Category: Business Spotlight

In 2019, Seven Investment Management (7IM) welcomed Investment Management CEO of the Year 2023 – London awardee Dean Proctor into the role, based off of his 25 years of direct experience and true passion for the industry. 7IM was established more than two decades ago back in 2002, driven by the goal of helping individuals, families, and advisers to efficiently manage their capital in order to fulfil all financial needs and aspirations. From the beginning to today, this has been achieved through an ethos that focuses on listening to what it is that clients want, and then tailoring these services to fulfil those specific needs. We have the pleasure of catching up with Dean, who tells us more about his career, experiences, and successes within the investment sector.

7IM has established a stellar name for itself within the investment and wealth management sector, and in just over 20 years of operating, has proudly amassed more than £23 billion in client assets. Just like every business, 7IM has its financial metrics, and the company starts out each year with a business plan and the necessary goals to reach these. The finished result is the output of a team’s effort, but for CEO Dean Proctor, it is the input that a company should concentrate its efforts on. He explains, “it’s important to have the right culture, values, and behaviours, of which you want yourself and your colleagues to embody, and we’ve done a lot of work with that over the last few years.”

Dean understands all too well just how varied the role of CEO can be but recognises that at the heart of the position is a responsibility to direct the firm and provide leadership, as well as operating at all times with a high degree of accountability. The emphasis, however, should be on helping all parties, whether these be clients or colleagues, on a daily basis, fully understanding the company’s purpose and giving the relevant direction to help it in the achieving of its aims. Taking over directly from the founders, it was initially difficult to navigate this period of change, but more than four years later, Dean is proud to be in a position where his colleagues are driving the change and leading from the front.

Leadership style is often something that evolves with time, and this is certainly the case with Dean, who explains, “I suspect when I first entered management roles, I was probably a little bit more directive than I am now.” This does not mean that he has sacrificed on any of his values, though, and Dean remains as driven now as ever. “I like the idea of 7IM being the best company in our space. I like the idea of it being the best place for colleagues to work  and clients to entrust their money with.” Aiding the company in achieving this aim is something called “Vision, Purpose, Values, and Personality (VPVPs)”, something which 7IM’s colleagues collectively built and continue to live by.

The company serves both B2B and B2C clients, with 7IM’s B2C offerings focusing primarily on private client work, having a network comprising more than 6,000 private clients, whereas its B2B services consist of a range of intermediary solutions that are designed to support the c. 6,000 financial advice firms, and their financial planners, in the UK. Even though these services are primarily intangible, Dean is determined for the firm to successfully demonstrate its ability to differentiate. He elaborates, “you can differentiate in many ways, but for us, one of the key things is to make sure that our people are fully equipped and of the highest quality to deliver to our customers the outcomes and experiences that they would expect.”

At present, many of the issues that 7IM is facing stem from the fallout of global and macroeconomics, impacting everyone living in the UK. These include such areas as the cost-of-living crisis, a reduction in the disposable income of people, and increases in interest rates, with this trio combining to have a massive effect. The market has also faced its fair share of difficulties, and whether this be the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic or some of the international events taking place at present, there are rightful concerns about what the future of the market may look like.

It is for these reasons that Dean and the team strive to constantly provide a clear proposition that takes all of these contingencies into account. Dean eloquently explains, “after a relatively benign decade, that last two to four years have been far from that”, with massive changes in the landscape being felt as a result. An increase in demand has been apparent, especially in the digital sphere, with people aiming to access their wealth, view their portfolio, and have access to guidance and support on a 24/7 basis. Technology thus needs to change at an increasingly faster rate to keep up with this demand.

Moreover, regulation is too an area where change is being felt, with this ever-evolving field requiring extensive management time to understand and ensure that the most up-to-date policies are present across the business and its practices. Last but not least in painting a relevant picture of where the financial services space is at the moment is competitiveness, with this nature driving increasingly disruptive behaviour. For Dean, this results in “better customer proposition, product, and outcomes. So, when things come together, you generally see an industry that is involved in some pretty rapid innovative change.”

Looking ahead to the next 12 months and even further beyond, 7IM is currently preparing for completion of a sale, with its current majority owner Caledonia Investments PLC having agreed to a sell to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, an investor on a global scale, that, pending approval, will become the firm’s majority owner in the near future. With this sale comes new opportunities for growth and development, yet Dean remains clear that, “our focus is always on our clients, to make sure we are delivering the service and performance levels that we aspire to for those clients.” It is thus an exciting time for Dean and the team, and it will be a great achievement for them to secure a new majority shareholder that is sure to support the firm’s strategic ambitions.

As for his career specifically, Dean has no plans to go anywhere for this next chapter in 7IM’s story and is both excited and committed in the continual carrying out of his duties. A fan of management and strategy books, Dean is always seeking out new ways to implement what he has learned, as well as learning through observation, recognising the work done by other great leaders in the industry. Dean continues, “I’m naturally a bit of a change agent. […] I believe leadership has a responsibility to keep driving positive change to ensure better outcomes.” In summary, Dean tells us, “there’s nothing better than knowing you’re doing right by your colleagues and your clients.”

Ultimately, 7IM is a unique firm, providing clients with the necessary advice and plans to meet their goals, with the services and solutions for advisers and planners to make their businesses more efficient, delivering the best possible outcomes overall. With plans to significantly invest in cutting-edge technology, the next few years are sure to be as pioneering for the firm as these first 20, and with Dean Proctor at the helm, trusted and long-standing relationships are sure to be formed, the digital age and all of its avenues fully embraced, and clients left happy and confident with their choice. For these reasons, Dean is more than worthy of this award, and we wish him and everyone at 7IM the best of luck for the future.

For business enquiries, contact Dean Proctor from 7IM on their website – https://www.7im.co.uk/

Supporting clients in over thirty industries across both the UK and Europe alike, Performa IT is a registered salesforce consulting partner that has long since recognised the value of bespoke approaches. As opposed to a reseller, it sees itself as a tailor who intricately adapts salesforce to the specific requirements of each client. Guided by CEO Ben Coleman, proud holder of the title of Most Influential Salesforce Software CEO 2023 – UK, Performa IT has overseen client prosperity in droves.

Since its inception, Performa IT has been providing essential services and salesforce solutions to clients from all walks of life. Often regarded as a one-stop-shop library of services, from implementation and integration to support, training, and digital transformation, the collective truly embodies the very meaning of service provision. Performa IT is a strong believer in the notion that its product is its people, and has therefore built its foundation around support, positivity, and togetherness both within and outside of its internal working structure.

In order to deliver steadfast Salesforce services to clients, Performa IT recognised that, first and foremost, it must foster the brilliance of its staff. Spearheaded by CEO Ben Coleman, the collective boasts a working environment that’s simply brimming with opportunity. At every turn, each individual member of the team is presented with the chance to develop their innate skillsets in new and exciting ways, ultimately leading to a resounding brilliance that’s woven into the very fabric of the company. Learning and developing are the values that underpin Performa IT – ones that, in their own right, have served to help the business prosper.

Fostered and nurtured by none other than Ben Coleman himself, Performa IT’s empowering internal structure has paved the way for many forms of excellence. However, to best realise just how this came to be, we must delve into Ben’s personal approach to leading. And what an approach it is – Performa IT operates with a horizontal leading structure that has drastically evolved since its initial inception. Within which, Ben leverages over two decades of industry experience to guide each staff member through their own personal journeys. Imbuing them with specialist insights, while supporting their growth, is where Ben flourishes as CEO, leading to a collective of constantly growing individuals.

Clearly, Ben has spent his years honing his leadership style in order to reach the point he finds himself at today. Now, he’s surrounded by passionate people who are each continuously improving themselves for the betterment of both their work and personal lives. As such, clients greatly benefit from engaging with a collective of exceptionally skilled individuals. Ben even goes as far to express that – “Every member of our team loves what they do, and puts tremendous amounts of effort and care into delivering the best support for our clients. We could not be happier with the dedication and hard work of our colleagues, and seek to compensate this devotion with rewarding career opportunities and continued professional development.”

Combined with Ben’s passion for maintaining an outstanding level of corporate social responsibility, Performa IT has become a safe space for clients and colleagues alike. From becoming a certified carbon neutral collective, to earning itself recognition for being a disability confident employer, Performa IT has demonstrated an unapologetic love for being the right thing for the right people. Under Ben Coleman’s watchful eye, the company has managed to succeed in astounding ways, fundamentally resulting in what we see today. Not only does it have an award-winning CEO guiding it, but Performa IT also boasts a strong workforce that will surely continue to oversee its success in the years to come.

For business enquiries, contact Performa IT via email – [email protected] or on their website – https://www.performa-it.co.uk/

With more than seven years of CEO experience under his belt, Donation Platform CEO of the Year 2023 – Canada Josh Bloomfield heads up Givecloud, a human-first tech company that serves to empower nonprofit organisations across the world, utilising pioneering fundraising solutions that not only change, but enhance, interaction with a brand, resulting in delighted donors that are proud to advocate for a cause and donate generously to it. Bolstered by world-class technology and a stellar, dedicated workforce, Givecloud achieves profit goals while putting the fun back in fundraising. Josh tells us more about this noble cause and the triumphs that have led to him receiving this title.

At the very heart of Givecloud is an ambitious team who possess a shared desire to do their best work alongside like-minded individuals who do the same, ultimately contributing to making the world a better place. As CEO Josh Bloomfield aptly puts it, “great people, helping great people, do great things.” It is the overarching ambition of the team to make the dream of a world where nonprofits are free to focus all of their time and efforts on making a true impact into reality, using state-of-the-art online software to streamline the fundraising efforts of such organisations, raising their profits, building effective, lasting donor relationships, and keeping their resources focused solely on the mission by handling the rest.  

Despite being immensely proud to head up this operation, Josh has never been a huge fan of the idea of leadership, a concept that seems to have followed around his whole life, as the eldest child, frontman of a band, and the most outgoing member of his faith community. As he explains, “I was well into my early 30’s by the time leadership transformed from a weight I carried on my shoulders to a gift I cherished. I began to see the difference I could make in the lives of others – being able to see treasures in others they couldn’t see themselves and nurture that treasure.” When one possesses qualities such as this, people have a habit of following.

It was 2017 when Josh was faced with somewhat of an ultimatum, start a company, or become a minister. Through the latter, Josh believed he would be trapped within his local community, unable to fulfil his ambitions of making a limitless impact, something that both thrilled and terrified him in equal measure. On the back of limited business experience, having worked jobs in everything from government grant management to enterprise commerce, grocery supply chains, and property appraisal services, a range of tech and market experience would become the foundation that Givecloud was built atop of. Whilst Josh was used to relying on himself, it was the relying on other people that initially troubled him.

Josh tells us, “if Givecloud has taught me anything, it’s that the most fulfilling and sustainable business success comes not at the cost of people, but for the sake of people.” Today, Givecloud has an internal culture that prizes true care – for customers and each other. This new foundation quickly replaced Josh’s experience and is stronger and more stable foundation to build from, as it seeps into the company’s values in a way that a poster on the wall or a training manual never could, it is in the heart of the team now and a necessity for every subsequent team member that will be hired. Josh explains, “it bleeds into our customer interactions, into our product, into our code, into our partnerships, into everything we do.”

This makes Givecloud special, but it is not the only way that this company has distinguished itself, with key emphasis being placed on what can only be called an obsession when it comes to providing the premier donor experience. Across the space, many of the competitors the business faces are focused solely on facilitating an online transaction. Things are a little different at Givecloud, as Josh describes. “Our passion lies in the nuance of creating online experiences that really connect with the heart of the donor. A delighted donor is a more devoted donor. A devoted donor donates more, donates quicker, donates again, and tells their community about it.”

Central to this passion is the aforementioned team, with everything reverting back to integrity, hard work, and initiative. When it comes to what is expected, Josh admits that an almost impossible balance has to be struck – “a grit to do their best work, a humility to grow, and a deep care for our customers and their co-workers.” For Josh, “seeing and helping others do their best work, whether it’s a co-worker or customer, amplifies a sense of deeper purpose. The outcome is we build a better product, drive higher profits, […] invest in people.” Through this commitment, a pecking order has been solidified that puts people first. People, product, profit is an ethos that Josh and the team remain steadfast in their commitment to.

Operating within the fundraising sector is not easy however, and with many nonprofits being operated by ambitious individuals with plans to change the world, feed the hungry, heal the sick, and so on, it seems almost counter-intuitive that society makes these individuals beg for money from those in suits. Oftentimes, those who provide their money to such organisations expect regular updates on how this money has made as a difference, hindering the owners of such nonprofits who work tirelessly to try and execute the core mission of their organisation.

Trying to remedy these issues is a challenge that the team face constantly, and something that can be achieved to an impressive degree by Givecloud’s patented Causemos technology. Technology of this calibre has allowed donors to donate to causes with confidence, while simultaneously empowering the organisation to use a process of social fidelity (leveraging such indispensable elements as social media channels) to verify a donor’s impact, ensuring the donor feels a connection and that they have truly made a difference to the cause.

A programmer by trade, Josh has relished the opportunity to create and hone such technology, but other elements of running the business have certainly taken him some getting used to. He tells us, “learning how to lead, trust, and empower others has been a challenge – especially when they’re far more seasoned at their trade than myself. It’s been very uncomfortable hiring senior leaders, from lofty companies like Shopify, Blackberry, and Lightspeed, then feeling the pressure to live up to the standards of leadership and execution they’re accustomed to.”

Of course, it has been essential for Josh to do so, so what is it that has spurred him on in this mission to lead a team towards doing their best across the board? He tells us, “humbly coming to terms with the immeasurable value in my unique vision of the world, in my hopefully optimistic vision for people and my impossibly ambitious vision for our product has unlocked my confidence to lead with clarity and conviction.” Josh continues, “being really clear on where I’m strong, however uncomfortable that might be to embrace, and where I’m weak, which is easier for me, helps me leverage the strength of others.”

This is something that is being worked on continuously by Josh and looking ahead to the next 12 months of not only Givecloud but his own career, there is an emphasis on learning and improving, with Josh seeking to empower those around him to eventually outshine him, fostering a bright future for nonprofits and Givecloud alike. Moreover, as Josh has discovered over the course of his career, it is vital to seek out entrepreneurs who fully understand the value of a tech-enabled business strategy, and he has been blessed to have a had the opportunity to work alongside such firms, as well as honing his personal development by working closely with his faith community.

It was his wife that inspired Josh Bloomfield to start his own business, suggesting he focus on helping an entirely ill-resourced market apart from just one ill-resourced entrepreneur at a time. Building off of the network he had formed and the knowledge he had, this would be no easy feat and no overnight task. Today, Josh seeks to embody the same “slow and steady wins the race attitude” that has been there since the beginning when this idea was planted. Even as it expands, Givecloud remains, “focused on values; focused on making the world a better place; [and finally] focused on seeing others flourish.

For business enquiries, contact Josh Bloomfield from Givecloud on their website – https://givecloud.com/

Based in Hull, DataFlowIQ is a software company dedicated to driving the digitalisation of manufacturing companies by providing them with an easy-to-use digital infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with their processes. The company is headed by skilled IT professional Craig Douglas, CEO, who has been named API & Data Integration CEO of the Year, East Yorkshire, in the CEO of the Year Awards 2023. Here, we speak to him to find out more about DataFlowIQ.

Having served as the backbone of the world’s economies for centuries, the manufacturing industry is no stranger to transformation. It has been forced to adapt and evolve continuously in order to keep up with the endless developments in automation, labour practices, and technologies. With digitalisation on the rise, it seems that data and analytics may be the next agent of change in manufacturing.

With over 15 years of experience in its field, DataFlowIQ offers a holistic suite of digital services that manufacturers can utilise to seamlessly incorporate technology into their processes. For example, it offers a next-generation integration platform designed to empower factories with efficiency and innovation. Through this user-friendly, affordable, and effective solution, the company facilitates sustainable manufacturing practices through optimised processes, resource utilisation, and machine energy monitoring.

With DataFlowIQ, clients can leverage integration options for almost any scenario, including OData, REST, SOAP, Excel/CSV via Email/SFTP, HTTPS scraping, MQTT, AMQP, OPC, and SQL. This enables them to seamlessly connect their systems, services, and data. From cloud platforms to on-premise, from IoT devices to PLCs emailing CSVs, and from Databases to SFTP, the platform makes it easier for clients to manage and control their manufacturing processes and operations.

Moreover, with DataFlowIQ’s integrated database, clients can compile their business data into a single managed data store. This allows them to easily gain insights into their operations and inform their decisions by connecting Business Intelligence platforms or integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning tools with this database.

Lastly, DataFlowIQ allows clients to view their operational data in real-time from anywhere in the world. They can do this through web dashboards, on their phones, or on live screens in their factories, call centres, sales floors, and any other KPI driven team environments. The platform also sends alerts by email and SMS. On top of this, it can connect to physical signal towers and control buttons, enabling clients to gain visibility like never before.

As CEO of DataFlowIQ, Craig Douglas is tasked with spearheading the company’s mission to empower manufacturers with scalable and robust digital backbones, enabling seamless integration, real-time insights, and a platform for innovation and optimisation. He shares, “Our industry outlook emphasises the strategic use of IIoT, integration solutions, and advanced data analysis to optimise operational workflows and drive sustainable growth.”

With extensive experience in IT, software development, and managerial positions, Craig is well-equipped to lead DataFlowIQ. Throughout his career, he has orchestrated numerous multi-million-pound projects within the manufacturing sector, developing solutions and platforms for cloud-based services. Furthermore, he has led multiple technology roadmaps and worked to develop strategies for a number of large manufacturing companies, integrating and streamlining their processes. In this, he has successfully increased their turnovers from £20 million to £800 million.

“My career trajectory has been shaped by significant roles at Wren Kitchens and ilke Homes, where I orchestrated transformative technological advancements in manufacturing and construction,” Craig comments. “As CEO, I’d like to believe I embody the qualities of strategic foresight, adaptability, team leadership, and a deep-rooted understanding of the industry and customer needs. These qualities, I believe, are crucial for navigating the complexities of our dynamic industry landscape.”

Craig prides himself on his unique style of leadership that combines strategic guidance with empowerment to create a work environment centred around innovation. He also draws inspiration from the experiences that drove his own personal and professional growth, which highlighted to him the importance of open communication, collaboration, and adaptability. He believes that fostering these qualities amongst his employees enables them to effectively navigate challenges and embrace opportunities.

Furthermore, at the core of DataFlowIQ are four key values: innovation, reliability, customer-centricity, and adaptability. Firstly, Craig believes that innovation is truly the cornerstone of the company’s ethos, driving his team to constantly push boundaries and deliver groundbreaking solutions. Moreover, reliability underscores its commitment to consistency and quality in its services, whilst customer-centricity guides its team to tailor their offerings to meet clients’ unique needs.

Lastly, DataFlowIQ’s values have evolved over time to also encompass adaptability, which enables it to effectively and efficiently respond to developments in the industry. As an IT company, this is particularly important since technology is continuously advancing. To stay ahead of competitors, Craig ensures that DataFlowIQ is always engaged in research and development. He also leads the company to proactively adopt emerging technologies and customise its solutions to meet the diverse and evolving needs of manufacturers.

In recruitment, Craig seeks individuals who resonate with these values, fostering a diverse yet cohesive team. They must also fit in with the company’s culture of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. “Staff members play a pivotal role in propelling our innovation, contributing their expertise and passion to the company’s growth,” Craig explains. “To aspiring individuals, I advise cultivating a strong understanding of both technology and manufacturing, fostering curiosity, and embracing adaptability.”

For his outstanding work as CEO of DataFlowIQ, Craig has been awarded the title of API & Data Integration CEO of the Year, East Yorkshire, in the CEO of the Year Awards 2023. On the future, Craig shares, “Looking ahead, our plans for the next 12 months include an expansion into AI-driven analytics for predictive maintenance and quality capture, aiming to further optimise manufacturing processes. Additionally, we aim to enhance our integration capabilities across various manufacturing domains, ensuring a more comprehensive and seamless digital infrastructure.”

With ambitious plans, there is no doubt that Craig and his team at DataFlowIQ look towards a bright future, and we wish them the best of luck in the years to come.

For business enquiries, contact Craig Douglas from DataFlowIQ on their website – www.dataflowiq.com

Concept Yachts is a firm anchored in providing innovative, high calibre solutions and services across the maritime industry, with the company priding itself on its ability to craft cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind yachts that bring together the sophistication and elegance of traditional design with the modern technology one would expect from a modern vessel. Yacht & Marine Solutions CEO of the Year 2023 – UK awardee, Kevin Viles is at the helm of this endeavour and his duties include steering the company’s vision, driving its strategy and initiatives, and ensuring that its series of tried and tested values are present across every element of the operation. We have the pleasure of catching up with CEO and awardee Kevin, who tells us more about the business and its distinction within the industry.

Built on the four pillars of innovation, craftsmanship, sustainability, and client-centricity, Concept Yachts possesses an unbridled commitment to push boundaries, crafting vessels that radiate a meticulous attention to detail and unmatched quality, all while minimising its environmental footprint, maximising its use of eco-friendly materials, and surpassing every expectation had by its loyal client base. Since its establishment in 2003, these values have remained true, shifting to manage industry demands.

As the leader of Concept Yachts, Kevin’s style of leadership is defined by guidance and collaboration, having shifted gears from an initially directive approach through to the inclusive and participatory style that today values input from those across the business. There are multiple reasons for this stylistic evolution, such as the invaluable feedback of his fellow team members and inspiration drawn from leaders and mentors from a host of industries. Kevin’s introduction to leadership as well as having to successfully traverse the tides of the ever-changing maritime industry have necessitated this more agile, and ultimately successful, leadership approach.

This has proven necessary, as the boatbuilding team cater to a host of clients across the industry, such as luxury yacht manufacturers, shipyards, and owners who are looking for a vessel boasting exceptional craftsmanship. The approach needed in serving this array of clients is thus complex and multi-faceted, and the team distinguish themselves from the competition in three main ways, by wholly embodying expertise, flexibility, and a client-centric approach. It is the fusion of these factors which comprises Concept Yachts’ unique selling point, with this dedication positioning the business “as the premier choice for clients seeking excellence and reliability in boatbuilding team supply within the maritime sector”.

Driving this success is the team, described by Kevin as being at the “heart of our success, playing an instrumental role in shaping the firm’s achievements and reputation”. All of this hard work and dedication has nurtured an internal culture that is defined by a shared commitment to the areas of excellence, innovation, and teamwork, with Kevin expertly playing his part by reinforcing this culture, leading from the front, promoting transparency, and engaging regularly with the team to listen to their diverse perspectives and foster an entrepreneurial spirit that empowers individuals to take ownership and contribute meaningfully.

Across the industry at present, there are several challenges that have spurred on proactive and adaptable strategies, with one such example being the cyclical nature of the marine market, whereby significant periods of downturn are experienced due to a variety of factors that can impact demand. To remedy this issue, the company has expanded its services to exceed traditional yacht building, with the ‘Concept Industrial’ brand being introduced to support work on larger contracts with the defence, offshore, and renewables industries, weakening the impact of these market fluctuations. Other issues include a skills shortage and an increase in sustainability/environmental regulations, which is why diversification remains steadfast for Kevin and the team.

Throughout his tenure, Kevin’s journey as CEO has been met with both challenges and remarkable opportunities aplenty, with a particularly notable moment being the acquisition of a shipyard in Hampshire, UK, which served to significantly enhance the company’s capabilities and allow for a dedicated production space and the facilitating of smoother operations. In a similar vein, the company acquired ‘the nearly 50-year-old yacht brand’ ‘Southerly Yachts’ which enabled the tapping of a new segment and an increased customer base, and its joint venture in partnership with ‘Infinti Yachts’, bringing to the market the Infiniti Powercat 60 with the state-of-the-art dynamic stability system.

Challenges inevitably surfaced however, particularly regarding the managing of organic growth and sustaining a self-funded business model. Kevin explains, “Navigating organic growth while maintaining quality, innovation, and meeting increasing market demands has been a balancing act. The need to allocate resources efficiently and sustainably scale operations, without compromising on our core values, has been a continuous challenge.” Manoeuvring through such difficulties has aided Kevin exponentially in developing his role, as a more visionary outlook was required while guaranteeing a consistent level of operational excellence and financial security was attained.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months and beyond, a series of exciting initiatives are in the pipeline for Concepts group of companies, with a particular emphasis being placed on expanding the availability of sustainable solutions, such as the designing of next-generation, entirely electric propulsion passenger ferries as well as hybrid car ferries. These endeavours are driven by this dedication to sustainable practise, and as Kevin describes, “These vessels will not only offer eco-friendly transportation alternatives but also showcase our dedication to pioneering technology in the maritime sector.”

An increase in the undertaking of defence contracts is also set to come to fruition in 2024, with the team able to further showcase their expertise by designing and manufacturing specialised vessels, contributing immeasurably to the UK’s defence initiatives through tailored services that rigorously adhere to even the most stringent of specifications. Moreover, there are plans to open new offices in the USA and Europe, expanding Concept Yachts reach and underpinning this commitment in the areas of diversification, innovation, and sustainability.

For Kevin personally, his plans remain largely unchanged, driving growth, innovation, and stellar leadership within the business, beginning with him further deepening his knowledge of the wider sphere, staying abreast of new and exciting technologies, the trends dominating the market, and the shifts making waves within the industry. By continuing to enhance his capabilities as leader, the team is further strengthened, motivated, and plan to spearhead initiatives. Identifying new opportunities is key in solidifying the business’ position. Kevin hopes to achieve this on a global scale, exploring avenues such as international collaboration, breaching new markets, and establishing the brand on a worldwide scale.

In summary, Kevin tells us, “My aim is to continue leading Concepts Group of companies towards greater heights, leveraging my experience, expertise, and passion for the maritime industry. By driving innovation, fostering a strong team culture, and strategically positioning the company for sustained growth, I aspire to build upon our current success and pave the way for an even more impactful and prosperous future.” With this dedication in toe, Kevin Viles has solidified himself as being a worthy recipient of this award, and we wish him and the entire team at Concept Yachts the best of luck for the future, and eagerly await the innovative solutions they pioneer next.

For business enquiries, contact Kevin Viles from Concept Yachts on their website – conceptyachts.com

In early 2020, Companjon was born from scratch during the pandemic. Although a challenging time, CEO, Matthias Naumann had the opportunity to build up a company remotely. It was quite an endeavour, to say the least, and Matthias remains grateful for the support of a main investor and leading Swiss insurer who helped the company through this tough time.

Today, Companjon is a team of 65 people from 25 different nations with operations based in Dublin, Ireland, and we are delighted to be celebrating Matthias Naumann as its founder and leader. As he is named our Insurance Services CEO of the Year 2023 – Ireland, we speak to Matthias himself to learn more about his role and the company.

Who is Matthias Naumann?

Matthias Naumann is the CEO of Companjon, Europe’s up and coming insurtech that specialises in unique embedded insurance solutions. His passion for innovation and enhancing lifestyles through digitisation sparked the beginning of Companjon, an idea that brought a successful business model from Asia to the European market.

What does Companjon do?

Companjon is a leading B2B2C insurtech start-up specialising in fully digital, modern embedded insurance. Our end-to-end AI-driven insurance solutions seek to change the way people think about insurance by creating seamless and positive experiences when things in their lives don’t go as planned. We pride ourselves on building a solution that enables our business partners to be “right there when life happens”, as is our motto.

Companjon enables companies to delight their customers and drive more business value from stronger brand loyalty and new ancillary revenue opportunities. We dynamically design, build, and underwrite our innovative solutions using AI-technology on a scalable, cloud-based platform that automates the claims process and provides instant payouts. Our solutions recently earned us recognition from FinTech Global as one of the world’s most innovative insurtechs for the third consecutive year.

What is your role as CEO of Companjon?

As a CEO, I am responsible for making this company successful. Together with our team, we want to break boundaries and take Companjon – and as an insurtech, the larger insurance landscape – where no one has gone before, or as we say internally, “We are on a mission to Mars”.

My role is to make sure that my team has the freedom and motivation to take on this challenge and push boundaries to outperform. I give the people a direction but also challenge them on the outcome, give them all the levers they need to be successful.

“From the beginning, we have valued curiosity, ownership, ambition, and empowerment. These core values still fit our mission and who we are.”

What does it take to lead a start-up company?

The leader of a start-up business needs to be much closer to the people than in the traditional corporate world. Especially in our environment, you need to motivate people to be innovative and to take calculated risks. During the pandemic, we tried to channel this energy to give the people guidance and provide air cover so they could experiment without falling off the cliffs.

How has your leadership changed in the last four years since you started the company?

What we do is brand new; so in the first two years, we had to build everything from scratch. I had to do a lot by myself, as was to be expected. I was already deeply involved since I had a vision and idea of how it could work. Obviously, this has changed now with scale and a strong team who has experience, shared vision, and drive. Hence, I can focus on other things. As much as I like being involved hands-on, now I can rely on our people. Sometimes, I catch myself rolling up my sleeves, falling back into old habits.

Now with proof of the business model and our fast scaling up, this pressure has decreased; you get calmer, sleep better at night, and can focus on the challenges of the next phase.

“The experience [starting a company] made me more hands-on, especially in the beginning. I also learned that everything takes longer than you think, so I have become a bit more patient. And I still believe that you can only reach your goals if you are ambitious and aim for high targets.”

What value does Companjon create for its clients?

Our business partners operate in e-commerce, travel, fintech, telecom, etc. We enable them to build completely new ancillary offerings for their end customers by embedding our modern insurance solutions into their systems. These frictionless product enhancements meet the needs of their modern end customers in innovative ways, while also creating value for our business partners’ bottom line.

With our business partners we take a collaborative, agile, and customer-centric approach, from matching development cycles to trialling and optimising solutions, which provides them with greater value. Supported by our dynamic product engine, business partners can change their products every 2-3 weeks if needed, which is not seen in the financial services industry. We also change with them; we are fast in terms of decision making, as well as adapting a very complex, fully compliant process at-scale using the latest technology.

“Entrepreneurial spirit means firstly being a calculated risk taker, not just taking risks for the sake of it. Secondly, you must be opinionated, i.e. have your own ideas and defend them. And thirdly, you have to run with the flag, i.e. take on responsibility and drive things forward.”

What role do your staff play in the success of the company?

Our staff is crucial to our success. At Companjon, we fundamentally believe in hiring the best, spending a significant amount of time in selecting the right individuals to establish and reinforce our credibility.

The biggest challenge is and will remain finding the right people. All the other ingredients – such as tech, capital, or product ideas – you can somehow find or buy, but you cannot copy your team. From the beginning, I have been convinced that this is our key differentiator. We spend significant energy on finding those that have an entrepreneurial spirit, who are top in their functional expertise, and fit into the team.

Retaining best talent is key for Companjon. Our performance culture is powered a so-called “apprenticeship approach”, where we put a conscious and thorough effort into training our people, to enable them to learn and grow. We believe in providing them with the right opportunities so that they enjoy what they do and then outperform, as this is beneficial for both parties. 

I am very pleased to work with our motivated and highly engaged team that is pushing the business forward.

To conclude, what are your plans for 2024?

In 2024, we will continue following our ambition to go where no one has gone before. This means we will again scale up the business, expanding further internationally to follow our business partners as per our strategy. Moreover, there will be novelties introduced on the solutions side during the first six months which the industry has not yet seen. We are also planning a collaboration with one of the larger traditional industry players, to help them provide solutions which they cannot do on their own. Finally, we will further exploit the benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into our solutions as we go where no one else has gone before.

To learn more about how Companjon is pushing the boundaries of insurance, please visit the company website.

For Business enquiries contact, Matthias Naumann from Companjon on their website – www.companjon.com