The Story.
"I didn't set out to be a partnership consultant."
Steve Orton, Founder
After studying Sport Science and Business Management at University, I fell into an early career in recruitment. Whilst I loved the commincative element of this work, I soon realised this was not for me. Before long I joined the family events business, running globally acclaimed events across all sectors from automotive to pharmaceutical.
In this role, I co-founded BodyPower and was part of the team that grew the event from scratch to 90,000 consumer visits per year. My role as Commercial Director enabled me to manage both supplier expectations, and consumer demands in addition to event logistics. Without realising it at the time, I was forging the base of my future career.
Sadly, as for many, Covid struck which had an earth shattering impact on the business.
From that moment, my business has organically grown to what it is today. Orton Consulting has flourished as a result of 18 years building commercial relationships, understanding brand development, and my awareness of supplier - buyer relationships.
My strong network of decision-makers spans across education providers, gym operators, nutrition brands, wearables, recovery tech, and performance science within the active health and wellness space. Over the years I’ve worked closely with global brands including Gymshark, Grenade, SIS, Musclefood, and many others on market expansion and partnerships.
I have always been open to new initiatives and ideas, and will rarely say no to anything, much to my wife's annoyance! My family come first, and I am proud to have built a business that enables me to be a present Dad, and Husband.
what we bring.
While partnership development is my primary focus, clients often engage me for broader strategic advisory work that emerges from our relationship.
This includes market entry strategy, investor or aquirer introductions, board advisory roles, and business development guidance. These aren't advertised services - they develop naturally when there is trust and results.
Network Access
Direct relationships with decision-makers across fitness education, gym operators, nutrition brands, wearables, recovery tech, performance scientists, and industry bodies. Not LinkedIn connections. Real relationships built over 18 years.
Strategic Expertise
I don't just make introductions. I design partnership models, structure commercial terms, position your value proposition, and guide negotiations. I've built partnerships across co-development, distribution, education, market access, and revenue share models. I know what works.
Market Intelligence
18 years of pattern recognition. I know what's working in this sector. What's not. Where the opportunities are. And how to avoid the expensive mistakes most businesses make when building partnerships.
Our Team.
The core team is made up of myself and my wife, Laura. In addition, we work closely alongside a couple of trusted Associates who bring a broadened depth of knowledge to our offering, specialising in Sports & Health Nutrition, Commercial Development & Sales.