitigate risk exposure. ● Strengthened contractor and vendor relationships to ensure timely project delivery and compliance with local regulations. Harris Evolution CEO 2010 — 2022 Founded and scaled commercial contracting firm from inception to £20–25M in annual recurring revenue, establishing a strong presence across the UK. Built and led high-performing business development division, securing long-term contracts and driving strategic growth across core sectors. Assembled and mentored competent, high-impact executive board, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth. Cultivated and retained long-term client relationships, resulting in consistent contract renewals and referral-based business expansion. Key Accomplishments: ● ● ● ● ● Designed and implemented capital-free building services product, driving recurring revenue streams through renewable energy technology funded via external investment. Formulated and executed nationwide operational infrastructure, optimising delivery through robust employee networks and a reliable supply chain. Established and institutionalised ISO-aligned quality management and health & safety systems, improving compliance, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency. Secured significant development and growth capital through strategic investor relations, enabling service diversification. Positioned company as trusted industry brand with a specialised market niche, enhancing reputation and client acquisition. ● Implemented succession planning and leadership development programs, building future-ready teams. ● Achieved strategic growth targets and financial milestones, culminating in a multi-million-pound business exit in 2022. Additional ongoing experience in Property Development & Investment sector. Page 2 | 3 Education & Frameworks -Deep application of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®), L10 meetings, and strategic Rocks - Experienced peer board facilitator and SME leadership advisor Key Value for This Role - CEO-level experience scaling and exiting UK-based operational businesses - Demonstrated success in overseeing multi-business portfolios with full P&L - Ability to drive performance, streamline operations, and embed board-level accountability - Commercial strategist with operational grip, blending growth vision with execution detail - Nationwide coverage, founder-to-board fluency, and PE aligned thinking Page 3 | 3