github.com/charlieowenME
Who I Am
I'm Charlie Owen, Founder of Meridian Elevate, with 12+ years of experience in outbound sales and 9+ years working with businesses looking to establish and grow in the UK. My approach is simple: commercial, hands-on and results-focused.
I help international businesses establish, operate and grow their UK presence, from company setup and market analysis through to marketplace management, commercial development and ongoing UK representation.
Before founding Meridian Elevate, I was UK Head of Commercial at ICP Logistica, where I helped transform the business from a small 3PL into a major player across logistics and tech repair. By taking a back-to-basics approach to outbound sales and commercial development, I helped build new opportunities, strengthen client relationships and support the company's growth.
What I Bring
Professional Milestones
A journey built through commercial growth, independent consultancy and a commitment to helping international businesses succeed in the UK.
Sales, Training & Talent Development
I began my commercial career at DRC Locums as a specialist Radiology Headhunter before progressing into Head of Training & Talent Acquisition. I recruited, trained and developed more than 30 consultants while building a strong foundation in direct sales, commercial development and how different people contribute to a wider revenue operation.
UK Commercial Growth at ICP Logística
As UK Business Development Director for ICP Logística, I rebuilt much of the UK commercial structure from the ground up including CRM segmentation, enterprise targeting, outbound strategy, commercial messaging, pipeline management and BDR development. During the period, the UK operation expanded from approximately 80,000 to 300,000 sq. ft. and developed from a small-client 3PL portfolio into larger enterprise and multinational accounts.
Independent Commercial & Learning Development Consultancy
I worked independently across sales operations, commercial performance, training and development, supporting businesses with sales-process improvement, team capability, commercial analysis and business development. This period reinforced my preference for hands-on commercial execution and direct market development rather than advisory-only consultancy.
Founding Meridian Elevate
I founded Meridian Elevate to bring together my experience in UK market development, commercial transformation and sales operations. The focus is helping established international businesses build the UK commercial foundation, representation and market capability required to compete on value rather than geography or price alone.
How I Work
A hands-on approach to taking your business from UK market planning to having an active commercial presence on the ground.
Review & Plan
I review your plans, business model and UK ambitions, then we agree on a clear route forward based on what you want to achieve.
Build Your UK Base
I set up the foundations for your UK presence, including your Limited Company, UK bank account and dedicated UK workstation and infrastructure.
Analyse & Activate
We develop your UK commercial approach through market analysis, positioning and outbound planning, then put it into action to start creating opportunities.
Manage & Grow
I manage your UK marketplace presence and ongoing representation while continuing to develop opportunities, refine what works and support sustainable UK growth.
Values That Drive Me
The principles behind how I work with every business practical, commercially focused and always centred on creating real opportunities.
Straight Talking
No unnecessary jargon or promises. I give you an honest view of where you are, what needs to change and what I believe will actually work.
Hands On
I don't just provide a strategy and walk away. I get involved, manage the UK operation and work alongside you to turn plans into real commercial activity.
Results Focused
Everything has a purpose. From market analysis to outbound sales, I focus on activity that creates opportunities, builds momentum and moves your UK business forward.
"There will always be someone willing to work for less. The goal isn't to win the race to the bottom — it's to prove why your work is worth more."
Charlie Owen, CEO, Meridian Elevate
Ready to Enter the UK?
Whether you're planning your first move into the UK or ready to take your existing presence further, let's talk about how Meridian Elevate can support your next stage.