Northern Powerhouse Update –

Since 2014 the Government has set out plans to accelerate economic growth beyond London and the South East – particularly in the North – and there’s been much debate over how effective this “Northern Powerhouse” initiative will be.

To assess whether the wealth-spreading agenda will work, and what its likely impact will be, leading economic think-tank Cebr and top-20 law firm Irwin Mitchell has released an insightful report founded on strong economic analysis and research.

The study predicts that by 2025 the gap between London and the rest of the UK will actually widen with the Capital’s economy set to grow 27% compared to just half that in the North.

To investigate further, over 1,000 UK businesses were approached for their views on whether or not the Government has taken the necessary steps to address and support economic growth in their region. Findings show a net balance of businesses in the North think not, particularly those from the SME sector. This begs the question of what policies should be implemented.

When asked to choose the one policy they would most like to see support economic growth in their region, improved infrastructure was the most cited with a clear preference for road and local rail investment.

There was also a strong case for devolving a wide range of policies to local level with 59% of businesses in the North agreeing devolution could boost growth in the region.

Frequently cited policies were:

• Increased local decision making that is more in tune with local needs, creating a better environment for businesses in the area.
• The ability to determine business rates which could potentially lead to tax competition within the UK, with areas cutting rates in order to attract more businesses. 
• The ability to shape education and skills policy to address the current mismatch between local education and the skills needed by local businesses.

The report concludes by recommending a strong set of policy measures to narrow the regional divide in economic performance, whilst ensuring continued growth in existing powerhouses such as London.

To download a copy click here – UK Powerhouse Report 2015. We hope you find it of interest.

Directorbank successfully completes the search for a CEO for Brainstorm Mobile Solutions.

Brainstorm is an innovative provider of mobile engagement solutions that help businesses to increase revenue, reach and operational efficiency. It was founded 30 years ago and provides services for clients in 27 countries communicating with over 650m people on behalf of some 100 brands.

Directorbank was recently approached by Shane Leahy, Chairman of Brainstorm, to source a proven CEO to increase growth and efficiencies across the business. The ideal candidate needed a strong commercial background in software and services as well as an established track record of significantly growing a Tech SME and leading a successful sale process.

A comprehensive search exercise was completed within a 3 week timeframe and a 6-strong candidate shortlist was delivered to Shane. Jeremy Deaner was successfully appointed to the position.

Jeremy is an entrepreneurial CEO with 30 years’ experience in developing teams and building businesses in the international technology sector.

Previously he was CEO of AmberFin, a leading vendor of content re-purposing software for the global film and broadcast market. During his tenure, he significantly grew the business across the USA, EMEA and APAX and the firm’s revenue grew by over 250%. High profile customer wins included Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, BBC and Disney. Last year he managed the successful sale of the business to Dalet.

Shane Leahy comments:

“I was impressed with Directorbanks efficient approach and deep knowledge of the TMT sector, giving rise to some exceptional CEO candidates. I’m delighted with our appointment of Jeremy who brings a powerful combination of technical understanding and business experience in the international arena. He is the right person to take this already successful company to new levels and grow new international markets throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.”

Read the full case study here.

For more information on Directorbank’s executive search and pre-deal recruitment services, please contact us.

Directorbank is pleased to announce a new addition to its Germany practice. Pia Beverungen joins the Frankfurt team as a consultant and will support Dorothea Kronenberghs, our Executive Director for Europe.

Dorothea comments:
“Pia is a strong addition to the Directorbank team. She is experienced and well connected, particularly in the private equity world. She will be instrumental in developing our PE service offering by providing a tailored board search service to Directorbank’s German private equity clients and strengthening our candidate network across the region.”

Pia gained a wealth of PE experience from her time with boutique search firm Pohlschroeder Lewis Larcher Headhunters where she focussed on recruiting investment professionals. Prior to PLLH she worked with Michael Lehmann GmbH as an Associate Director specialising in executive and non-executive board appointments for family owned, private equity portfolio and listed companies.

Directorbank’s Matt Venning has successfully completed a gruelling 100-mile charity ride, cycling across rough terrain along the full length of the South Downs Way. The feat – a test of endurance and determination – took him from Winchester to Eastbourne and he crossed the finish line after an arduous 15 hours in the saddle.

Matt rode in support of The SMA Trust, the leading UK charity dedicated to funding research into a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The cause is close to Matt’s heart. His two year old daughter Alexa was diagnosed with SMA type 2 last year and there is currently no treatment or cure for the condition. Scientists and drug companies are making great progress and a breakthrough is genuinely possible within a few years.

Matt’s fundraising efforts will specifically go towards the launch of the ‘UK SMA Research Consortium’ which will bring together world class researchers and clinical experts to find effective treatments and fast track drug development.

Matt comments: “SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants and toddlers. There are some 2,500 children and young people with the condition in the UK alone and 1 in 40 of us is a carrier. My mission has been both to raise awareness of this devastating muscle-degeneration disease and to enlist help in funding a cure.”

The team at Directorbank congratulate Matt on such a tremendous achievement and have proudly contributed towards his JustGiving page. This is the first of many fundraising initiatives for Matt in his quest to reach a target of £50k.

For more information, or to sponsor Matt’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/SMAsters-of-the-Universe