Grosvenor House is proud to showcase one of our valued clients, David & Co., a company redefining the intersection of management consultancy and marketing.
Pioneering Growth: The Story of David & Co.
David & Co. was founded with a mission to bridge the gap between the services offered by global corporations and the needs of regional and national businesses. Paul Lock, co-founder of David & Co., reflects on the journey: “I spent 25 years in WPP companies, had a good look behind the curtain. I saw that the service marketing companies were offering wasn’t delivering the things that businesses need—so we decided to do something about it. We set up David & Co., named after David and Goliath, to deliver what only the global companies with the deepest pockets could afford to regional and national companies. It’s about giving them access to what they need, rather than just what someone else is selling, and finding better ways to make growth available.”
The company operates as part of the One Thousand Trades Group, a collective of companies focused on fostering business growth and innovation. As Josh Moreton, another key figure at David & Co., explains, “Within the group, David & Co. combines management consultancy with marketing to drive business growth, while Walk Through Walls specialises in public affairs, lobbying, and communication campaigns. We also have the Technology Supply Chain, a membership organisation supporting businesses with funding, strategy, and growth initiatives. Our events division rounds out the group, running flagship initiatives like West Midlands Life Sciences Week and the Innovation Awards, celebrating innovation and fostering collaboration.”
Diverse Paths, Shared Vision
Paul and Josh’s diverse backgrounds bring a unique perspective to their work. Paul’s journey includes a storied career in WPP companies and a deep passion for growth and innovation. “I was the quickest swimmer across four disciplines in Great Britain under-15s. I’ve met Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Gerry Adams, and Frank Carson,” Paul shares. Despite facing a life-altering bicycle accident at age 10, which required groundbreaking microsurgery, Paul’s resilience has been a driving force behind his success.
Josh’s path, while unconventional, is equally inspiring. Starting as a carpenter before transitioning into politics and business, he has worked on political campaigns and crisis communications. “People are often surprised to learn that I started my career as a carpenter—it’s a far cry from the world of politics and business I work in now,” Josh reflects. His adventurous spirit shines through as he shares his ambition to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam. “I’m beginning this extraordinary challenge in 2026 with Mount Kilimanjaro, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me.”
Goals and Challenges
The duo’s ambitions are as bold as their journeys. Paul aims to sustainably and profitably grow businesses, including their own, leveraging his extensive experience. Josh, on the other hand, is driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on the world.
However, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. For Paul, recovering from his childhood accident while excelling in sports was a monumental task. For Josh, dyslexia has been both a challenge and a strength. “While I’ve always struggled in traditional academic environments, that hasn’t defined me,” he explains. “Dyslexia has taught me resilience, adaptability, and creativity, and I’ve never let it hold me back.”
A Day in the Life
Paul and Josh’s daily routines reflect their dedication and diverse interests. Paul starts his day early with a 5:30 am dog walk, using the time to plan his day. “I try to avoid wasting time on the train if I can, and just pin my ears back and get on with it,” he shares.
Josh, living on a farm, finds inspiration in nature. “My mornings start early—with coffee in hand, I’m usually out the door between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Living on a farm, I make a point to leave an extra five minutes to stroll up the farm track at a leisurely pace. It’s my moment to connect with nature, snapping photos of the sheep, birds, and wildlife as the day begins.”
Both Paul and Josh find technology indispensable. Josh notes, “I can’t live without my phone. I do like 90% of my work on it.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on their journeys, Paul and Josh share advice for those looking to follow in their footsteps. Paul’s mantra is simple: “Never, ever give up.” Josh adds, “Life is short. Make the most of it.”
If they could go back five years, Paul would have started David & Co. even earlier. Josh advises, “Don’t sit back and wait for leadership to hand you what you’ve earned—demand it. Be bold, assertive, and unapologetic in asking for what you deserve.”
Life at Grosvenor House
David & Co. has found a perfect home at Grosvenor House. “We’ve got our call handling support and meeting rooms access, so it’s an ideal central hub for us across the group,” Paul notes. Josh echoes this sentiment, highlighting the professionalism and affordability of Grosvenor House’s services: “The office staff are great—very professional. They provide a service that would cost us a lot more in other places; it’s very affordable for what they do. Love their events, love their space, and their service.”
Grosvenor House’s central location in Birmingham’s St Paul’s Square provides an unparalleled business address, boosting the professional image of its clients. Josh adds, “We think it’s a great place to be based in Birmingham with a very good address.”
Looking Ahead for David & Co.
As David & Co. continues to thrive at Grosvenor House, Paul and Josh remain committed to their vision of growth, innovation, and impact. Grosvenor House is proud to support their journey, providing a prestigious base that reflects their ambitions and values. Together, we look forward to celebrating their ongoing success and the positive changes they bring to the business landscape.If you’d like to find out more about the work David & Co. do, explore their website here. Alternatively, if you’re interested in finding a virtual office service that can allow your business to reach new heights, get in touch with our team using the form below – we’d love to hear from you!