If you’re a business leader at a crossroads, contemplating growth, seeking investment, or planning an exit, you’ll want to meet Steven Alexander, a Glasgow-based strategist who has quietly helped shape the success of some of the UK’s most resilient SMEs.
As a long-time collaborator of the Scottish Business Network and now an active member of Nexus, Steven brings decades of hands-on experience in sales, marketing, finance, and strategy to the table. His approach is refreshingly simple: be straight-talking, solution-focused, and always client-first.
“You’ve got to walk the walk,” Steven says. “Talk is cheap. It’s about delivering real, tangible outcomes.”
A Broad Commercial Skillset, Sharpened by Real-World Experience
Steven’s background spans financial services, insurance, retail, and digital tech, reflecting a career filled with variety, resilience, and results. He’s run his own consultancy, helped companies pivot during crises, raised millions in investment, and worked on successful exits for founders who were ready for the next chapter.
From regulated markets like finance and insurance to fast-moving tech and digital agencies, Steven thrives where others hesitate: in periods of change, challenge, and rapid growth.
“I love working with companies on the cusp of something transformational—whether that’s rapid expansion, a strategic pivot, or preparing for acquisition,” he explains.
He’s not sector-bound either. While digital and tech are natural fits, Steven’s sweet spot is “alignment” working with founders and leadership teams who are values-driven, agile, and open to change.
Who Steven Helps
Steven typically works with:
- SME founders and CEOs in early to mid-stage growth cycles
- Business owners preparing for investment, exit, or merger
- Leadership teams needing clarity in sales strategy, financial structure, or digital integration
- Entrepreneurs navigating regulated industries or looking to scale ethically
His key strengths include:
- Sales strategy & commercial planning
- Raising investment & negotiating terms
- Preparing businesses for acquisition
- Digital transformation and AI integration
- Navigating regulatory compliance (ESG, FCA, decarbonisation)
“Often, what businesses think they need isn’t what they actually need. I help them see the bigger picture, objectively.”
Case Study 1: Reviving a Digital Pioneer
One of Steven’s most rewarding collaborations was with Boyd Digital, a long-established SEO agency in Glasgow. Although the business was profitable, newer competitors offering wider digital services (like PPC and social) were eating into its market share.
Steven came in at a pivotal time—right after a disappointing acquisition offer. Together, they re-evaluated the market, broadened the firm’s service portfolio, and brought in trusted external partners to test new channels. The result?
- Average revenue per client increased by 125%
- Cross-sell and upsell of new services outperformed expectations
- A revised acquisition offer later doubled the initial valuation
“Clients already trusted Boyd,” Steven recalls, “so expanding the services they offered just made sense, and it worked beautifully.”
Case Study 2: From Flat Broke to Thriving National Brand
Another powerful example of Steven’s impact involved a claims management company in the insurance sector. Hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, the owner had sold his own flat to keep the business afloat.
Without significant capital or investors, he was at a crossroads.
Steven helped restructure the business model, expand operations from Scotland into England, and—through his network—connected the owner with an ethical investor who offered a tiered equity model, protecting founder control.
Today:
- The company is thriving in both Scotland and England
- The founder has retained the majority of ownership
- The business is on track for a lucrative exit
“That one felt personal,” says Steven. “He put everything on the line. My job was to make sure he didn’t lose what he’d built.”
Case Study 3: Augmented Reality with Global Reach
In the fast-moving world of immersive tech, Steven supported a startup focused on augmented reality solutions. The founder, a rapid-paced entrepreneur with a short attention span, wanted to scale fast and exit.
Steven helped position the company for growth, secure key contracts—including a pivotal deal with TGI Fridays (supporting their global restaurant expansion)—and build the case for acquisition.
Using augmented reality, franchisees could walk into a proposed restaurant space and visualise the exact branding, layout, and furnishings—ensuring global consistency.
The outcome?
- Increased operational efficiency for TGI Fridays
- Higher visibility and credibility for the AR startup
- A successful founder exit after three years
What’s His Ask?
Steven’s “ask” is simple: If you run or advise a business that’s:
- Facing operational or commercial challenges
- Exploring funding or exit opportunities
- Needing strategic clarity or independent perspective
...then he’s open for a conversation.
“I’m not looking for long contracts or commitments,” he explains. “Sometimes a single half-day session can make all the difference. If we click, great—we can build from there. If not, we shake hands and part friends.”
Why Nexus?
Steven joined Nexus because he believes in action, not fluff.
“There’s no pressure to sell or commit,” he says. “It’s a community of experienced professionals offering fractional support. You bring in the right people at the right time to unlock growth, and you only pay for what you need.”
His approach resonates with the Nexus ethos: pragmatic, value-led, and output-focused. He’s a connector, a problem-solver, and above all, someone who genuinely wants to see people succeed.
Final Word
With over 30,000 direct LinkedIn connections and a following of 60,000+, Steven doesn’t just talk about networks, he builds and activates them. His insights are practical. His results speak volumes. And his reputation? Quietly formidable.
If you’re a founder needing clarity, a CEO navigating scale, or an investor looking for strategic insight, Steven Alexander is someone you want in your corner.
To explore fractional engagement opportunities please contact Cath Strachan: cath@nexus.scot