This has put him in a special position to see what makes a successful leader /entrepreneur and to provide an insight into what specific attributes are needed to establish and drive a successful business.

So, in his opinion, what are the key ingredients?

“There are many management gurus and manuals that have a lot to say about successful people/business having the right people, leadership and management skills. However, there is something that you don’t often hear about and is not talked about in this particular way. These are Temperament & Disposition.”

Shawn went on to expand on what these attributes are. “Your temperament will define whether you are cut out for this game or not – surviving and prospering in business means that you have to deal with any situation that life throws at you. You cannot afford to be emotional or anger quickly when things go wrong, as they inevitably will. The key is to take a breath and look at the bigger picture.”

He believes that having the right temperament means being consistent in how you deal with difficult situations and with people. “I used to expect everyone to be like me, to think like me and to work like me – I had a lot to learn. We have to respect everyone for their differences and their own talents.”

But what about disposition, how does this fit into the business recipe?

“Having the right disposition is about having faith in your vision for the business and the future. To be a successful entrepreneur and business creator you must have the courage to take risks and take on challenges.” Humility is also an asset “Make sure that you learn everything you can from those around you and never be afraid of questioning – sometimes the simplest question is the most important one.”

Crucially, patience is vital “Do not be precious about the speed of progress or anxious about the growth of the business. If you believe that you have the right plan and the right vision then have faith it is going in the right direction.”

So can you summarize by saying that is this in your DNA?

“Yes, I think it is something that you are born with. However, if that’s not the case, it is fine and you use your talents in other areas rather than running a business – as you will not enjoy the ride!”

Perhaps the most important thing is to understand that not everyone is ready for the journey “Know yourself and understand your character first. Being successful is a long game.

All the people I have met through Coras have worked hard – success does not come overnight. It takes tenacity, patience and courage. I have had a fantastic 5 years and am privileged to have been involved with some amazing companies and some amazing people. I am looking forward to the next 5 years.”

This is a great opportunity for you to meet business professionals at a high level, to promote what you do and to celebrate the success of local businesses.

If you would like to attend or would benefit from winning £1K cash, 6 months business mentoring and an opportunity to tap into a possible £50K investment (or know someone who would) then read more here.

Sponsored by

The day began with a presentation by LevelX, winners of the Coras 2014 competition. Company founder, Steve Ardagh-Walter, gave an overview of his company and spoke about how uplifted he was by his Coras win and how he valued Shawn’s input and mentorship.

Shawn then spoke in detail about his experiences in business, offering his advice in areas where he had overcome challenges and hurdles himself. Tasks were also set where attendees were invited to network, learn about one other and ultimately, to work together in groups to identify and use their own skills and experience to come up with hypothetical business ideas and plans.

The day wrapped up with a relaxed networking session over a delicious lunch.

If you are a start up or SME or even if you have a great business idea that you are ready to implement, you can contact Coras (www.coras.me) throughout the year to arrange a discussion with Shawn.

Attendee Comments:

“Thank you for the wonderfully interesting meeting / seminar this morning. It was great to take a little time out to think about how the business and team are running and how to make improvements in the future. Also, particularly interesting to meet so many people involved in West Berks business, a very interesting crowd. Thanks again for taking the initiative with your Coras organisation.”

Judith Bunting, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Newbury and West Berkshire Liberal Democrats

“Thank you very much for the seminar – I found it very helpful and positive. There was a lot of good material about important / fundamental aspects of business and personal life. I’ll bear these in mind over the coming months. Another aspect which I found really good was the unstructured networking, making new connections and meeting people aspect. There was an interesting mix of people. Thank you for an excellent event.”

Steve Ardagh-Walter, LevelX

“Excellent morning, good content and presentation and a great lunch.”

Noel Erskin, Bursar, St. Gabriel’s School

“I found the event thoroughly enjoyable and extremely uplifting. It inspired me to give an extra push with Jonnie Rocket and with the right team I’m sure I can turn him into a global brand! I look forward to seeing Shawn again at another event.”

John Chapman, Author, Jonnie Rocket

Below: Photos of the Coras Business Growth Seminar. Photography by KSP Photography.

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Proud to announce our 1st Business Growth Seminar
Subject : GROWTH Why, When & How ?

We are excited about Coras 1st business seminar at Hilton in Newbury. The programme starts at 10:00 and finnishes at 14:30 with lunch in the middle. Read more here

Opportunity to Learn, to Develop and to Network

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Live in Thatcham or Newbury? Try LevelX Beta version

If you want to test the app to tell you the state of play at the level crossing just email steve@levelx.info to take part in the trial and get a FREE 1 month subscription when the product is released.

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New Sponsorship Model for Coras 2014 -15

Exposure for the whole 12 months not just the Gala evening! Be connected with every activity of Coras in 12 month Period. Read more here
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Coras Video Channel reaching 2000 views

Coras Facebook Photos Reaching 4000 people. Check out Shawn’s presentation on the night and more here.

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For more information, contact Myra Erbenova on myra@coras.me, 01635 246696.

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Coras 2014 Finalists

Congratualtions to the 3 finalists:
SAS, LevelX, & Environmental Solutions.
Well done to our winner, Steve from LevelX.

The winner of Coras 2014 business competition was announced at the annual Gala evening on 1st May at the Hilton Newbury Centre Hotel. Local business LevelX.info was awarded the winning prize of £1K cash, 12 months business mentoring and an opportunity to tap into a £25K investment. Read more here

Photos of the night on Facebook here
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96.2% of Attendees Said Yes to Coras 2015

Actually no one said NO!

The survey following the Gala evening was overwhelmingly in favour of the next event.

The overall score was 8.13 out of 10 for the experience of the night. So we have work to do!

And the top answer for the best thing about the night was The Atmosphere.

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Watch the video highlights of Coras 2014

Here is a brief 2.5 minutes video, courtesy of our sponsor MWS Media. Enjoy.
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Coras is not just for Xmas (Gala event in May actually!)

If you are a start up or been operating for couple of years and need to move a gear or two, you can always contact us on hello@coras.me with your 1 page business resume.
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LevelX.info was competing against another two strong finalists, Environmental Solutions and Special Auctions Services, each pitching to an audience of 100 guests. The founder of Coras, Shawn Khorassani said: “All of those presenting have great potential and an enormous level of dedication and passion for their businesses. It was extremely difficult to choose the winning business and I hope my relationship with all the finalists will continue in some shape or form, as my door is always open to them.”

LevelX.info was established by Steve Ardagh-Walter and aims to provide advanced warning of level crossing times for drivers with a pilot project for Thatcham’s level crossing. This level crossing combines over 120 trains per day and heavy road traffic with over 3,500 vehicles. While trains pass freely at speed or stop at Thatcham station, large numbers of vehicles can queue for up to 20 minutes at a time waiting for the level crossing gates to open. LevelX.info will tell drivers when the gates close before they start their journey via smartphone apps, Twitter or a website.
After the Award Ceremony, Steve Ardagh-Walter said: “I am delighted and excited that I have won and am really looking forward to working with Shawn and learning from his experience in growing LevelX.info.”

Shawn Khorassani commented: “The winner has great potential to help and directly improve the lives of people living and commuting in the Thatcham and Newbury area. I am ready to give my advice to Steve and look forward to our co-operation.”

One of the runners –up, Gareth Ward of Environmental Solutions, gave very personal and emotional presentation on what inspired him to start his own business and how he found an opportunity in the market place.

Neil Shuttleworth of Special Auction Services, another Coras finalist, entertained guests by creating an auction environment during his pitch. His level of energy and enthusiasm was passed on to the audience who gained an insight into his varied business activities.

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Coras 2014 Winner:
Steve Ardagh-Walter of LevelX.info and Shawn Khorassani of Coras. Photo by KSP Photos
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Coras 2014 Finalists:
Neil Shuttleworth of Special Auction Services, Steve Ardagh-Walter of LevelX.info, Shawn Khorassani and Gareth Ward of Environmental Solutions. Photo by KSP Photos
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Shawn Khorassani of Coras and Sam Farmer, Gerneral Manager of Hilton Newbury Centre and North. Photo by KSP Photos
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Philip White and Ben Myers of MWS Media. Photo by KSP Photos
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For more photos go:
https://www.facebook.com/coras2013

One hundred guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Newbury, Cllr Arthur Johnson and Miss Kathryn Humble and the local MP, Richard Benyon, gathered at this glittering gala evening, the like of which has not been seen in Newbury before.

Five Coras2013 finalists had the opportunity to present their businesses to the audience of over fifty companies. Shawn Khorassani, who selected the winner, said: ‘All the finalists had sound business ideas and plans for growth. It was very difficult to choose one company and in fact I intend to work with all of them in some shape or form.’

The winning company, Fields of Fun, was founded by Natalie Ash in August 2012 and with the cash award and mentoring from Shawn Khorassani, she is hoping to expand her business that provides bespoke countryside breaks. Natalie Ash said: ‘It has been a privilege to have participated in Coras2013 and an honour to have won, particularly with the standard of the competition. Of course the money will be a huge help, but Shawn’s mentorship will be invaluable in taking Fields of Fun to the next level. ‘

Melanie Millin, who presented her start-up company Love Kombucha UK  at Coras2013 said: ‘It was a great event and I am thankful to Coras for having the vision in the first place.’

Another finalist, Baby Ballerina’s founder, Sharon Moore thought that her presentation in front of the large audience provided her with the perfect platform to promote her business. She said: ‘It made me realise I can feel the fear and do it anyway.’

The fourth business was presented by a local couple, Gary and Julia Brown of Track Your Ltd. They confidently introduced their range of tracking devices.

Debi Richens competed at Coras2013 to win support for her Fitelle business. She said: ‘It was an incredible night. I met amazing people and am motivated so much more. We all have won something from this event.’

Coras2013 was supported by over twenty local companies. Derek Rogers of Gardner Leader commented on the evening: ‘It was both inspiring and fun and superbly organised. I have no doubt that all five finalists have taken a lot from the process which will be of a real benefit to them in the future.

Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, called the evening ‘a triumph.’

Sam Harper of Coras said: ‘We were overwhelmed by the success of this event and the number of comments and responses within 24 hours after it, requesting the continuation of this initiative.