Monday, 1 March 2010
Immediately Available Interim Finance Director
Paul Hooper-Keeley of Intervallum Limited has just completed an assignment with a Private Equity backed business and is now immediately available to take on a new project. He can be contacted via phk@intervallum.co.uk and 07958 155705.
Monday, 8 February 2010
LDC Opportunity Club
A big thank you to LDC and the excellent LDC Opportunity Club event that they hosted at the Piccadilly Le Meridien last Thursday evening.
An evening of fine wine tasting was provided by Edward Parker Wines, with Edward Parker on hand to tell us about the "Walking With The Wounded" project where he will lead a team of enthusiastic volunteers and wounded servicemen on an attempt to walk unsupported to the North Pole in April 2011 in support of "Help For Heroes".
LDC CEO Darryl Eales commented on his starring appearance in the previous Sunday Times Business section, arguing that LDC were a benefit to the tax payer (who now own a large part to Lloyds TSB) due to their continuing profitability (as opposed to the continued negativity for the sake of a story in the press). He also had a few words to say about the new Formula 1 team that they have invested in (having been at Silverstone that very afternoon).
For me, it was good to have the chance to meet up with Chris Thomas, previously a Director of Hanson plc and more recently with his LDC backed MBO of Electrium (and subsequent sale to Siemens), whom I had the pleasure to work with at Bullock Construction Limited (another LDC investment), and some of the LDC team from the Birmingham office who I know.
A fine (if a very late) evening indeed.
An evening of fine wine tasting was provided by Edward Parker Wines, with Edward Parker on hand to tell us about the "Walking With The Wounded" project where he will lead a team of enthusiastic volunteers and wounded servicemen on an attempt to walk unsupported to the North Pole in April 2011 in support of "Help For Heroes".
LDC CEO Darryl Eales commented on his starring appearance in the previous Sunday Times Business section, arguing that LDC were a benefit to the tax payer (who now own a large part to Lloyds TSB) due to their continuing profitability (as opposed to the continued negativity for the sake of a story in the press). He also had a few words to say about the new Formula 1 team that they have invested in (having been at Silverstone that very afternoon).
For me, it was good to have the chance to meet up with Chris Thomas, previously a Director of Hanson plc and more recently with his LDC backed MBO of Electrium (and subsequent sale to Siemens), whom I had the pleasure to work with at Bullock Construction Limited (another LDC investment), and some of the LDC team from the Birmingham office who I know.
A fine (if a very late) evening indeed.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Happy 1st Birthday Intervallum!!!
Although Managing Director, Paul Hooper-Keeley, has been providing Interim Finance Director Services to industry and commerce since early 2004, today is exactly a year since Intervallum Limited was first incorporated. And what a year it has been.......
Our thanks go to our clients over the last 12 months, Dunedin Private Equity, CET Safehouse Limited, Diamond Edge Events Limited, M Exceed Limited and Purple Cat Limited who have used Intervallum’s Interim Finance Director Services to assist in a refinancing, a relocation of head office, “a safe pair of hands” between FD’s, preparation of Management Accounts and Year End Statutory Report & Accounts, Company Secretarial services, Heads of Agreement on an earn out acquisition and advice on business start-ups amongst other things.
Other highlights of Intervallum’s first year include: -
Intervallum being recognised and nominated in the “Best New Business in the Midlands 2009” category at the Midlands Business Awards held at Aston Villa FC in November.
Paul Hooper-Keeley being invited to become a regular writer for the Institute of Directors West Midlands magazine and having articles published in the summer, autumn and winter 2009 issues.
Organising and hosting an event on “Inspirational Leadership” for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants at Stoke City FC’s Britannia Stadium in December.
Being invited to speak at the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry event on “The state of the economy” in September.
Paul Hooper-Keeley/Intervallum profiled in the IoD news magazine in May 2009.
Accounting Technician magazine featuring an article on Intervallum Limited’s provision of Interim Finance Director Services in its July/August 2009 issue.
Intervallum Limited were proud to sponsor 2 prizes at the Masquerade Summer Ball in aid of the Brain Tumour UK charity in June.
The coaching and mentoring of 5 executives in their career development and progression plans.
Starting a new Company in the face of what was almost certainly the deepest recession to hit the world since the Great Depression was certainly a huge task – but the team at Intervallum have certainly risen to the challenge and have had a very successful first year. And with a number of new projects and opportunities currently being developed for 2010, the next 12 months looks likely to provide a very busy second year.
Our thanks go to our clients over the last 12 months, Dunedin Private Equity, CET Safehouse Limited, Diamond Edge Events Limited, M Exceed Limited and Purple Cat Limited who have used Intervallum’s Interim Finance Director Services to assist in a refinancing, a relocation of head office, “a safe pair of hands” between FD’s, preparation of Management Accounts and Year End Statutory Report & Accounts, Company Secretarial services, Heads of Agreement on an earn out acquisition and advice on business start-ups amongst other things.
Other highlights of Intervallum’s first year include: -
Intervallum being recognised and nominated in the “Best New Business in the Midlands 2009” category at the Midlands Business Awards held at Aston Villa FC in November.
Paul Hooper-Keeley being invited to become a regular writer for the Institute of Directors West Midlands magazine and having articles published in the summer, autumn and winter 2009 issues.
Organising and hosting an event on “Inspirational Leadership” for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants at Stoke City FC’s Britannia Stadium in December.
Being invited to speak at the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry event on “The state of the economy” in September.
Paul Hooper-Keeley/Intervallum profiled in the IoD news magazine in May 2009.
Accounting Technician magazine featuring an article on Intervallum Limited’s provision of Interim Finance Director Services in its July/August 2009 issue.
Intervallum Limited were proud to sponsor 2 prizes at the Masquerade Summer Ball in aid of the Brain Tumour UK charity in June.
The coaching and mentoring of 5 executives in their career development and progression plans.
Starting a new Company in the face of what was almost certainly the deepest recession to hit the world since the Great Depression was certainly a huge task – but the team at Intervallum have certainly risen to the challenge and have had a very successful first year. And with a number of new projects and opportunities currently being developed for 2010, the next 12 months looks likely to provide a very busy second year.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Are we witnessing the end of New Labour?
The contents of Alistair Darling’s pre-budget report would suggest that Gordon Brown and Co. are far more interested in party politics and winning the favour of the electorate ahead of the impending general election, than in actually fixing the major problems of UK plc.
They have attempted to appeal to their core voters with a gimmicky “Bash the Bankers” tax, a one off tax on all bankers’ bonuses above £25,000 (which applies to all banks operating in the UK).
But while Gordon continues with his strategy of “Class Wars” and “Policies dreamt up on the playing fields of Eton” to try and create clear blue water between themselves and the Conservatives, it would appear that Labour now believe the “Toffs” to be anyone earning more than £20,000 a year (surely an own goal).
Personal income tax allowances, basic rate limits and NIC thresholds have all been frozen at 2009/10 levels rather than giving the customary increase, making everyone feel a little worse off. Additionally, the higher rate band (currently £37,400) will be frozen in 2012/13 (moving more taxpayers into the higher rate band over the next few years – another stealth move).
In addition, the previously announced ½% hike in National Insurance (additional income tax by any other name) was doubled to 1% and will take effect from April 2011 (thus increasing employee contributions from 11% to 12% and employer contributions from 12.8% to 13.8%). And VAT returns to 17.5% from 1st January 2010. So all in all, a bloody nose for almost everyone.
Of course, as we already knew, a new tax band of 50% comes in from April 2010 for what Labour believe is the super-rich i.e. everyone earning above £150,000 per annum – sounds like another attempt at a vote winner from the core labour supporters as £150,000 pa does not make you super-rich (and is not likely to increase the tax take by the treasury significantly either).
And what of the economy overall? Well, we are still technically in recession, inflation is on the increase, we have a borrowing requirement now up to £178bn this year and £176bn next year, with no solid plans from the government about how this huge level of borrowing will be repaid (well, not before the general election, anyway), Gordon Brown wanting to carry on spending within the Public Sector and the amount of strikes and industrial unrest on the rise.
Could this be another “Winter of Discontent” similar to that in the late seventies which sounded the death knell of a previous Labour government bereft of ideas and bankrupt on policy? In the early stages of 2010 ahead of the next General Election, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a dash to the labour heartlands of the left, and Old Labour tendencies, in order to try and shore up their crumbling vote.
It’s about time that the people who want to lead this country stop playing party politics and start setting out an agenda for getting this once great country out of its difficult current situation and back on track towards sustainable recovery and prosperity.
They have attempted to appeal to their core voters with a gimmicky “Bash the Bankers” tax, a one off tax on all bankers’ bonuses above £25,000 (which applies to all banks operating in the UK).
But while Gordon continues with his strategy of “Class Wars” and “Policies dreamt up on the playing fields of Eton” to try and create clear blue water between themselves and the Conservatives, it would appear that Labour now believe the “Toffs” to be anyone earning more than £20,000 a year (surely an own goal).
Personal income tax allowances, basic rate limits and NIC thresholds have all been frozen at 2009/10 levels rather than giving the customary increase, making everyone feel a little worse off. Additionally, the higher rate band (currently £37,400) will be frozen in 2012/13 (moving more taxpayers into the higher rate band over the next few years – another stealth move).
In addition, the previously announced ½% hike in National Insurance (additional income tax by any other name) was doubled to 1% and will take effect from April 2011 (thus increasing employee contributions from 11% to 12% and employer contributions from 12.8% to 13.8%). And VAT returns to 17.5% from 1st January 2010. So all in all, a bloody nose for almost everyone.
Of course, as we already knew, a new tax band of 50% comes in from April 2010 for what Labour believe is the super-rich i.e. everyone earning above £150,000 per annum – sounds like another attempt at a vote winner from the core labour supporters as £150,000 pa does not make you super-rich (and is not likely to increase the tax take by the treasury significantly either).
And what of the economy overall? Well, we are still technically in recession, inflation is on the increase, we have a borrowing requirement now up to £178bn this year and £176bn next year, with no solid plans from the government about how this huge level of borrowing will be repaid (well, not before the general election, anyway), Gordon Brown wanting to carry on spending within the Public Sector and the amount of strikes and industrial unrest on the rise.
Could this be another “Winter of Discontent” similar to that in the late seventies which sounded the death knell of a previous Labour government bereft of ideas and bankrupt on policy? In the early stages of 2010 ahead of the next General Election, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a dash to the labour heartlands of the left, and Old Labour tendencies, in order to try and shore up their crumbling vote.
It’s about time that the people who want to lead this country stop playing party politics and start setting out an agenda for getting this once great country out of its difficult current situation and back on track towards sustainable recovery and prosperity.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Merry Christmas from Intervallum Limited
I would like to take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas to all of our clients, suppliers, colleagues, contacts and friends.
Have a great festive period and a Happy New Year, and here's hoping that we all have a prosperous 2010.
Have a great festive period and a Happy New Year, and here's hoping that we all have a prosperous 2010.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Intervallum Limited nominated for “Best New Business in the Midlands 2009”
I am pleased to report that at the recent Midlands Business Awards Ceremony & Dinner held at the Aston Villa Football Stadium, Intervallum Limited was short listed in the “Best New Business in the Midlands 2009” category.
On what proved to be a packed event, I had the honour of walking down the red carpet to join the other businesses short listed for an award on the evening. Although Intervallum didn’t eventually win the New Business award, it was a tremendous achievement to have been recognised as one of a handful of the most highly regarded business start-ups of the year.
A fabulous evening was had by all.
On what proved to be a packed event, I had the honour of walking down the red carpet to join the other businesses short listed for an award on the evening. Although Intervallum didn’t eventually win the New Business award, it was a tremendous achievement to have been recognised as one of a handful of the most highly regarded business start-ups of the year.
A fabulous evening was had by all.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Digby Jones On Form at BBBC
The recent meeting of the Birmingham Business Breakfast Club, held at the Botanical Gardens, was packed to hear what Lord Jones had to say on how the recession had effected his beloved West Midlands (in fact so popular was this event, the BBBC had stopped taking bookings well ahead of the date). And if you know Digby then you will know that he always has plenty to say; sometimes controversial, often colourful, but always entertaining.
The last time I heard him speak was last year at the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Territorial Army, just after he had left government. He certainly let rip into the governing party (which they richly deserved) and once again gave us an insight, via a story or two, as to what it is like for a business person to have to work alongside the civil service (which didn’t sound like a pleasant experience).
In November 2009, Digby’s main concerns were predominantly based around the skills shortage in the West Midlands – once the home of UK manufacturing. He was concerned that if these skills continue to be lost to the area then there is every chance that soon they will be lost forever and the West Midlands may never fully recover.
To emphasise the skills issue he quoted the statistics that one in four of the adult population in some parts of Birmingham were unable to read and write to the level expected by an 11 year old within the National curriculum. He pointed to the fact that if, as an adult, you can’t read and write, then it is highly unlikely that you will have books in your home. The result of this will be very little hope for your children’s literacy, and so the cycle will continue and repeat itself again and again. We have to break this cycle now, or pay the price in the future.
Lord Jones was very critical of the government’s normal routine of handing out more and more benefits to immigrants who come and live in the West Midlands, citing the old Chinese proverb that if you give a man a fish he will be fed for the day, but if you give him a fishing rod and teach him how to fish then he will be fed for life (again, the focus being on skills development, innovation, motivation etc).
He also had a very interesting ambition for the political landscape in the UK – more independent (and accountable) MPs, the electorate voting for who they want to lead the country rather than a political party (i.e. more in a US Presidential style), and the new leader appointing a cabinet of experts in each discipline. After all, you wouldn’t want someone without the correct qualifications and experience operating on your brain just because they had been voted in to be the brain surgeon, so why would you want a Chancellor of the Exchequer who had no finance background, or a Minister for Business who had only ever worked in the Civil Service? And he has a very good point.
The last time I heard him speak was last year at the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Territorial Army, just after he had left government. He certainly let rip into the governing party (which they richly deserved) and once again gave us an insight, via a story or two, as to what it is like for a business person to have to work alongside the civil service (which didn’t sound like a pleasant experience).
In November 2009, Digby’s main concerns were predominantly based around the skills shortage in the West Midlands – once the home of UK manufacturing. He was concerned that if these skills continue to be lost to the area then there is every chance that soon they will be lost forever and the West Midlands may never fully recover.
To emphasise the skills issue he quoted the statistics that one in four of the adult population in some parts of Birmingham were unable to read and write to the level expected by an 11 year old within the National curriculum. He pointed to the fact that if, as an adult, you can’t read and write, then it is highly unlikely that you will have books in your home. The result of this will be very little hope for your children’s literacy, and so the cycle will continue and repeat itself again and again. We have to break this cycle now, or pay the price in the future.
Lord Jones was very critical of the government’s normal routine of handing out more and more benefits to immigrants who come and live in the West Midlands, citing the old Chinese proverb that if you give a man a fish he will be fed for the day, but if you give him a fishing rod and teach him how to fish then he will be fed for life (again, the focus being on skills development, innovation, motivation etc).
He also had a very interesting ambition for the political landscape in the UK – more independent (and accountable) MPs, the electorate voting for who they want to lead the country rather than a political party (i.e. more in a US Presidential style), and the new leader appointing a cabinet of experts in each discipline. After all, you wouldn’t want someone without the correct qualifications and experience operating on your brain just because they had been voted in to be the brain surgeon, so why would you want a Chancellor of the Exchequer who had no finance background, or a Minister for Business who had only ever worked in the Civil Service? And he has a very good point.
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