| Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland, B.A. Joint Honours | 1990 |
| Business Administration and Computer Sciences |
I am a Halo Angel Investor - Halo is the business angel network for Northern Ireland. It’s role is to match companies with growth potential with high net-worth individuals – ‘the angels’ – who may wish to invest in them: Halo has proven very successful; named British Business Angels Association Angel Network of the Year 2010.
I’m from an FMCG & property background. Formerly a manager / director of (amongst other enterprises) Marks & Spencer, Houston Fashions & Tata-Steel (Steel Company of Ireland): I returned to Northern Ireland in 2005 after a spell in the USA & ROI. I’m currently a non-executive director @ Sophia.
Today my focus is all about maximising what can be achieved in partnerships with start-up businesses. (I prefer to be informed; having a hands on style of investing, staying close to the scene of action)
It’s a lot of hard work getting new companies off the ground & this is where a vested financial partner, providing not only equity, but knowledge & ‘sweat’ can alter the dynamics for success. (Yes, I’m prepared to put in whatever hours are required. You’ll find I have an endless amount of energy & enthusiasm - my loyalties are towards the business) I understand the significance in actively engaging with customers rather than simply pushing a static marketing message out to those customers via traditional means - instead meaningfully connecting & generating profitable activity.
20+ years in turnaround management & start-ups has helped me to become adaptive to change, fitting in easily with my new environment(s) & in doing so (mostly) gaining the respect of the project teams.
Friends & career referees repeatedly refer to me as…”driven, focused & (infectiously) enthusiastic…a man on a mission” Ask anyone of them & they’ll tell you that I enjoy tackling challenges that are results driven & I love delivering on them. Approaching them in an innovative & progressive manner.
I’m looking for my next innovative & pioneering business (team) to invest in. Specialties
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • Strategic Partnerships & Alliances • Competitive Market Intelligence • Marketing Model Concepts & Alternatives • Customer Relationship Management FINANCIAL CONTROL • Financial Purchasing & Contract Negotiations • Budgeting & Cash Flow Optimisation OPERATIONS INNOVATION • Succession Planning • Leadership, Staff & Team Development • Process Redesign & Change Management • Start-Up & Multi-Site Operations
