Steven South has grown a number of companies over the last 15 years in the UK’s energy and automotive sectors.
Smart Process & Control has been the major player in the MID (approval process for gas and electricity meters) metering market since 2012. His next venture, JSG Metering Solutions is a leading supplier of prepayment meters, smart electricity meters and current transformers.
Steven has a talent for responding to the needs of a market, as seen with more recent venture, Smart DPSL, a car detailing company, which has partnered with exclusive detailing brand, Mayvinci.
It could be called luck or vision that South is also CEO in an industry that saw growth of almost 50% between August 2022 and August 2023 in the UK. Hydra EVC specializes in commercial and residential electric vehicle chargers. They are also working to develop new sustainable technologies that will aid the clean energy revolution further.
How does one man achieve success in multiple businesses at the same time? What values lead to excellence in leadership and team management?
In this article, Steven South shares the journey, tips and practices that have got him to where he is today, and that will take him further along his path as a leader.
Dr Byron Cole: Steven, can you share with us the journey that led you to become an entrepreneur and what inspired you to venture into such diverse industries?
Steven Williams South: I’ve always been entrepreneurial-minded, ever since I was a kid. I used to start my own little businesses, like selling lemonade or mowing lawns. I think my parents were a big inspiration for me. They were both entrepreneurs, and they encouraged me to follow my dreams.
I’ve ventured into such diverse industries because I’m always looking for new opportunities. I’m also passionate about solving problems and making a difference in the world. I believe that entrepreneurship is one of the best ways to do that.
Cole: Your flagship firm Smart Process, has dominated the commercial metering market for over a decade. What strategies and principles do you attribute to its sustained success in a competitive industry?
South: First, we’re always innovating. We’re constantly developing new products and solutions that meet the changing needs of our customers.
Second, we’re committed to providing excellent customer service. We believe that our customers deserve the best possible experience, and we go the extra mile to meet their needs.
Finally, we have a strong team of experienced and dedicated professionals. Our employees are passionate about what they do, and they’re committed to making Smart Process the best company it can be.
Cole: JSG Metering Solutions has grown into an industry powerhouse. Could you highlight some key milestones or strategies that have contributed to its rapid ascent in the prepayment meter market?
South: JSG Metering Solutions has experienced rapid growth because we offer a unique value proposition. We provide our customers with high-quality products and services at competitive prices.
We’ve also been successful in building relationships with key stakeholders in the industry, such as energy companies and government agencies. These relationships have helped us to expand our reach and market share.
Cole: Smart DPSL, your newest venture in the car detailing market, seems to be making waves. Can you tell us about the unique opportunities you saw in this industry and your vision for Smart DPSL’s future?
South: The industry is growing rapidly, and there’s a lot of demand for high-quality services. However, I also saw that there was a lot of fragmentation in the market, and many customers were frustrated with the inconsistent quality of services that were available.
My vision for Smart DPSL is to be the leading provider of car detailing services in the UK. We’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience, from the moment they book their appointment to the moment they pick up their car.
Cole: In 2019, Smart DPSL secured sole European distribution rights for Mayvinci. How did this partnership come about, and what role has it played in the growth of your business within the UK’s car detailing market?
South: I met the founders at a trade show in 2018. I was immediately impressed with their products and services. I knew that Mayvinci was a perfect fit, and I was thrilled to secure the sole European distribution rights for their products.
The Mayvinci partnership has played a significant role in the growth of Smart DPSL. Mayvinci products are among the highest quality car detailing products available in the world. Our customers love them, and they’ve helped us to become the leading provider of car detailing services in the UK.
Cole: You took on the role of CEO at Hydra EVC in 2021. What are your goals and vision for the company, and how do you plan to leverage your extensive experience in various sectors to drive its success?
South: My goal for Hydra EVC is to make it the leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions in the UK and beyond. I believe that electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and I want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to switch to EVs.
My vision for the company is to create a comprehensive network of EV charging stations across the country, making it easy for people to charge their EVs wherever they are. I also want to develop innovative new EV charging products and services that meet the needs of a growing EV market.
I plan to leverage my extensive experience in various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and technology, to drive Hydra EVC’s success.
Cole: Your extensive experience includes over a decade as Managing Director of Smart Process & Control. What valuable lessons have you learned along the way that continue to influence your leadership style and decision-making?
South: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of customer service. Putting the customer first is essential for any business to succeed. Another important lesson I’ve learned is the importance of building a strong team. Finally, I’ve learned that it’s important to be adaptable and willing to change.
Cole: Looking ahead, what exciting developments or initiatives can we expect from Steven South and Hydra EVC in the coming years? Do you have any innovative projects or expansion plans on the horizon?
South: We are currently developing a number of new products and services, including a new range of fast-charging EV stations and a software platform that will help businesses manage their EV charging infrastructure. We are also expanding our international presence, with plans to launch operations in several new countries in the next year.
One of the most exciting projects we are working on is a new type of EV charger that uses solar energy to generate its own power. This would make it possible to charge EVs without having to rely on the grid, which would be a major step forward for sustainability.
We are also developing a software platform that will help businesses manage their EV charging infrastructure. This platform would allow businesses to track their energy consumption, set charging rates, and generate reports. It would also make it easier for businesses to integrate EV charging into their existing IT systems.
Cole: The energy and utilities sector, where Hydra EVC operates, is undergoing significant changes due to technological advancements and environmental concerns. How do you envision the future of this sector, and how does Hydra EVC plan to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape?
South: One of the key trends we are seeing is the decentralization of energy production. This means that more and more people are generating their own energy, using solar panels and other renewable technologies.
Another important trend is the electrification of transportation. As more and more people switch to electric vehicles, there will be a growing demand for EV charging infrastructure.
Hydra EVC is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. We offer a wide range of EV charging solutions, from home chargers to commercial fast-charging stations. We are also developing new technologies, such as solar-powered EV chargers, to meet the changing needs of our customers.
Cole: Innovation is often a driving force behind business growth. Could you tell us about some innovative approaches or technologies that you’ve implemented in your businesses to maintain a competitive edge?
South: One of the ways we do this is by investing in research and development. We have a team of engineers who are dedicated to developing new EV charging technologies.
We also work closely with our customers to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. For example, we recently developed a new EV charging station that is specifically designed for use in car parks. This station is easy to install and use, and it is also very affordable.
Innovation is not just about developing new technologies. It is also about finding new ways to do things. For example, we have recently partnered with a company that provides renewable energy solutions.
Cole: Entrepreneurship often involves navigating challenges and setbacks. Can you share a memorable challenge you’ve faced in your career and the strategies you employed to overcome it?
South: One of the most memorable challenges I have faced in my career was when Hydra EVC was first starting out. We were facing a lot of competition from larger, more established companies. We also had limited resources and were struggling to get our name out there.
To overcome these challenges, we focused on building a strong team and developing innovative products and services. We also invested heavily in marketing and sales. As a result, we were able to gain market share and establish ourselves as a leading provider of EV charging solutions.
Cole: The role of a CEO comes with a range of responsibilities. How do you strike a balance between overseeing the strategic direction of Hydra EVC and staying involved in the day-to-day operations of your businesses?
South: In order to be successful, a CEO needs to have a clear vision for the company and be able to develop and implement a strategy to achieve that vision. However, it is also important to stay involved in the day-to-day operations in order to understand the challenges that employees are facing and to ensure that the company is running smoothly.
I strike this balance by delegating tasks to my team and empowering them to make decisions. I also make sure to regularly communicate with my team and to be available to provide guidance and support when needed. I also set aside time each week to focus on strategic planning and thinking.
Cole: Environmental sustainability is an increasingly important consideration for businesses. What steps has Hydra EVC taken to incorporate sustainability into its operations and offerings?
South: We believe that environmental sustainability is essential for long-term business success. We have taken a number of steps to incorporate sustainability including:
- Partnering with a leading renewable energy provider to offer our customers carbon-neutral EV charging
- Offering a range of energy-efficient EV charging solutions
- Using recycled and sustainable materials in our products and packaging
- Investing in energy efficiency measures at our facilities
- Reducing our waste and emissions
- We are also committed to educating our customers about the benefits of EV driving and sustainable transportation.
Cole: Many aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders look up to your achievements. What would your advice be for the next generation of business leaders?
South: One of the most important leadership principles for me is to empower my team. I believe that my employees are the most valuable asset I have, and I give them the autonomy they need to do their jobs effectively.
I believe that it is important to celebrate success. When we achieve a goal, I make sure to recognize and reward the team members who were responsible for that success. This helps to create a positive and motivated work environment.
If I could distill my success into a few key pieces of advice for the next generation of business leaders, it would be the following:
- Have a clear vision and be passionate about what you do. This will give you the drive and motivation to succeed, even when things get tough.
- Build a strong team and empower them to make decisions. You can’t do it all alone. Surround yourself with talented and motivated people who share your vision.
- Be innovative and don’t be afraid to take risks. The world is constantly changing, so businesses need to be adaptable and willing to try new things.
- Be customer centric. Always put your customers first and focus on meeting their needs.
I would also add that it is important to be patient and persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But if you are willing to put in the effort, anything is possible.
Best of luck to the next generation of business leaders!
You can follow Steven South’s journey on LinkedIn here.
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