Highly experienced Sales Director, Strategic Leader and Non-Executive Director with 30+ years of senior commercial leadership. Hugh has helped businesses secure up to £5 million in investment, expand into new markets and optimise sales and operational strategies for sustainable growth — backed by a personal network of over 2,800 investors.
Hugh Furness is a highly experienced Sales Director, Strategic Leader and Non-Executive Director, specialising in securing investment, business growth and corporate strategy. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully helped businesses secure up to £5 million in investment, expand into new markets and optimise sales and operational strategies for sustainable growth.
At Success with Systems, Hugh leads sales and strategy development — guiding businesses through investment readiness, financial structuring and growth acceleration.
Beyond investment, Hugh has a strong background in corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, acquisitions and franchising. He has held senior roles at Network Group, Wasp Barcode Technologies, CyberSmart and The Networking Buying Group — leading business expansion initiatives across the UK, Europe and international markets. His academic foundation in International Business, Marketing and Communications underpins his work as a trusted advisor for businesses looking to scale, secure investment or transform their operations.
A senior commercial leader who can also bring real money to the table. The combination of operating credibility and a live investor network is what makes Hugh's offering distinctive within Grant & Graham's senior team.
Hugh's senior roles have spanned business growth, sales leadership, channel strategy and corporate transformation — including his current strategy and investment leadership at Success with Systems.
Hugh's offering covers the full scaling lifecycle — investment securing, sales growth, governance, M&A and franchise expansion. Built for organisations needing senior commercial leadership and the funding network to back it.
Helps businesses secure up to £5 million in funding by connecting them with the right investors from a curated network of 2,800+ — including financial structuring, forecasting and pitch preparation.
Implements proven sales strategies to increase revenue and market reach — CRO and Sales Director-level operating experience applied to scaling businesses.
Identifies growth opportunities, new markets and operational improvements. Delivers practical strategy that translates directly into commercial action, not slide decks.
Provides expertise in business sales, acquisitions and strategic partnerships — with the financial and commercial fluency boards rely on at the moment of transaction.
Develops strategies for franchising, licensing and global market entry — with operating experience across the UK, Europe and international markets.
Advises on governance models, risk management and executive decision-making — bringing Non-Executive Director discipline to commercial growth contexts.
If you are scaling a business, raising investment, planning an exit or entering new markets, Hugh brings a rare combination of senior operating credibility, financial fluency and a live investor network.
Most senior commercial leaders cannot bring you investors. Hugh can. Over 2,800 investor relationships, actively curated and live — matched to client funding needs from seed to scale.
CRO. COO. Managing Director. Sales Director. Hugh has held the roles he advises on — and brings operating credibility commercial buyers respect, not theory.
Most fundraisers walk away once the cheque clears. Hugh works the full lifecycle — from investor readiness to commercial scale-up, M&A and exit planning.
A senior investment, business growth and commercial leadership consultant with deep specialisation across funding, sales scaling, M&A and franchising — available for UK and European assignments.
Hugh's career spans nine senior commercial and C-suite roles — from Sales Director and Business Development Director through to Chief Operating Officer, Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director, alongside specialist roles in channel strategy and franchising.
Hugh Furness is a seasoned expert in investment, business growth and strategic leadership, with a track record of securing up to £5 million in funding, driving sales expansion and leading corporate transformations across multiple industries.
His experience spans sales leadership, franchising, acquisitions and financial strategy — making him a valuable asset to businesses looking to scale.
Download CV → LinkedIn profileIf you are raising investment, scaling a sales engine, planning an M&A transaction, expanding into new markets via franchising or building a stronger commercial function — tell us in 25 minutes what you need. Hugh or one of our 40+ senior consultants will tell you honestly whether we can help.