Five tips for entrepreneurs from the sage of share trading.

Gavin Oldham

 

The grand old man of share trading has shared his five top tips for anyone wanting to be an entrepreneur.

Multi-millionaire Gavin Oldham, OBE, trained as an engineer, but  began working on the London Stock Exchange in 1976. 

In 1991, he launched his own company – the Share Centre – in a small office above a doctor’s surgery in Tring, Hertfordshire.

From these humble beginnings, Oldham built up a share-buying client list of 93,000 before selling the company for more than £1 billion.

“Self-directing your investments is hugely fulfilling, but too many people can do things on a hunch, like taking a tip at a pub, and that is a danger. You do need to stay in touch,” he says.

 

Oldham’s five tips on how to make it as an entrepreneur 

 

  1. Do you want to be a short-term, serial entrepreneur; or to achieve a distinct

ambition or purpose over the long term?

 

  1. The big risk is just being an entrepreneur: downstream of that, weigh your calls

carefully.

 

  1. Consuming early stage capital can seriously compromise your ability to control —

and own — the business. Try to find a source of ‘surrogate capital’ earnings, even if

it involves a limited diversion from your long-term aims.

 

  1. Remember that your commitment is total: it’s not the same for fellow directors or

senior managers, who can give notice at any time. Listen carefully to what they say

— but remember that the buck stops with you.

 

  1. Borrowing might appear to help when the sun is shining, but you’ll find yourself

very exposed very quickly when the storms arrive — and they will, usually when you

least expect them.

 

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AUTHOR 

Picture of Chris Bishop

Chris Bishop

Chris Bishop is an award-winning journalist who has been a war correspondent, founding editor of Forbes Magazine, television reporter, presenter, documentary maker and author of two books published by Penguin. Chris has a proven track record of spotting and mentoring talent. He has a keen news sense and strong broadcasting credentials, with impeccable contacts across Africa - where he has worked for 27 years. His latest book, published in February 2023, follows the success of the best-selling “Africa’s Billionaires.”

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