Steven Turton

External Board-Level Advisor to Founder-Led Food Businesses
UK-based • South West / Exeter
I work with founders who carry the weight of the business on their shoulders and want experienced, independent judgement in the room.
Not coaching.
Not consulting.
Not operational.

Experience that’s been tested

I’ve spent over 50 years in the food industry, working across retail, manufacturing and foodservice.
I’ve built and scaled multiple businesses, including one that reached £10m+ turnover.
I’ve also experienced a business failure — and I don’t treat that as footnote. It changes how decisions are judged.
My role is calm, pragmatic and judgement-led. No theatre. No templates. Just clear thinking when it matters.

What I do

I act as an external, independent sounding board for founder-led food businesses — board-level thinking without the formality.
We typically focus on:
  • margins and commercial reality
  • cashflow and risk
  • people and leadership pressure points
  • growth direction and strategic choices
  • marketing decisions at a strategic level (not tactics)

What I don’t do

This is not day-to-day support. I’m not part of your management team, and I don’t deliver implementation.
  • no operational involvement
  • no implementation or delivery
  • no selling of services
  • no “bolt-on” projects between sessions
The value is judgement, perspective and clarity — not activity.

Engagement terms

I keep the engagement simple and consistent so expectations are clear on both sides.
This structure allows for proper continuity, focus and trust. It’s not designed for short-term or transactional engagement.

Contact

If this feels appropriate, you can contact me directly.
steven@steventurton.co.uk
No funnels. No follow-ups. Just a conversation.