Getting to Know You: David Ross of Keycare

What do you currently do?

I’m the MD of Keycare – as an incident management specialist which recovers and replaces lost or stolen keys for customers of many leading household names including 1st Central, Tesco Bank and AA Breakdown.

What is your inspiration in the business?

My team and their ‘can do’ ethos coupled with their passion and commitment. We believe so much in the benefits of our products and in our culture which has contributed to the ongoing success of the company.

Who do you admire?

Simon Cowell for transforming an old idea dating back to old time musical hall style auditions into a global multi billion pound industry.

Looking back are there things you would have done differently?

My biggest mistake was staying in the ‘corporate machine’ too long and not realising there was a more exciting world out there. I’ve certainly made up for it since being at Keycare over the last 12 years!

What defines your way of doing business?

Leading from the front and recruiting and retaining a talented team who are instrumental in driving the business forward. I’m also a tenacious and driver boss and my biggest achievement is having transformed Keycare and grown the business through the recession – safeguarding everyone’s jobs by effective team engagement, and sheer hard work as opposed to making rounds of cuts and redundancies.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

When it comes to leading and managing people, make an emotional connection – get to know your stakeholders and build mutual trust. It’s important that they understand that if they look after the business, the business will look after them.