Better Business / Member interview
“On a personal level, I aspire to be more active and engaged in local causes with children”
Alex Starkie is the founder & managing director of NOVUS, a Bristol based education support services provider, and a new member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network.
To enquire about joining the network, email partnerships@bristol247.com today.
Can you describe the career journey that has led you to where you are today?
My ‘adult’ journey began at the University of Bath, studying Sports Sciences and Coaching Management. During my placements in primary schools, I discovered a passion for working with children, setting the stage for my future career.
After graduation, I launched after-school coaching programs for local schools and worked with Little Kickers. These roles led me to become a Lead PE Teacher for a company serving Bristol primary schools. My dedication quickly earned me promotions to Team Leader and then Manager, where I spearheaded new projects and business initiatives.
In 2017, I expanded my expertise by studying part-time to become a Sports Therapist. This allowed me to work with athletes and the public in a Bristol clinic, successfully running the business until the COVID-19 pandemic and ending in 2021.
In 2021, I acquired Ed Support and used this platform to found NOVUS Education, where I could merge my passions for sports, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
Each step of my journey, from university placements to founding NOVUS Education, has been driven by my commitment to fostering growth and innovation in education with children.
Tell us about one (or more) of the people who inspired you along the way?
I’m a very self-inspired individual, driven by a clear vision for each stage of my life. Knowing who I am and who I aspire to be has always been central to my progress. People should change!
My greatest inspiration is my wife, Tilly. She constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself and challenges me to reach new heights. Her support has been crucial through every high and low, and these happen regularly!
Cary, my son, is a daily source of inspiration. Watching him grow and learn reminds me of the importance of my work. His energy and curiosity fuel my determination to be a role model he can be proud of.
Leading a team of over 30 incredible people also motivates me. Their dedication and passion drive me to continuously improve and innovate.
Are there any memorable challenges you have faced along the way?
Absolutely, there have been some unforgettable challenges along the way! I purchased a business, set about founding a new one and had a new-born son within three months! I don’t recommend it to anyone, unless unlike me you enjoy chaos. Timing is never perfect, right?
There were the early learning curves, which felt like trying to dance the tango with two shoes tied together. Changing things internally and externally ruffled a few more feathers than we had intended but, now we can say, for all the right reasons.
Health-wise, I hit the jackpot with Bell’s palsy and a severe case of Covid in the same week in 2021. Juggling a baby, a new business, and a face that only moved on one side—while on steroids. It was a comedy of mood swings… Unfortunately for those around me.
And let’s not forget the joys of the education sector, where breaking down archaic barriers feels like convincing a cat to take a bath. But it’s all part of the adventure!
What is the most important thing for you to focus on in business?
The most important focus in business for me right now is continuous internal improvement. We consistently evaluate how we can improve as individuals, as a team, and as an organisation. We firmly believe in the phrase ‘sweat the small stuff,’ understanding the immense value of compounding actions and consistency.
Our commitment to quality assurance for our schools and customers is a non-negotiable. Ensuring that we deliver exceptional service and uphold our high standards is crucial to our success and reputation, one that can so easily be tarnished when avoidable mistakes creep in.
If you had one piece of advice to offer people aspiring to your role, what would it be?
It would be to surround yourself with the best people who excel in their respective roles and support them wholeheartedly. Trust in their abilities and focus on developing them into leaders. You CANNOT do it all by yourself. Building a strong, capable team is essential for achieving success and pursuing growth.
If you could change one thing about your sector, or Bristol as a whole, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the education sector, it would be the resistance to changing the status quo. I believe in getting children out of the classroom and into real-world experiences with inspirational individuals, allowing them to learn through failure, success, and continuous improvement.
More investment and trust in external specialist providers such as NOVUS and would greatly enhance this approach.
For Bristol, I would advocate for more events, spaces, and facilities dedicated to children and young people. Creating vibrant, engaging environments for our youth is essential for their development and for fostering a stronger community.
What are your aspirations for the future (personally and for Bristol)?
My aspirations for the future are both ambitious and personal. Professionally, I aim to build a business that positively impacts the lives and futures of 10,000 children per week through our services, expanding significantly from our current reach of 3,500. In 2024, a separate business goal is to develop events and resources for educators, business owners, and entrepreneurs to build positive, collaborative communities.
On a personal level, I aspire to be more active and engaged in local causes with children, particularly with organisations and charities like Community of Purpose, which does remarkable work with children in our community who need it the most.
For Bristol, I envision a more dynamic and modern city, with improved infrastructure and top-tier entertainment venues—starting with a much-needed arena. I hope to see the rise of elite sports teams in the South West, bringing pride and excitement to the region.
Ultimately, creating more spaces for children that inspire awe, wonder, and exploration, encouraging a sense of curiosity and adventure that will shape their futures.
Main photo: Alex Starkie, NOVUS Education
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