A SECTION FOR ENTREPRENEURS: Coming up fast - Decisions

MY BEST ... Earlier this year I appointed Paul Fray as COO for Benjys. As a management consultant, he didn't have a classic retail background, but he was a first-class executive whose exuberance and energy would be a great fit. I debated in my own mind and with the board the benefits and risks of choosing a known performer/off-profile background rather than an unknown performer/on-profile background. The decision to back known talent proved right. For a hands-on CEO, passing over key decision-making and internal communication is hard, but with Paul running the operation I can focus on brand and business development and an appropriate exit strategy for my VC backers.

MY WORST ...