Brian will judge new category

Sep 10 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

WITH around six weeks to go until the winners of The Journal North East Business Executive of the Year are announced the judges’ deliberations are now well under way.

This year sees a new category of Non-Executive Director of the Year and Brian Sweeney, one of the non-executive judges, says clarity and commitment are two key requirements of such a candidate.

Brian has been a non-executive director of Cramlington based Miller UK since 2007. His career began with large companies such as the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, the consultancy Arthur D Little and Rolls-Royce Industrial Power Group.

He was introduced to Miller UK by Lucy Armstrong, chief executive of The Alchemists in 2005, who are sponsoring this category, and was subsequently chosen to be their alchemist.

“When I arrived I found a very successful, growing engineering company with a profitable track record,” explained Brian Sweeney. “They were not looking for typical management consultancy to help with a problem. Quite the reverse. They were a thriving and successful business.

“My role was to help them with their strategies and the issues they were facing as they grew. It was part of the process a good non-executive director would follow. What did they need to change as they got bigger, what did they need to change as they entered international markets? What preparation did they need to make to survive beyond the time of the current management?

“I talked and listened. I listened to people at all levels in the company and learned what they were experiencing as drivers of the business. I had to find a balance because businesses do need more discipline as they get bigger. What I did was to examine what a big company would do and then see what parts of it were relevant.

“Since becoming a non-executive director I have continued to focus on international and long-term planning.

“I maintain my detachment – but show commitment by asking the simple questions designed to bring clarity to the planning processes.”

Brian is also a non-executive director of Pursuit Dynamics plc. He is half owner of Braintree Healthcare Limited, a growing carer for people with learning disabilities.

This year’s judges include One NorthEast director of business and industry Ian Williams, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham, CBI North East regional chairman Bob Davies, Storeys SSP director John Irwin, Brewin Dolphin divisional director Vinay Bedi, Bank of England regional agent David Buffham, Trinity Mirror North East managing director Steve Brown, The Journal assistant editor (business) Andrew Hebden, North East business journalist Brian Nicholls and The Journal business editor Iain Laing.

Winners will be announced on October 30.