Testimonials

“I can’t thank Mark enough for how his advice has changed my life, helped me achieve my dream career and continue to carve a future for my family, and other families in the country”

Rachel Girling Sowing Seeds

Mark Cowgill has been a colleague for 10 years as is someone who has already guided and given myself knowledge , understanding and supported on a number of different subjects . His wealth of leading from the front has been invaluable

Ian Ward - General Manager The Broadway

Mark is both a fantastic business contact and personal friend so my recommendation is both professional and personal. As a business owner he has demonstrated entrepreneurship, innovation and drive whilst as the President of the Bradford Chamber he was brilliant figure head, Leader and support/ mentor. As a human being, Mark is one of the most compassionate, empathetic and non judgmental people I have ever met. It’s an honour to know him.

James Mason - CEO West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Mark was an excellent director during the early days of Future Transformation. Providing clear practical advice and guidance, asking the right questions and helping us focus on impact and growth. I’d recommend Mark without hesitation

Tim Rogers - Founder Future Transformation

I first connected with Mark when we were both involved in supporting the team working to bring a BID to Bradford City Centre. From the outset, Mark stood out as a generous and thoughtful leader who is incredibly easy to connect with. He brings both warmth and authenticity to the way he works with others.

Mark’s experience of running a hugely successful business is clear in the insight and perspective he brings to conversations. What has impressed me most during the time I’ve known him, however, is his genuine commitment to civic responsibility. He cares deeply about the place he is based and consistently looks for ways to give back and support the wider community.

Mark combines commercial acumen with a strong sense of purpose and community spirit, and he is someone I have greatly valued working alongside. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for a principled, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader.

Karman Rashid - CEO Impact Hub Yorkshire

I have known Mark for over a decade and during that time he has been an incredible supporter of our charity One In A Million, keynote speaker at our business supporter events, as well as becoming a personal friend.
Mark is a true entrepreneur and innovator. His down to earth approach allows him to connect clearly at all levels, to deliver what he says he will, with the upmost integrity.
I have no hesitation in recommending Mark who will be an asset to any business.

Craig McHugh One In A Million Charity

I've worked with Mark for 15 years and always enjoyed a very transparent, honest and open working relationship. Mark makes the effort to see things from all perspectives - you, your customers, your staff etc. I look forward to working with Mark in his future roles and highly recommend him as someone who will nurture great relationships with your customers.

Alan Thompson - CEO & Founder Hi-Impact

I first started working with Mark many years ago, and he has consistently impressed me with his ability to understand how technology genuinely adds value to a business. Mark always takes the time to get to the bottom of the problem we are trying to solve and designs solutions around that need, rather than simply delivering a standard off‑the‑shelf service. He combines this thoughtful, commercial approach with a friendly and approachable manner, which makes working with him both effective and enjoyable. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark.

Graham Sweeney - Managing Partner Schofield Sweeney Solicitors

I worked with Mark throughout my time as CEO of Bradford Council. Mark not only built a great tech company and brought it into Bradford. he made significant investment in the development of digital skills for young people from across the District.He has always been a huge advocate for Bradford and for the great businesses of Bradford .He brings passion, energy, creativity and passion to everything he commits to. He is as good as his word.

Kersten England Former CEO Bradford Council & Chair Bradford City of Culture 2025

I met Mark at the very early stages before my business, Sowing Seeds Tuition, officially launched in July 2022. I had a business name, branding and a vision but at the time didn’t know how to position myself in the highly competitive tuition market.

As soon as I shared my ethos and business-idea with Mark, he immediately spotted my USP - mental health. It was so obvious in many ways, but Mark coached me and gave me the confidence to stand out from the crowd and be different from the norm.

I was also setting up my business from scratch with no experience and felt nervous and out of my depth at times. Yet, my business was successful from the moment it launched-it really connected with parents and carers - and it has honestly changed lives of so many children and families already.
Mark was a great sounding board when I was nervous and everyone around me told me I needed to “slow down”. If not for Mark, I would have played it safe but he challenged me and said, “you know what you need to do?” And I honestly didn’t. I thought he would say, slow down. But he didn’t. He said, “you need to expand and take on more staff.” Mark even encouraged me to apply for awards and be ambitious.

I was the first person in my family and circle of friends to set up a business - and I needed someone with experience, a calm nature and an advocate who was looking out for me. I knew I could trust Mark and that he would be honest. Roll on 3 and a half years, I now have 3 businesses(!), I have a team of 70+ international tutors, 25 staff on payroll, 2 centres, contracts with councils; supporting students across the country.

My business won the New Business the Year in Bradford Means Business Awards in 2024 (and was a finalist in 2023!) and Sowing Seeds in the finals for Specialist Provision of the Year in Bradfords Education Awards 2026, for the second year running! No other tuition centre had been in this category before.

I can’t thank Mark enough for how his advice has changed my life, helped me achieve my dream career and continue to carve a future for my family, and other families in the country.