Director

• Aug 2022 - Present

Business Development Director

• Jan 2020 - Aug 2022

Consultant

• Oct 2019 - Jan 2020

Client Relationship Manager, Corporate Services

• Jun 2019 - Oct 2019

With a focus on alternative strategy asset classes, the Aztec Group has been pushing the boundaries in fund and corporate services for over 15 years, from prime onshore and offshore locations. Numerous client testimonials, unrivalled client retention rate and multiple leading industry awards are a few testaments to the Group’s dedication to service excellence and the reason why it is recognised as the bright alternative in the funds and corporate services industry. To find out more, please visit www.aztecgroup.co.uk

Head of Business Development & Company Secretary

• May 2004 - May 2019

The University of Southampton Science Park provides high quality office and laboratory space and is host to a vibrant and high-tech entrepreneurial business community with access to some of the UK’s leading scientific expertise at the University of Southampton. Set in 45 acres of attractive landscaped surroundings, it enjoys excellent communication links and is only an hour away from London. I joined the team here in 2004, initially as a temporary assistant to the company accountant, and was then appointed Company Secretary in September 2007 by the new CEO, following his company reorganisation; this newly created role enabled me to utilise my professional, commercial and interpersonal skills to the benefit of the organisation in many ways; in particular, professionalising the management of the business and creating the right environment to enable the entrepreneurial community on the Science Park to flourish. In addition to the usual responsibilities of a company secretary for managing board business, governance and compliance with company law, I am also kept busy with the preparation and execution of commercial property leases; liaison with lawyers, property agents and other business professionals; interactions with the senior executives of current and prospective tenants, ranging from young innovative businesses to well known international PLCs; and liaison with the senior office holders at the University of Southampton. As part of the management team, I am proud to represent the Science Park at a wide variety of business and networking events, both internal and external, including regular meetings with local councillors, MPs and business organisations. These provide an excellent platform for spreading the word about the vibrant entrepreneurial community we have developed here and promoting the exciting innovations that are the foundation and future of our success.

Founder and Company Secretary

• Aug 2009 - Nov 2018

I saw this project through from conception and establishment to dissolution once the aims of the charity had been successfully achieved and played a key role in its management. This charity was established jointly by University of Southampton, Southampton Science Park and Chilworth Manor Hotel to restore and manage the conservation area in Chilworth, Hampshire (a designated site of importance for nature conservation) for the benefit of the local community. I saw this project through from conception and establishment to dissolution once the aims of the charity had been successfully achieved and played a key role in its management. This charity was established jointly by University of Southampton, Southampton Science Park and Chilworth Manor Hotel to restore and manage the conservation area in Chilworth, Hampshire (a designated site of importance for nature conservation) for the benefit of the local community.

Committee Secretary

• Jan 1991 - Sep 1997

Joined as assistant secretary to the Financial Services Authorisation Committee, regulating, monitoring and advising on compliance with the Financial Services Act. Qualified during this time as a chartered secretary. Promoted to Secretary to the Executive Committee, working with senior, high profile members of the profession and with the directors of the ICAEW. This role was roughly equivalent to being secretary to the board in a commercial organisation and involved servicing the Executive Committee's monthly meetings by the timely production of high quality agendas, action notes and minutes in a timely manner, ensuring papers from the various directorates met the standards required for consideration by the Executive. During my time at ICAEW, I was selected and trained as facilitator for a major programme designed to change the corporate culture of the organisation; I also joined the team leading the development of the new business led information systems strategy. Both these interesting challenges took me into a variety of departments with which I would not otherwise have worked, providing deeper insight into all aspects of the business.