The right mindset led Henry Ziff way beyond comfortable

The right mindset led Henry Ziff way beyond comfortable

Transworld Business Advisors not only build successful businesses to support local business owners, they’re also committed to giving back. Henry Ziff, MD of Transworld UK and London, recently completed a 350 mile bike ride, raising money for Rugby League Cares.

One of the reasons people think about starting their own business, is so they can create the space, and opportunity, to be in a position to give back to others. According to research by the Co-op bank[1], published February 2019, “amongst the UK’s 5.7 million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), reveals 70 per cent are purpose-driven businesses with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of their customers and local communities.”

This is one of the reasons Transworld Business Advisors is a great business opportunity, as the network has a collective desire to be the difference to their local business communities. Transworld Business Advisors is a franchise helping small business owners to exit their business. Based on 40 years’ experience in connecting the right buyer with the right business, we have seen thousands of small business owners realising their dreams. And have supported local business communities from our global network of 230 offices.

One example of how the network is committed to giving back, is in the recent achievement of Transworld UK Managing Director, Henry Ziff, who also runs the Transworld of London franchise. Over the summer, he took time away from his business to join the Rugby League Cares 350 mile off-road Ride to Wembley challenge: cycling from Huddersfield to Wembley.

Rugby League Cares is the Rugby League's national charity dedicated to supporting the Rugby League family and its local communities. It supports players as they transition to life after rugby, by providing education and training grants to equip them with skills and qualifications for the next stage of their lives. “Rugby League Cares is doing an important work supporting players and their families after the game,” explains Henry.

“Having met some of these players, I am inspired by their determination to create a strong game plan for off the field, as they do when they are playing. Many of the ex-players I’ve met, wanted to set up their own business so they can invest in others – which connects perfectly with Transworld’s core values. Which is why I felt it was important for me to join them on the epic bike ride.

Over five days, Henry and the team of 24 players, ex-players, staff and supporters, cycled a gruelling 350 miles – 18,000 ft of which involved climbing the Pennines, Peak District and the Cotswolds. “At the start I had no idea how I was going to make it,” says Henry, “and after day 1, I was even less sure. But life is about having the right mindset. It’s amazing what you can push your brain and body through if you want to. It’s important to set and own your own pace but still push yourself. I am glad I did, as I saw some amazing parts of our beautiful country.”

The team collectively raised over £40,000 for the charity, which has recently been supporting players dealing with the grief after one of their team mates sadly passed away. Henry reflects on the experience, “Having finished the Ride to Wembley this was, by far, the hardest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever done. But I am proud to have been able to support an amazing charity doing something really important.

“Whilst cycling toward the finish line on Wembley Way, I started thinking what I can do next. Giving back has always been important to our family; my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles have always inspired me, by their selfless work. This is another reason why I connected with Transworld, because of the commitment to help others. For example, our CEO Andy Cagnetta hosts an annual family fundraising dinner, to help provide food for hungry children in Florida. Denver franchisees Jessica and Al Fialkovich do a charity ascent every year.”

A massive thank you to everyone who supported Henry during this year’s challenge, which has allowed him to offer financial support to those going through a challenging life transition.