About Us
Meet Garry and Clare
We’re Garry and Clare, the team behind Solo, and Aspire to Grow Ltd. Our journey together began in early 2020 – just a week before the world changed with COVID-19.
Since then, we’ve blended our families – five children in total, with four older sons and a young daughter who is undoubtedly well protected! Garry hails from Liverpool and Clare from Manchester, making for a fun football rivalry in our household.
Our family life has always been busy and full of love, including a shared passion for dogs. Clare has long been involved in rescuing Pugs and Frenchies; when we first met, she had 20 dogs! Today, we’re down to four, but we remain committed to supporting local dog initiatives. We also love watching sports, travelling, and enjoying the occasional social evening with plenty of red wine at our favourite local food spots.
We officially founded Aspire to Grow Ltd in early 2025, when our paths coincidentally aligned. Garry originally launched Aspire to Grow in 2013, but at the time, family commitments took priority. Clare brings valuable experience from her previous organisations, having once owned a company that supported people wishing to transition. Although our backgrounds are different, we share the same core values and a passion for helping businesses grow and succeed. Together, we bring our combined expertise to support teams and help new ventures achieve their goals.
Solo - Empowering Freelancers with Consulting, Compliance and Operational support
With over 20 years in talent acquisition, Garry has honed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in freelance hiring. As the driving force behind Solo, he is dedicated to empowering independent professionals by connecting them with meaningful opportunities in financial services, IT, engineering, and environmental sectors.
His leadership experience includes building agile, high-performing recruitment strategies specifically tailored to the freelance workforce. From sourcing and screening top-tier talent to seamless onboarding and strong personal branding, his expertise covers the entire recruitment lifecycle – helping businesses and freelancers forge successful partnerships with efficiency and impact.
One of our founders, Clare, brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in operations management, with a proven track record of driving efficiency and optimising workflows across industries like retail and healthcare. At Solo, she applies her expertise to empower freelancers, helping them streamline operations, manage costs effectively, and scale their businesses with confidence.
Clare specialises in identifying inefficiencies and crafting tailored solutions to enhance productivity while ensuring compliance standards are met. She also supports freelancers in navigating bid proposals, offering strategic guidance to help them secure valuable opportunities and build sustainable, high-performing partnerships. Whether refining project management strategies or strengthening compliance frameworks, her insights enable independent professionals to work smarter, grow sustainably, and unlock their full potential in a competitive market.
Solo - Empowering Freelancers
With over 20 years in talent acquisition, Garry has honed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in freelance hiring. As the driving force behind Solo, he is dedicated to empowering independent professionals by connecting them with meaningful opportunities in financial services, IT, engineering, and environmental sectors.
His leadership experience includes building agile, high-performing recruitment strategies specifically tailored to the freelance workforce. From sourcing and screening top-tier talent to seamless onboarding and strong personal branding, his expertise covers the entire recruitment lifecycle – helping businesses and freelancers forge successful partnerships with efficiency and impact.
One of our founders, Clare, brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in operations management, with a proven track record of driving efficiency and optimising workflows across industries like retail and healthcare. At Solo, she applies her expertise to empower freelancers, helping them streamline operations, manage costs effectively, and scale their businesses with confidence.
Finding New Opportunities
Ongoing support to secure new contracts, build your profile, and win work.
Operational Guidance
Advice to optimise workflows, manage risks, and scale your business.
Financial Management
Your own dedicated accountant to handle taxes, bookkeeping, and forecasting.
Compliance Support
Assistance with insurances, subcontracting standards, and keeping your paperwork in order.
Business Development & Bidding
Support to prepare winning bids and stand out in the marketplace.
The Benefits of Solo
One-Stop Support
No more juggling multiple providers - we bring recruitment, operations, and finance under one roof.
Peace of Mind
With your own accountant and compliance support, you can focus on delivering great work -while we handle the rest.
Bespoke Guidance
Every subcontractor and self-employed professional is different. We tailor our services to your specific needs and goals.
A Trusted Partner
We’re here for the journey, not just the transaction. Our mission is to see you succeed and grow.
Connect with Like-Minded People
Join a network of supportive subcontractors and self-employed professionals. Share opportunities, collaborate on projects, and build stronger business relationships together.
Sustainable Growth
From day-to-day management to long-term planning, we help you build a stronger, more resilient business.
Financial Expertise for Freelancers
With over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, David Jones is a qualified accountant and former Finance Lead, bringing a wealth of expertise to Solo in supporting freelancers, sole traders, and micro-businesses. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed purchase and sales ledgers, payroll, and financial reporting, equipping him with a deep understanding of the financial challenges faced by independent professionals.
David specialises in streamlining financial processes, with a strong focus on cash flow management, budgeting, and financial analysis. His strategic approach empowers sole traders and micro-companies to make informed decisions that drive sustainability and profitability. He also provides guidance on tax compliance with HMRC, ensuring freelancers meet all regulatory requirements with precision and efficiency.
Currently, David supports a wide range of independent professionals, helping them navigate financial complexities, optimise their operations, and strengthen their business foundations. Having worked across diverse industries – including healthcare, hospitality, and automotive – he tailors financial strategies to the specific needs of freelancers, ensuring long-term success in an evolving market.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re a self-employed professional or subcontractor looking to unlock your business’s potential, I’d love to chat. Let’s connect and see how Solo can support you.