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Managing Director at The Alternative Board (Bristol North)", "How to become a Non-Executive Director

\'\'I attended this course shortly after starting my first Non-Executive Director role and found David’s expertise and insight to be invaluable. The course also covers practical things such as how to go about finding Non-Executive Director roles – and so last week (6 months after I attended the course) I started my second NED role, and have an interview for a third one next week. I can highly recommend attending this course for current or aspiring NEDs. Neil Stevens Director, Sirius Partners Ltd, NED for Bristol Community Health and Stalis Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I can thoroughly recommend this course and David. As well as meeting interesting colleagues, a great way to understand compliance, personal capabilities and skills needed to fulfil a NED role. A helpful and well structured intro into the NED world. Alli Hooton, Managing Consultant 3103 Human Resources Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
Having attended this course in the last few months I can confirm its value. Having held NED roles in my favoured area of engineering and manufacturing David opens the mind to the potential of other sectors and using ones transferable skills. Have set a strategy for personnel growth as NED – if I could just stop getting interim assignments Tony Hurley, Interim Manager in Manufacturing Recovery", "I had the pleasure of attending a recent How to become a Non-Executive Director course that David ran.
As someone who not only runs their own business, has had a career and built up experience the opportunity to learn more about this was too good to miss.
David’s experience and expertise shone through as the day progressed – beginning with the roles, responsibilities, the legal aspects , the liabilities – all explained with examples of the good, the bad and the ugly of what has happened. David went through the skillset and actual case studies based on his career as an NED in all three sectors. This enabled there to be some great discussions where questions were answered. The structure of the day that David put together was second to none as I was taken through a well organised and flowing workshop – culminating in how I would secure a NED position. What was refreshing was the fact that David continually referred to his experience and not what you’d find in a text book coupled with a wealth of resources that are available. I would wholeheartedly recommend attending one of Execellensia courses that David runs and to point others that you know who may be interested in David’s direction. Sean Humby Director & host - Business Network (SW) Ltd, lunch time networking. And Accredited Sales through Service licensee", "I had the pleasure of attending 'How to become a Non-Executive Director' one day course in Bristol yesterday delivered by David Doughty. The content, course leader and fellow attendees were a breath of fresh air. I went with an open mind, unsure whether my skill set and experiences were suitable and allow me to offer any value to a board. I left with no doubt that they were.

The course content was really informative and very pragmatic. At end of the day, not only did I understand the role and liabilities of a NED but also the legal framework within which they operate, the more technical areas that you need to be familiar with, where to find out more information specific to the company you are working with and how to find a NED position in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Above all though, I left with the confidence that I really did have something to offer.

For anyone wondering whether their future may include a NED position, I would recommend that you consider this course as a good starting point. Roger Wills Managing Director at Wills & Blair Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director is an essential introduction for those who seriously wish to pursue Non Executive Director Roles. The course, led by David Doughty an experienced and knowledgeable NED, is focused on the key information required to achieve your first position. It includes a discussion of the Non Executive Director Role, duties and liabilities, the relevant skill set and valid approaches to securing a NED position. The day includes case study work as well as interactive discussions of the course material. I thoroughly recommend this course which is good value for money. Nick Randle OBE Consultant/Interim Manager, Non-Executive Director", "I recently attended David's one day introduction How to become a Non-Executive Director as part of my own professional development and to gain some insights for my clients too. David's breadth of experience, knowledge and practical guidance is inspiring. He is refreshingly frank, engaging and practical so I now have some next steps in terms of further reading, resources and action planning.
I would highly recommend David to anyone thinking about taking on a NED role Kim Jones Business Consultant & Coach, Director at High Growth Knowledge Company", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
\'\'An invaluable course for anyone looking for NED roles. Expertly delivered, honest and action focussed. Extremely useful materials. Feel much better equipped for to pursue opportunities as a NED. Sumita Hutchison Chair of the Interim Commissioner for Race Equality, Lawyer", "Having attended Social Media for Beginners, I have both a fuller understanding of the positive impact that appropriate use of social media could have on my business and better technical knowledge of the different tools available. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to engage in cost neutral but effective marketing. Paul Mayo Chairman at SaRS, Managing Director at SQEP Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
Excellent course giving a clear picture of the role, the skills and characteristics required, the range of NED opportunities and the various routes to secure such positions. As a bonus you also meet interesting people and useful contacts. A good career investment. Mark Lambert, Non-Executive Director", "\'\'interesting seminar on Social Media by David Doughty - I came away with 2 pages of things to do, which I got started on when I got home Inge Dowden Business Growth & Happiness Coach at Inge Dowden Coaching", "Finance for Non-Finance Directors
Philip had an excellent wealth of experience & practical knowledge of a wide number of industries and was really warm & welcoming- An asset to the course! Alana Chalmers, Marketing Management & Business Development", "How to become a Non-Executive Director

\'\'This course is a must for any aspiring NED and even established NED's as a refresher. The content and its delivery were well paced, informative and challenging in equal measures, led by a seasoned expert whose capabilities provide a wealth of knowledge to be drawn upon. Incredible value for money and should be part of a suite of courses leading to a more formal qualification for aspiring NEDs. 100% recommended, you will not be disappointed. Jon Cross Managing Director at Essenjay Associates Ltd", "Finance for Non-Finance Directors
Knowledgeable presenter Good solid coverage of core financial concepts - P&L, balance sheet, ratios Greg Watson, Chief Executive at GL Education Group", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
Helpful and fulsome in opening up the channel of Non-Executive Director as a career path. I know considerably more about what is required and expected now and, of real practical benefit, how to go about seeking and finding a rewarding role as an NED. Highly recommended. James Millar Company Director, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Lawyer, Trustee", "Thank you for the interesting session on Social Media that I attended recently.
It was very thought provoking, and I left armed with a list of actions to take to improve the on-line presence of my business.
Thanks again. Sarah Schofield Owner of SchofieldVA, providing a wide range of business support services", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I would thoroughly recommend this course. It gave me an excellent overview of the role of a NED and a clear steer on how best to look for and be successful in becoming a NED. All my pre course questions were answered. The examples the tutor gave were interesting and stimulated good debate. The small size of the group allowed questions and good dialogue. Look no further for a course on this subject Helen Sharpe Managing Director Education Division Priory Group", "\'\'I recently attended David's How to become a Non-Executive Director course. I can highly recommend this comprehensive and value-for-money all-day course. Class numbers were kept at a manageable size for maximum interaction, enabling everyone to contribute and get the most out of the day. It was interesting to note that the course attracted a diverse range of interested participants, ranging from someone in their first job to an experienced member of committees, to someone who had substantial work experience, quite removed from the corporate arena, who wanted to learn about and explore opportunities as an NED. The course content was extremely relevant and helpful including the different routes to becoming an NED. On the basis of this training, attendees could feel more confident about embarking on the next stage of applying for opportunities leading in the long-term to an NED role or two. David clearly has a wealth of experience and is to be congratulated for his extremely useful training that has been pitched at the right (user-friendly) level for participants from diverse backgrounds. Sally Aitchison Head of Legal", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I can thoroughly recommend this very well structured and informative course. It provides an excellent introduction to the remit, capabilities and attributes of NEDs. Jim Whelan, Owner ORO Solutions Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I found the day stimulating and informative. It confirmed many of the areas I was aware of working with a Board as a Company Secretary and refreshed my knowledge on some of the legal aspects of the role Barbara Suggitt Company Secretary at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust", "How to become a Non-Executive Director

\'\'This course was excellent and greatly exceeded my expectations. The course format is interactive, with small-group teaching in a seminar/workshop format, led by an experienced Chartered Director who generously shared his personal experience Christine Wilson Non-executive Director, Multi-Academy Trust", "Unlike many courses I have attended in the past, How to become a Non-Executive Director went beyond just the technical aspects of being a 'Non-Exec', and reflected on the differences in the approach required compared to being an Exec Director.
It allows you to make a fully informed decision on whether a Non Exec role is right for you, and if it is, how to go about finding opportunities.
An invaluable day of learning! Alastair Lewis Managing Director at Carlisle Support Services Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I can recommend this course, it is very informative and will confirm research, skill requirements, responsibilities and legal obligations for a successful NED (NXD) role. Good interaction, networking with delegates and time for Q&A. Jim Gaudoin, Director of Bruel & Kjaer VTS Limited", "As someone who is looking to move into a Non-Executive Director role I found Excellencia's How to become a Non-Executive Director Course invaluable. It gives you a clear overview of what is required from a NED and helpful advice about how one goes about obtaining a position. It is also a very useful course for Businesses that are looking at implementing Board structure and responsibilities.
David Doughty leads the various sessions in a clear, concise & helpful manner Alan Clydesdale Providing Business Advisory Services to SMEs", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
The material, the course leader’s insights, and the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings with similarly inclined business people, made for a really valuable day. I came away with some clear actions. Bernard Grenville-Jones Chairman | NED | Entrepreneur", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
\'\'I attended the 19th July course in Bristol and found it to be very informative. Not only was there a wealth of technical information provided but there were numerous case studies - based on real incidents - which were really thought provoking.I would happily recommend this course to anybody who is considering taking up the challenge of being a Non-Executive Director Andy Farrall Founder Director of Management and Safety Training Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
As an introduction to the world of NED's this course is well structured to give an honest and practical insight in to how to identify and prepare for a move in this direction. Money well spent! John Cooper, Vice President, North West Europe at Weber-Stephen Products LLC United Kingdom", "I found the How to become a Non-Executive Director workshop really insightful and useful in helping understand both the role of an NED and with creating your own plan on becoming an NED. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is considering doing just that. Dave Harrison Co-Founder and Director at 10Eighty", "I recently attended the Excellencia one-day course on How to become a Non-Executive Director run by David Doughty; a very experienced director. Prior to booking I researched a number of providers and found a high degree of commonality in course content. However, Excellencias fee was significantly lower than others, and around half that of one well-known provider. David covered all the salient points in a very professional and timely manner and was able to answer all my questions. I believe I am now well-prepared for NED roles and am very happy to recommend this course to those looking to follow a similar path. Ian Kirkby BSc, D.Mgmt, FCMI, FILM, FIC, MIoD, MCGIInterim Business Development Director at Association of Police and Crime Commissioners", ], numQuotes: 53, fadeDuration: 2, fadeoutDuration: 2, delay: 20, quotesInit: function(){ if (this.numQuotes

Finance for Non-Finance Directors - Interactive Video Course Wednesday 9 September 2020

 NED Training  No Responses »
Aug 212020
 

As a director how comfortable are you with company finance?

financial-documents1000

Are you confident in your ability to understand the three core elements of Management Accounts:

  • Cash Flow?
  • Profit and Loss (or Income and Expenditure)?
  • Balance Sheet?

Do you understand Forecast/Budget, Actuals and Variance reports?

Do you know how to use Key Ratios to evaluate your company's performance?

Do you know if you are trading whilst insolvent?

This half-day course will provide the essential knowledge of those key financial issues and concepts that are needed by successful Executive and Non-Executive Directors in order to discharge their duties and responsibilities as a company director. The completion of this course will provide a good grasp of the key elements of Management Accounts and Statutory Financial Accounts. It will also provide a sound theoretical financial knowledge base upon which to build and acquire new and more advanced financial skills.

Who should attend?

Executive and Non-Executive Directors, senior executives or aspiring directors looking to understand more about company finance.

Course Content

  • The Three Key Financial Statements
    • Cash Flow Statements: Importance of cash flow and Impact of credit and credit control, Problems affecting cash flow, Dealing with Debtors and Creditors
    • Profit & Loss Account, Types of profit, and Layout & use of the profit & loss account
    • Balance Sheets: Assets; Liabilities; Net current assets, capital employed and how to interpret the information;
  • Revenue and Capital Expenditure
    • What are Capital and Revenue Expenditure
    • Phasing of capital spend and its Implications for budget holders
  • Depreciation; Assets and liabilities
    • What is Depreciation?
    • The Different types and uses
  • Forecasts and Budgets
    • The purpose of forecasts for the business
    • Budget objectives
    • Budgetary Control as a management tool
    • Variance analysis
  • Using Ratios to Support Investment Decisions
    • Return on Capital Employed (ROCE); Payback; Internal Rate of Return (IRR); Net Present Value of assets (NPV)
    • Investment decisions and Return on Investment (ROI); Cost of capital
    • Gearing, is the level of borrowing too risky?
    • Liquidity, could the company hit cash flow problems?
    • Profitability, how well is the company doing?

Learning Objectives

This half-day course enables participants to understand better, the key attributes and approaches that underpin a strategic and tactical financial approach to management and help to develop the key skills and styles that will allow participants to be more effective when adopting and applying a decision making approach to management.

By the end of this training course participants will be better able to:

  • Read, analyse and interpret any set of Financial Statements, including the Balance Sheet, the Profit & Loss Account and the Cash Flow statements
  • Understand and quantify the impact of the fundamental accounting concepts and the chosen policies upon any set of accounts
  • Recognise and understand the underlying impact of the generally accepted accounting principles and policies on any Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
  • Understand the key differences between statutory published accounts and the internal monthly management accounts
  • Identify and discuss the key financial issues facing an organisation
  • Understand the wider commercial impact of any business decision and its interaction with non-financial aspects of the organisation, enabling you to make a better contribution to key discussions and decision making amongst managers and within the organisation
  • Understand the basics of budgets and the implementation of budgeting processes
  • Value any business using commonly used and widely accepted valuation techniques such as Net Asset Value, Enterprise Value and EBITDA
  • Communicate more effectively and easily with Finance Directors, and other Finance professionals; through an in depth understanding of financial terminology, management and evaluation techniques.

Course Leader:
David Doughty CDir FIoD

The course is delivered by David Doughty, a Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. See his LinkedIn profile here:

Key Details

Duration: 1/2 day
10:00 - 15:00
Location:
Zoom Video Conference

Price
£250.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price £220.00 (ex VAT)
Partner Discount Price £195.00 (ex VAT)*

Book Now

To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration

The fee includes refreshments and a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 4 verifiable CPD hours of structured learning which count towards the requirements of most business focussed institutes, including the Institute of Directors, the Institute of Consulting, the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and many others.  After successful completion of the course, you will receive an electronic Certificate confirming that you have successfully completed the course, detailing the outcomes and results.

*Discounts on Excellencia course fees are available for:

Finance for Non-Finance Directors - Interactive Video Course 8 July 2020

 NED Training  No Responses »
Jun 262020
 

As a director how comfortable are you with company finance?

financial-documents1000

Are you confident in your ability to understand the three core elements of Management Accounts:

  • Cash Flow?
  • Profit and Loss (or Income and Expenditure)?
  • Balance Sheet?

Do you understand Forecast/Budget, Actuals and Variance reports?

Do you know how to use Key Ratios to evaluate your company's performance?

Do you know if you are trading whilst insolvent?

This half-day course will provide the essential knowledge of those key financial issues and concepts that are needed by successful Executive and Non-Executive Directors in order to discharge their duties and responsibilities as a company director. The completion of this course will provide a good grasp of the key elements of Management Accounts and Statutory Financial Accounts. It will also provide a sound theoretical financial knowledge base upon which to build and acquire new and more advanced financial skills.

Who should attend?

Executive and Non-Executive Directors, senior executives or aspiring directors looking to understand more about company finance.

Course Content

  • The Three Key Financial Statements
    • Cash Flow Statements: Importance of cash flow and Impact of credit and credit control, Problems affecting cash flow, Dealing with Debtors and Creditors
    • Profit & Loss Account, Types of profit, and Layout & use of the profit & loss account
    • Balance Sheets: Assets; Liabilities; Net current assets, capital employed and how to interpret the information;
  • Revenue and Capital Expenditure
    • What are Capital and Revenue Expenditure
    • Phasing of capital spend and its Implications for budget holders
  • Depreciation; Assets and liabilities
    • What is Depreciation?
    • The Different types and uses
  • Forecasts and Budgets
    • The purpose of forecasts for the business
    • Budget objectives
    • Budgetary Control as a management tool
    • Variance analysis
  • Using Ratios to Support Investment Decisions
    • Return on Capital Employed (ROCE); Payback; Internal Rate of Return (IRR); Net Present Value of assets (NPV)
    • Investment decisions and Return on Investment (ROI); Cost of capital
    • Gearing, is the level of borrowing too risky?
    • Liquidity, could the company hit cash flow problems?
    • Profitability, how well is the company doing?

Learning Objectives

This half-day course enables participants to understand better, the key attributes and approaches that underpin a strategic and tactical financial approach to management and help to develop the key skills and styles that will allow participants to be more effective when adopting and applying a decision making approach to management.

By the end of this training course participants will be better able to:

  • Read, analyse and interpret any set of Financial Statements, including the Balance Sheet, the Profit & Loss Account and the Cash Flow statements
  • Understand and quantify the impact of the fundamental accounting concepts and the chosen policies upon any set of accounts
  • Recognise and understand the underlying impact of the generally accepted accounting principles and policies on any Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
  • Understand the key differences between statutory published accounts and the internal monthly management accounts
  • Identify and discuss the key financial issues facing an organisation
  • Understand the wider commercial impact of any business decision and its interaction with non-financial aspects of the organisation, enabling you to make a better contribution to key discussions and decision making amongst managers and within the organisation
  • Understand the basics of budgets and the implementation of budgeting processes
  • Value any business using commonly used and widely accepted valuation techniques such as Net Asset Value, Enterprise Value and EBITDA
  • Communicate more effectively and easily with Finance Directors, and other Finance professionals; through an in depth understanding of financial terminology, management and evaluation techniques.

Course Leader:
David Doughty CDir FIoD

The course is delivered by David Doughty, a Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. See his LinkedIn profile here:

Key Details

Duration: 1/2 day
10:00 - 15:00
Location:
Zoom Video Conference

Price
£250.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price £220.00 (ex VAT)
Partner Discount Price £195.00 (ex VAT)*

Book Now

To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration

The fee includes refreshments and a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 4 verifiable CPD hours of structured learning which count towards the requirements of most business focussed institutes, including the Institute of Directors, the Institute of Consulting, the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and many others.  After successful completion of the course, you will receive an electronic Certificate confirming that you have successfully completed the course, detailing the outcomes and results.

*Discounts on Excellencia course fees are available for:

NEDworks LinkedIn Group Case study - Tension between Chairman and Chief Executive

 LinkedIn  No Responses »
Aug 222018
 

Case study - Tension between Chairman and Chief Executive - NEDworks LinkedIn Group Discussion

The NEDworks LinkedIn group is currently featuring the following Case Study (anonymised but based on a real-life situation)

NED Case Study

You are a non-executive director on the board of a listed company in the financial services sector. 3 years ago the Chairman and non-executive directors had been instrumental in removing the Chief Executive, a colourful, charismatic, character with a big reputation, as he had been unable to revive the company’s fortunes and had lost the confidence of both the shareholders and the regulator.

His replacement, an internal candidate, was seen as a safe pair of hands to steady the ship and implement the strategy which had been agreed by the board, to clean up the company’s operations, to the satisfaction of the regulator, and improve performance to satisfy the restless shareholders.

Unfortunately the new Chief Executive has not managed to make as much progress as either the regulator or shareholders would have wanted. The board has recently appointed a new Chairman who is keen to get the company back on track and there is clearly some tension between him and the Chief Executive.

As a non-executive director, how can you act to help resolve this situation? What is your role and what options should the board explore?

Julie Garland McLellan - Boardroom Expert First step is to look at the role of the board in setting targets and monitoring performance for both the CEOs. It would appear that they haven't been tremendously effective with the safe pair of hands or with the colourful and charismatic CEO. Is there a problem with the way the board sets expectations and commits to a strategic course of action? If the problem is in the boardroom it needs fixing before any new recruit is brought in.
Next step is to review the business and business model. Is the business meeting the current needs of its customers? Is it using the appropriate technology? Does it have the appropriate products and services? How are commissions calculated and paid? What is the culture? This should give some clues about what the new (or current) CEO should focus on to make a change that drives improvements.
Then recruit the CEO you need for the actions you have to take.
Final step is to monitor and guide the CEO so that actions are taken as expected and plans changed to suite

David Doughty Julie - I agree with everything you say but I would be tempted to start even further back with a refresh of the Vision Mission and Values as, in my experience, many business plans and strategies evolve organically and become detached from a coherent Vision.

As you say, it is impossible for the CEOs to succeed without clear expectations and it is the role of the NEDs to support the Chair to produce a clear strategy and objectives in line with the Vision, Mission and Values, which the CEO can then be tasked with delivering.

CEOs are often blamed for the failure of the business when it is more likely that it is a failure of the Board to provide clear direction

 

Terry Bowman There are surely 2 points here and at least 1 reflects badly on the established NEDs.

The issues with the regulator need to be examined by the Board to identify what they say about the strategy and delivery by the executives. The Board would seem to have been asleep at the wheel if the problems remain after 3 years. It may be that the problems with the regulator are adversely affecting market performance and, again, the Board is culpable for not getting to grips with this problem.

Overall a root and branch review of the business and its senior team would seem to be in order for the Board

 

David Doughty Terry - yes the NEDs should have been closely monitoring the relationship with the regulator looking to make improvements - as you say they seem to have been asleep at the wheel and it is time for them to wake up before they can think about making any senior appointments

 

 

 

Neil Britten David - a thought provoking case. Many valuable points already made here. As a NED I would be interested to know what the regulators perspective is - if I don't already. If there is a SID on the board I would expect him/her to be on top of this. Second I would like to know what the tension between Chair and CEO is being caused by. I would speak to the Chair about this obviously. Possibly the CEO too.
It is not so clear to me that the Board has been asleep - within the 3 year period both CEO and Chair have changed. Perhaps both changes have been prompted by the Board. Maybe initially the results from the new CEO looked encouraging.
Clearly it is time for the Board to be focusing on reaffirming the purpose of the enterprise, as David suggests, and revisiting the strategy to provide the clear direction sought.
Fundamentally the Board cannot function effectively without an effective relationship between Chair and CEO. I would like to understand the problem there first.

David Doughty Thanks Neil for making some good points. Clearly this has been an unsettling time for the business so in addition to all the actions that have been suggested by contributors to this discussion the NEDs also have a role to try to minimise the disruption caused by changes to CEO and Chair https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-should-neds-do-when-ceo-leaves-board-david-doughty

 

 

 

Peter Curnow-Ford MIoD Interesting is that its the shareholders and the regulator that are raising the issues and not the Board. I think the Board should reflect on its own performance and only then look to seek what happens next - why are we here, what is the objective and the strategy to enable the 'why' and then if needed update the board itself and then the CEO if needed - it maybe that a refreshed board is all that's needed as it better supports the existing CEO

 

 

David Doughty Peter - I think it has certainly been the case in sectors such as Banking that the board members have been the last people to question their own performance - more often than not it is the shareholders, regulators and analysts who are asking the right questions

 

 

 

 

You can join in the discussion on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/87547/

Why family businesses need a Non-Executive Director

 Opinion  No Responses »
Jun 062017
 

Institute of Directors commissioned report highlighted value Non-Executive Directors bring to family businesses

In 2015, then Ulster University post-graduate Caoimhe McGuinness explored the role of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) in SMEs in Northern Ireland in a report commissioned by the Institute of Directors.

Interviews were conducted with executives and non-executives on company Boards including family businesses, and every Director interviewed felt the NED contribution undoubtedly added value to the firm, with most believing the NED role helped improve profitability.

The key differentiator between a family business and other private sector companies tends to be the breadth of experience round the Boardroom table. A family firm often grows organically and family members who join may not have benefited from working in another company or from specific training in running a business. While this isn’t of itself a handicap to business success, it can result in a narrower view, which could limit growth potential.

And that’s exactly where an independent, NED can add value to a family business.

Strategy

Strategy formulation was considered one of the most important roles a NED plays. Directors often get caught up in the day to day management of the company so an independent outsider with time to devote to developing a strategic plan can be extremely valuable.

A NED can act as mentor providing ‘wise counsel’ to the executives, particularly the Managing Director, offering a ‘shoulder to cry on’ and providing advice from someone who understands the business but is not involved in day-to-day operations.

Challenge and credibility

When it comes to Boardroom decision making, sometimes it takes an outsider to challenge the decisions a Board is making, and to question the potential impact on the health of the company. This is why the NED needs to maintain their independence. It is worth noting that the majority of respondents in the IoD research stated that the NEDs had helped them greatly by forcing them to arrive at decisions faster, ‘pushing them over the final hurdle’.

The presence of a respected and competent NED on a Board helps enhance the company’s reputation and credibility; which is particularly beneficial when it comes to sourcing external financing. A competent NED will also keep the Board right on issues of good governance.

Finding your NED

I’ve referred several times to independence and competence. These qualities should be at the forefront of your mind when you are looking for a non-executive director for the family Board. You also need to think about the gaps in the current Board’s experience, knowledge and contacts.

It might be easy just to approach a family friend or your old bank manager, for example, but the choice of a NED should be considered with the company’s strategy in mind. If, say, you’ve never exported and want to grow the business in that way, you’ll want someone with experience of overseas markets. Or if the company has grown quickly but your structure and governance procedures haven’t changed, then a NED who has the IoD’s Chartered Director qualification will have the necessary experience and skills.

IoD Northern Ireland’s NED Register already contains the biographies of over 30 potential NEDs. Everyone included has undertaken training in good governance, many are Chartered Directors or hold the IoD Diploma in Company Direction, and all are committed to continuing professional development. Find out more about the Register at www.iodni.com/the-ned-register IoD can also identify potential NEDs not on the Register if you can’t see anyone with the experience you need.

Finance for Non-Finance Directors - Bristol 15 September 2016

 NED Training  1 Response »
Aug 232016
 

As a director how comfortable are you with company finance?

financial-documents1000

Are you confident in your ability to understand the three core elements of Management Accounts:

  • Cash Flow?
  • Profit and Loss (or Income and Expenditure)?
  • Balance Sheet?

Do you understand Forecast/Budget, Actuals and Variance reports?

Do you know how to use Key Ratios to evaluate your company's performance?

Do you know if you are trading whilst insolvent?

This half-day course will provide the essential knowledge of those key financial issues and concepts that are needed by successful Executive and Non-Executive Directors in order to discharge their duties and responsibilities as a company director. The completion of this course will provide a good grasp of the key elements of Management Accounts and Statutory Financial Accounts. It will also provide a sound theoretical financial knowledge base upon which to build and acquire new and more advanced financial skills.

Who should attend?

Executive and Non-Executive Directors, senior executives or aspiring directors looking to understand more about company finance.

Course Content

  • The Three Key Financial Statements
    • Cash Flow Statements: Importance of cash flow and Impact of credit and credit control, Problems affecting cash flow, Dealing with Debtors and Creditors
    • Profit & Loss Account, Types of profit, and Layout & use of the profit & loss account
    • Balance Sheets: Assets; Liabilities; Net current assets, capital employed and how to interpret the information;
  • Revenue and Capital Expenditure
    • What are Capital and Revenue Expenditure
    • Phasing of capital spend and its Implications for budget holders
  • Depreciation; Assets and liabilities
    • What is Depreciation?
    • The Different types and uses
  • Forecasts and Budgets
    • The purpose of forecasts for the business
    • Budget objectives
    • Budgetary Control as a management tool
    • Variance analysis
  • Using Ratios to Support Investment Decisions
    • Return on Capital Employed (ROCE); Payback; Internal Rate of Return (IRR); Net Present Value of assets (NPV)
    • Investment decisions and Return on Investment (ROI); Cost of capital
    • Gearing, is the level of borrowing too risky?
    • Liquidity, could the company hit cash flow problems?
    • Profitability, how well is the company doing?

Learning Objectives

This half-day course enables participants to understand better, the key attributes and approaches that underpin a strategic and tactical financial approach to management and help to develop the key skills and styles that will allow participants to be more effective when adopting and applying a decision making approach to management.

By the end of this training course participants will be better able to:

  • Read, analyse and interpret any set of Financial Statements, including the Balance Sheet, the Profit & Loss Account and the Cash Flow statements
  • Understand and quantify the impact of the fundamental accounting concepts and the chosen policies upon any set of accounts
  • Recognise and understand the underlying impact of the generally accepted accounting principles and policies on any Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
  • Understand the key differences between statutory published accounts and the internal monthly management accounts
  • Identify and discuss the key financial issues facing an organisation
  • Understand the wider commercial impact of any business decision and its interaction with non-financial aspects of the organisation, enabling you to make a better contribution to key discussions and decision making amongst managers and within the organisation
  • Understand the basics of budgets and the implementation of budgeting processes
  • Value any business using commonly used and widely accepted valuation techniques such as Net Asset Value, Enterprise Value and EBITDA
  • Communicate more effectively and easily with Finance Directors, and other Finance professionals; through an in depth understanding of financial terminology, management and evaluation techniques.

Course Leader:
David Doughty CDir FIoD

The course is delivered by David Doughty, a Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. See his LinkedIn profile here:

Key Details

Duration: 1/2 day
13:00 - 16:30
Location:
Orchard Street Business Centre
14 Orchard Street
Bristol BS1 5EH

Price
£170.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price £160.00 (ex VAT)
Partner Discount Price £150.00 (ex VAT)*

Book Now

To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration

The fee includes refreshments and a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 3 verifiable CPD hours of structured learning which count towards the requirements of most business focussed institutes, including the Institute of Directors, the Institute of Consulting, the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and many others.  After successful completion of the course, you will receive an electronic Certificate confirming that you have successfully completed the course, detailing the outcomes and results.

*Discounts on Excellencia course fees are available for:

Director Essentials

The Great British Workforce Revolution conference - London 3 June 2015

 Events  No Responses »
May 142015
 

Going it alone as an Independent Director

GBRThe Great British Workforce Revolution conference is a must-attend event for Independent Directors, value-added Business Angels and cashed-out entrepreneurs who are interested in finding out how to prosper in the ever-evolving Independent Executive recruitment landscape.

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In light of the recent discovery that nearly half of the UK working population are not full-time employees - thus being left almost entirely to find their own work and their own contracts - this Conference aims to understand, explore and seek out the opportunities available to this increasingly popular dynamic of independent working.

The Great British Workforce Revolution conference is the only live event in the UK focused on bringing hundreds of senior level executives together in one day and in one place, alongside the key influencers in the executive recruitment industry. Come along to hear from industry experts, gain educational insight, participate in exciting debates, enjoy quality networking and hear from some excellent keynote speakers.

This year's event will be taking place on 3rd June at Dexter House, No 2 Royal Mint Court, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4QN.

Take a look around our event website, and please do get in touch if you would like to find out more about the 2015 Workforce Revolution, or visit our registration page to BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!

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This year we are offering the option to purchase a 1:1 consultation with a Russam GMS Principal in addition to your ticket. This session may include CV help, career planning, sourcing NED and Trustee work, and/or an introduction to Interim Management work.

£25 of the ticket price for these consultation sessions will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. This charity directly supports cutting edge research to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Agenda

The Great British Workforce Revolution - 3rd June, 9.00am-5.00pm

9.00

REGISTRATION, NETWORKING & BREAKFAST

9.30

 Introductions from Chair of the Day - MODWENNA REES-MOGG

9.40

 Welcome from Headline Sponsor - STEVE GILROY, CEO of Vistage

9.50

 Opening Keynote Speaker - ROS ALTMANN

10.05

 Special Debate 1: The next 20 years - your time, your opportunity

How are you going to maximise your opportunities in the next two decades?  In this vital debate you will learn from the experts how to make the most money and get the highest levels of satisfaction from your work and why a plural or portfolio career can be the best way to both earn and build wealth.

Panel: Stuart Lucas (Asset Match)

10.55

 COFFEE BREAK

11.15

 We need you! – 5 minute presentations from SME's looking to hire senior level expertise

11.35

 Special engagement session with VISTAGE: From Success to Significance - Practical Steps to Build Your Portfolio Career

With a revolution taking place in the world of work it's critical people know what they want from their next career stage and how to get it. This session will give you some practical advice that can help you on the way to achieving greater career satisfaction - whatever you're looking to do next.

12.25

 Special Debate 2: Passport to Export

It's not only British goods that are global brands.  Our senior management skills are too. Never have British interims, consultants and C level directors been more in demand outside the UK, picking up the most lucrative contracts acros the globe.  In this special session led by Jason Atkinson of Russam GMS we will reveal where the most exciting opportunities are to be found and how to win them for yourself.

13.00

 LUNCH & NETWORKING

14.10

 Introductions from Chair of the Day

14.15

 Keynote Speaker

14.35

 Special Debate 3: £2,000 Tuesdays; £5,000 Fridays

Experts from the world of investment will explain how to generate an income of between £2,000 and £5,000 a day to replace the money you would otherwise have earned from working

Panel: Camilla Shaughnessy (Eventful Stays), Alex Stephany (JustPark), Mattioli Woods

15.15

 Interview

15.35

 COFFEE BREAK

15.50

 Audience Discussion: What's wrong with my CV?

In the past your cv counted for everything, but in today’s rapidly changing world where references may not be taken up (after all you have been checked out on LinkedIn(!)) this interactive session will discuss how you position yourself so that you can maximise your earning potential through having the right attitude, degree of enthusiasm and level of commitment to your future employer. 

Panel: David Burdon (Simply Clicks)

16.10

 Special Debate 4: Board not bored - where the best executive and non executive opportunities will be found for high flyers

Experts from leading head hunters will share with you the tips and techniques you should be using to guarantee yourself a successful board level career. There will be a special focus on issues such as quoted vs unquoted board positions and the role a Charity Trusteeship will play in your portfolio.

Panel: Tom Attenborough (London Stock Exchange), Oliver Woolley (Envestors)

16.50

 Special Debate 5:  Cracking Venture Capital

With some of the best opportunities for experienced executives coming from the Venture Capital community, in this debate we will discuss everything from becoming a candidate that VCs or their portfolio companies want to hire, through to how to raise funding for a business you are working in. 

17.30

 Closing Keynote Speaker - KRESSE WESLING

17.45

 END OF CONFERENCE, START OF DRINKS RECEPTION  

18.00

 CLOSE

 

London ‘Pitching for Management’ at Nabarro

 Events  No Responses »
Mar 142014
 

pitching for management

Get involved with an exciting new business at Pitching for Management on Tuesday, 25 March 2014 from 18:00 to 21:30 (GMT)

Nabarro LLP
84 Theobalds Road
WC1X 8RW London
United Kingdom
View Map

Attend Event

ROLES ANNOUNCED

  • The sector we work in is Advertising, more specifically Experiential Marketing. We are looking for someone(s) who can help us grow the business through hands on advice (not a full time requirement) but industry contacts and the opportunity to bring in business is most important.
  • A Company with a new and engaging approach to learning emotional intelligence knowledge and insights using bite sized interactive modules. Each module includes 'mini drama' videos demonstrating how to deal with everyday workplace people challenges. This exciting and fast growing e-learning business are seeking to fill two roles to help them grow the business: 
    1. Marketing Head to develop a marketing plan and help execute it, primarily to:
      • Develop the value proposition for distributors
      • Raise awareness of the business in their market
      • Develop the company proposition for the US
    2. Technical Head/architect to create and build platform to deliver existing and new products.

    Working at their offices in Basingstoke and remotely the package can be a mix of sweat equity, commission and or exit fee.

  • We are creating the first premium brand craft distillery in the heart of Oxford City. The distillery complex will include a bar and restaurant and we will be using a locally grown 2000 year old organic Rye to ferment and distill our alcohol. (Vodka, Gin & Rye Whiskey) This will be a sustainable business and all the spent grain (still full of nutrition) will be picked up by local organic farmers each week to be used as animal feed. They in turn will give us preferential rates and cuts on the meat which will be used in our restaurant. With 9.5 million visitors to the city every year, our primary income in the first 2 years will be via distillery tours. At this time we are looking for a very cool GM to help us pull together the company structure, apply for licenses set up accounting systems and help us set achievable goals etc. I am interested in finding a great structured organiser who is a team player with possible background in hospitality, drink and luxury goods sectors. I am happy to consider all strong proposals. There is a budget for a wage from September, plus I will look at rev share and equity for the right person.

Click here for more information on all of the roles.

Book your ticket now so you don't miss out

At these events, exciting start-up and early-stage companies present their businesses to a room of individuals with the right skills to help them reach their next stage of growth. The roles available range from sales, marketing and finance board positions to mentorships, chair, CEO and non-executive director positions.

The roles on offer can be full or part time. Some offer paid remuneration and all packages offer additional rewards such as sweat equity, share options, commissions and bonuses.

If you think you could make a significant difference to a fast-growing company, then this is the event for you. The networking is also highly recommended.

Agenda

18.00 : Registration & soft drinks

18.30 : Introductions Modwenna Rees-Mogg & Nabarro

18.35 : Speaker - Heather White - Non-Exec Hub

18.40 : Pitching Companies

19.10 : Break

19.20 : Speaker - Marks & Clerk

19.25 : Pitching Companies

20.00 : Networking and nibbles

21.30 : Finish

Non-Executive Director sought for early-stage fast growing and ambitious curated marketplace

 NED Vacancies  No Responses »
Feb 282014
 

Seek & Adore is looking for a strong retail Non-Executive Director to join the board and support our ambitious plans

non-executive directorThis is a great opportunity to work with a talented, passionate team, guiding them to deliver strong growth, prioritise and introduce new revenue streams and prepare for a trade sale in five years. Retail experience is preferred, together with a generous approach to sharing your contact book and opening doors. This is a non-salaried role with equity offered for results.

Role Outline

Seek & Adore is looking for a strong retail Non-Executive Director to join the board and support our ambitious plans by:

  • providing guidance and direction, particularly with regards to the development of pop-up retail opportunities
  • acting as a door-opener to help complete an investment round and build strategic brand partnerships
  • identifying and assessing opportunities for new revenue streams
  • preparing the company for a trade sale in 2018
  • advising on corporate governance

To be considered for this role, it is likely that you will:

  • have developed a start-up from through a period of significant change and growth
  • have experience of delivering high business growth on a tight budget
  • be interested in the world of ecommerce and have first-hand experience of different retail models
  • A skilled coach and mentor
  • be hands-on and enjoy a creative, entrepreneurial vibe!

To find out more, or to apply to be considered for the role, please contact:
Hatty Fawcett, Founder
[email protected]
07931 400740

What should Non-Executive Directors focus on?

 Opinion  No Responses »
Oct 072013
 

At a time when businesses need to focus on growth why is it that most Non-Executive Directors see their primary role as something else?

Growth businesses need contacts, funding, relationships, coaching, governance, risk management and more. Which of these do or could non-executive directors provide to businesses?

By Bryan Foss and Alison Bond

non-executive director

A recent mini-survey of non-executive directors and CEOs provides at least some insight, but what do the findings mean for what businesses have achieved? What should boards do differently in future when selecting, using and perhaps moving on their non-exec board members? Are non-execs valuable or a costly distraction for a growth business?

Our survey respondees were about 60% ‘primarily Non-Executive Directors and 30% Executives with a Non-Executive Director role, with the final 10% representing prospective Non-Executive Directors, so a very experienced and representative group.

We were initially surprised to see that Non-Executive Directors rated their contribution to the organisations they serve highest on Governance, challenge and risk reduction, which could be considered supportive, or perhaps constraining, in different circumstances. Growth and mentoring came firmly second, with Stability and cost reduction to follow, then finally contacts and funding contributions as the lowest self-ratings.

The respondees considered that the CEO’s they work with have very similar views of the experienced priorities of challenge, governance, risk reduction, growth, mentoring, stability, cost reduction, contacts and funding as delivered by the Non-Executive Directors that they work with.

This tells us that:

  • Non-Executive Directors already know (and are quite comfortable with) their prime time being spent in areas that constrain the business rather than those that grow the business
  • Board and executives are not happy that Non-Executive Directors contribute with sufficient priority in areas such as contacts, funding and growth, but appear to keep replacing their Non-Executive Directors using the same appointment approaches and criteria, expecting things somehow to improve
  • Those businesses that need Non-Executive Director support with growth issues will need to develop different ways to find, brief and engage with new Non-Executive Directors to achieve their goals.

We find these points very worrying. Shareholders expect growth from their investments and Non-Executive Directors are accountable to shareholders. Thinking about the status quo which currently exists in Non-Executive Director appointments, if organisations persist in the current strategy all we will have are stolid, inward looking organisations intent on protecting themselves. This certainly isn't an attitude that matches well with many stages of a company’s growth development and not only will this fail to inspire investors but will stymie talent and innovation and create no new wealth, with all the associated issues this will cause.

Alternatively Non-Executive Directors will be marginalised and ignored as the CEO drives the business to their personal strategy and for the short term, without the board’s proper engagement. Seeing challenge wrapped around governance and risk reduction would make something which could be a positive into a negative. The kind of challenge which aligns with a focus on governance and risk reduction is bound to be inward looking and to an extent judgemental, rather than supportive of the measured risks which drive assured growth and rewards.

After six years of economic constriction organisations need to be looking outward and onwards; at growth and connections, at creativity and developing free thinking. The decade of command and control needs to be replaced with a more empirical and outward focus.

Where the winners will be those who make a positive and visible difference, clearly they have to follow the rules, but that has to be hygiene factor now and not a goal. Any organisation that has to pay people to be on their board just to ensure the rest of the board keeps to the rules has not learnt the lessons of the last decade and will surely be punished for such negligence of opportunity.

Now is the time to use all that has happened to make a difference, to show the market what good really looks like and to build on that to bring the team with them. It is going to need a new look at decision making and possibly some new faces as Non-Executive Directors. It is vital that the last ten years of lessons have not been in vain. To keep looking for those mistakes at the top of organisations rather than at future possibility is frankly missing the point and also the value
of positive governance.

As one respondent commented on the opportunity provided by a well-chosen Non-Executive Director,

‘NEDs bring experience without an agenda and, if the Exec team embrace that without being
threatened, they can access a wealth of support, both personally and commercially’

Bryan Foss & Alison Bond

Bryan Foss is an independent board level advisor, business author, non-executive director
and visiting professor with Bristol Business School.

Alison Bond is an expert researcher and director of www.thehaloworks.com whose aim is to
help the people in their client boards and businesses to be the best that they can.

Oxford ‘Pitching for Management’ at Critchleys Tuesday, 8 October 2013

 Events, NED Vacancies  1 Response »
Oct 032013
 

Find your next role at the latest Pitching for Management event in Oxford on 8 October 2013 at 5.00pm - 8.30pm.

P4M

At these events, exciting start-up and entrepreneurial businesses present their companies and the roles available to a room of senior quality business professionals. The roles on offer range from sales, marketing and finance board positions to mentorships, chair, CEO and non-executive director positions.

The roles can be full or part time. Some offer paid remuneration and all packages offer additional rewards such as sweat equity, share options, commissions and bonuses.

If you think you could make a significant difference to a fast-growing company, then this is the event for you. The networking is also highly recommended.

ROLES ANNOUNCED - these are just two of the exciting businesses that will be pitching

  1. Innovative Sports Centre which is growing fast and popular in the busy Bristol Centre is urgently seeking help with funding applications and with good contacts and experience within the Leisure/Sports industry.  Ideally an NED role with a tailored package on offer when future investment is secured, full or part-time within the South West area.  A young enthusiastic team with a new approach to fitness which is motivating and refreshing are keen to expand the business
  2. We bring to market an inclusive Online Bank, leveraging new payment technologies to deliver an innovative and holistic portfolio of highly competitive financial services. We provide clear money management advice and simple affordable banking services for the nine million private individuals in the UK who do not have full access to mainstream financial services. The founders are now looking toidentify an executive leadership team with the vision and business acumen to establish an enduring brand and build a high growth and high value Online Bank. Following completion of the first round of funding, expected within 90 -120 days, remuneration offered will  include Salary, Bonus, Equity and executive level benefits to attract and retain the best and motivate great individual and team performances. The opportunity is to write the future of the financial services market

Agenda

17.00 : Registration & soft drinks

17.30 : Introductions Modwenna Rees-Mogg

17.35:  Welcome from our hosts at Critchleys

17.40 : Guest Speaker

17.45 : Pitching Companies

18.15 : Break

18.25 : Guest Speaker

18.30 : Pitching Companies

19.00:  Networking and nibbles

20.30:  Finish

Hope to see you there.  If you are interested in pitching at one of the events, please call the AngelNews team on 01761 452248. 

Book your place now by clicking this link

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