Jonny Duggan, Chief Executive Officer, AnnexusPartners talks to Business Matters about the inspiration behind their business, which has seen them become a finalist in the 2023 Business Champion Awards

What do you currently do at ‘AnnexusPartners’?

I am Co-Founder of AnnexusPartners, incorporating AnnexusEV. I also hold the role of Chief Executive Officer, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running and the growth of the business. Ultimately as CEO of a start-up, my role is to make sure the business doesn’t run out of money. It’s as simple as that.

What was the inspiration behind your business?

During one of the numerous lockdowns the UK faced in the pandemic, I watched a Sir David Attenborough documentary which inspired me. Both businesses were founded out of a passion for making a difference. AnnexusEV came first. I had spent some time working in the energy sector, both on a city trading floor and in a commercial brokerage.

Between the automotive sector and the energy sector, both our Co-Founder Gerard and I felt that electric vehicle drivers were not getting the support they needed when it came to charging their vehicle.

We felt that drivers needed advice, guidance and ultimately a simplified approach to the confusing world of EV charging. AnnexusEV was set up with this in mind, to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ to drivers who needed a home EV charge point installing. We set the business up to be fully independent, partnering with the best brands in the EV charging world and offering nationwide installation.

From there, our business grew into the fleet sector when AnnexusEV became part of the IFC Group in October 2021. The business now services a growing number of fleet clients, offering selection and installation of EV charge points residentially and commercially.

In 2023, AnnexusPartners launched. A consultancy that incorporates AnnexusEV and is focused on making UK businesses more sustainable. AnnexusPartners is working with organisations to reduce their carbon intensity through three key headings: Charging Infrastructure, Sustainability and Data. More information can be found on the AnnexusPartners website.

Who do you admire?

The main influence on me from a business perspective is my Dad. He inspired me to want to start my own business and he is someone I admire greatly for what he has achieved. It’s great to be in business with him and my brother at AnnexusPartners.

I have taken inspiration from many leaders over the years. If I was to pick someone in the sustainability and EV world that I admire, it would be Jordan Brompton of myenergi. What she has achieved alongside Co-Founder Lee Sutton is nothing short of remarkable.

Outside of the sustainability space, I am a big fan of various sports. Businesspeople in sport such as Eddie Hearn and Sir Clive Woodward are both men that I look up to. What Eddie has achieve with Matchroom globally is very impressive, and his ability to promote and sell an event is second to none. What Sir Clive Woodward has achieved in business and in rugby, as well as his leadership style, is inspiration to many including me.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

I don’t see the benefit in looking back negatively or in regretting any decisions, each decision teaches us something. In terms of doing something differently, I would’ve had the confidence to start a business earlier. I waited until I was 29 to co-launch my first business and I would be further along if I had started earlier. That being said, I have learnt an awful lot from working in other people’s businesses over the years. This has stood me in good stead to run my own business.

What defines your way of doing business?

My way of doing business is influenced by honesty, trust and high performance. We measure our business on the triple bottom line; Planet, People and Profit. The environment has a big impact on how we conduct ourselves as a business.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just start. That’s it. Don’t worry about having millions of pounds or lots of clients. Start with a strong plan and have the flexibility to be able to pivot quickly. As a start-up, flexibility is key to winning business off more established businesses with a higher headcount and higher overheads. Surround yourself with people better than you and most of all, enjoy the journey!

AnnexusPartners are a finalist in this years Business Champion Awards in the New Business Category