One Year at Ardent : Reflections 🪞 Twelve months ago, I joined Ardent—a business of around 180 people—as a Senior Director and Head of Planning & Engagement services across the UK and the island of Ireland. Reflecting on the past year, here’s what stands out: 1️⃣ Embracing the SME Experience and Spirit We’re not trying to imitate our larger competitors. We’re Ardent. The SME mindset is part of our DNA—it’s about agility, identity, and a clear purpose. We stay in our own lane and dream big. 2️⃣ Walking the Walk When It Comes to Innovation Being an SME means we’re built to innovate. We don’t have layers of decision-making slowing us down. Ideas come to life quickly, and we’re not afraid to take risks or do things differently. I knew this was possible, but Ardent has shown me just how much can be achieved. 3️⃣ Values That Really Mean Something Many businesses talk about their values, but at Ardent, they’re embedded in everything we do. Our CEO, Richard Caten, has driven a culture where values are lived and inform who we recruit, what we measure, where we work, who we work for, and more. We have plans to take this to a whole new level in the future. 4️⃣ Investing in Leadership and the Concept of Leading One of the biggest surprises for me has been the investment in leadership. There’s a big focus on developing the best leadership team in our sector through coaching, group learning, and consistent development opportunities. It’s an area where SMEs are often (wrongly) perceived as lacking, but Ardent is the complete opposite—we do more, and we see the difference it makes. It has helped me grow personally. 5️⃣ A Forward-Thinking Business We don’t just know who we are—we know where we’re going. The commitment to our 2030 vision is clear, ensuring we are a business for the future, not just the present. Few businesses dare to think this way or are capable of delivering it. 👏 To everyone at Ardent—thank you for making this first year one to remember. #SME #leadership #values #innovation #growth #visionnt
Andrew Moseley
2mo
Cannot believe it’s only 12 months given the wave you guys have made, here’s to the next 12 months, top work mate
It’s been fantastic working with you over the last year - looking forward to what can be achieved in the years to come. 🚀
Sounds great! from my experience of recruiting the genuine career opportunities on offer at an SME are usually stronger than with ‘the big boys’ where people can often be a literal bum on a seat. Onwards and upwards to you Tom (and Ardent)
Jonathan Stott
2mo
Top stuff, Tom! You’re a brilliant addition to our team and I love how you embrace all of the above and lead from the front. Here’s to the next 12 months 🙌👊💪
Richard. Caten
2mo
Only 12 months!? Your values alignment with the Ardent culture makes me feel like you've been part of the team for many years. Great post and well done!
Jennifer Ushie
2mo
Here’s to even greater accomplishments ahead as you continue to build on this strong foundation.
David Eve
2mo
Love this, Tom 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Director - JNP Group
2moThis so hits home for me Tom as a Director of an SME myself too. Could not have put it any better. Keep doing what you are doing….. do good things and good things will happen mate.