Rob Town, who played with Metallica and Alice in Chains, starts new business coaching consultancy in Downham Market
An entrepreneur who played alongside heavy metal giants Metallica has launched a new business venture in West Norfolk.
Rob Town, a former member of UK rock band Panic Cell, has started up Kickstart Business Growth, a Downham-based startup coaching consultancy designed to help small business owners “lay the right foundations for long-term success”.
His goal is to give back to the regional business community by helping fellow entrepreneurs succeed.
“Most startups don’t fail because the idea is bad or the founder isn’t committed,” he said.
“They fail because the groundwork wasn’t done properly. Kickstart exists to change that.”
Kickstart Business Growth will provide one-on-one startup coaching and consultancy for founders who want to move beyond guesswork and start with clarity and confidence.
Services include market research and validation, business model development, customer segmentation and brand messaging, and work-life balance coaching for sustainable growth.
Mr Town said: “Building a business should never mean sacrificing your health or happiness. I’ve lived that story. Kickstart is about doing it differently - with purpose, strategy, and sanity intact.”
His previous career with Panic Cell - which saw him perform at Download, Sonisphere, and SXSW, and share stages with legends like Metallica, Alice In Chains, Slayer, and Disturbed - taught him “hard-won lessons in leadership, resilience, and working under extreme pressure”.
After leaving the band, he built a career behind the scenes as a music business educator, PR strategist, and startup mentor.
He also earned a Master’s Degree in Music Industry Innovation and Enterprise.
“Success isn’t just playing to thousands - it’s knowing how to build something meaningful that connects and lasts,” he added.
“That’s what Kickstart is here for.”
Although based in Downham, Kickstart Business Growth offers virtual services to founders across Norfolk, the UK and beyond.
A free startup toolkit and downloadable guide, ‘Business Startups: The Ultimate Guide’, are available on the company’s website, offering practical strategies for early-stage entrepreneurs.
