Making a big difference in the boardroom
Aug 12 2009 By Andrew Hebden, The Journal
The Journal is once again celebrating the contribution of non-executive directors this year and, as Andrew Hebden reports, the timing could be especially pertinent as the recession continues to cut deep in the North East economy.
IF having an experienced head in the boardroom is a valuable asset when times are good, it’s surely almost essential when the going gets tough. As The Journal begins its search for the second North East Non-Executive Director of the Year, it is against the backdrop of some of the toughest economic conditions witnessed for a generation.
Once again, a host of leading businesses and other organisations have come together to support this award, reflecting the significance that they all associate with the role played by non-execs.
The honour, which is presented at the North East Business Executive of the Year awards, was last year won by Northumberland-based David Clipsham. His impressive record as a non-exec included spells at Paperchase, Utilita Group and Head2Head Training.
The chief executive of Utilita, David Casale, described him as "an invaluable source of help" to the firm’s board members. "One of the things that is helpful with non-executive directors is their ability to rise above the noise and provide useful and supportive direction in times of trouble that all businesses, especially small to medium-sized ones, get themselves into," he said.
Never more true than now, of course, and the important role played by non-execs in testing times is a key reason why many of this award’s sponsors are so keen to support it.
James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, one of the award backers, said: "We are likely to have businesses who have never experienced times of recession who would do well to identify and use non- executive directors, people who have had experience of managing through tough times.
"No board of directors can ever have the complete skill set for every aspect of their business on a full-time basis and so should look for non-executive directors to fulfil specific expertise.
"The judges of this award are looking for a non-executive who has shown ability preferably in both the public and private sectors and who has a particularly strong relationship with the NE. The non-executive will be able to demonstrate that they have added real value to a business which would not have developed without their assistance."
