This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features. This week, we heard from Matt Lewindon, managing director of Ardent, which is based at Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We provide safety systems for companies' key assets, buses and transport in the UK, across Europe, and in Africa.

What does it take to be successful in business?

A very clear understanding of your customers' needs, and how to align your offering with them. Take your eye off that, and you start to suffer.

We have our own design and development team, and a lot of what we do involves developing safety solutions. For example, a couple of years ago, there was an accident where some people fell down the steps of a London bus and someone died. So we came up with a solution that tells the driver when people are on the steps, and after trials in London it actually started to change behaviour.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

I want to know how I can create an environment where people can be successful. That's always been my driver.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

A major challenge has been trying to transition from being a very successful small business to a very successful bigger business.

One way we're doing that is by moving into new areas. In the past, we concentrated solely on fire detection and suppression, and that's still our main bread and butter. But now we've moved into the bus industry, and transport safety systems are a large part of our business now. For example, the artificial sound that London buses make so people can hear them coming is something we have created.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

About 400 metres from Ardent's offices is Absolute Fitness, which is owned and run by Darren Sadler. He organises the Giants Live qualifying events for the World’s Strongest Man competition, and yet he's very humble and grounded – a family man and a good guy. I've always been inspired by global businesses that keep it real.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Apart from Darren, I'd have to say Neil Crowther, who founded Ardent. I admire him for his ability to be vulnerable, because that's essential in a leader. He's OK talking about what works and what doesn't – strengths and weaknesses.

If you're open like that, progress happens. The alternative is staying closed off and hiding your weaknesses, and that just doesn't work.

What could be done locally to boost business?

One of my passions is going into local schools and trying to educate children about small businesses and being entrepreneurial.

We really need to create a younger generation that sees small business as an opportunity – for growth, creativity and a fulfilling career path.

Best and worst things about running a business from Boroughbridge?

The best thing is that it's just 20 minutes from my house. I used to live in Leeds, and the commute took an hour, but now that I live in Ripon, Ardent is almost on my doorstep.

The worst thing is that it's not on many other people's doorstep! There are no bus routes, so people have to drive to get here, which is not ideal.

What are your business plans for the future?

We're heavily investing in growth. There's a huge opportunity to expand into other regions of Africa, and our transport arm continues to support operators and OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] in their electrification journey across Europe.

In the UK, we'll be focusing on new product innovation over the next two to three years, and then in the next three to 10 years, we hope to move into new regions, such as North America and the Asia Pacific. I don't believe we're limited by the market, only by our ability to grow.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I like to spend it with my family. I've always said I can only do what I do because my wife does what she does.

A couple of years ago, I also started powerlifting. I can now lift almost twice as much as I could when I started – I'm up to 210kg – and I've started to compete at amateur level.

My daughters have started doing it and they've started competing too. It's a really safe space, and there are no egos.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

I like Portofino on Kirkgate in Ripon – the portions are great. But if I had to choose one, it would be Realitea [the tearoom and Indian bistro on North Street in Ripon]. The ambiance is unique, the people are very friendly, and the food is amazing – the menu's not like anything you'd find anywhere else. 

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district – including Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale – and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.