Member Article

Grant Thornton unveils 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy

As part of Grant Thornton’s commitment to shaping a vibrant economy in the UK, each year the firm identifies and brings together 100 progressive leaders across private, public and third sectors that demonstrate excellence in two or more of the following areas:

• Growth – fostering a culture of growth, job creation and leading their organisation into new markets

• Innovation - solving problems, leaders whose products or services are disrupting the sector and challenging the status quo

• Purpose – investing in their workforce, connecting financial profit to social purpose and contributing to the wider community

The Faces of a Vibrant Economy are selected from across the UK and represent diverse sectors and industries. Among them are business leaders, entrepreneurs, local government innovators and third sector trailblazers – recognised for their commitment to developing an economy that enables people, organisations and communities to flourish.

In the North West 12 inspiring business leaders have been announced. They are:

• Vikas Shah MBE, CEO of Manchester-based Swiscot Group

• Jayne Hynes, CEO of Kiddyum

• Lou Cordwell OBE, CEO & Founder of Magnetic North

• Sandy Lindsay MBE, CEO & Founder of Tangerine Communications

• Sara Prowse, CEO of Hotter Shoes

• Dean Ward, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of Evoke Creative

• Matt Haworth, Co-Founder of Reason Digital

• Jo Morphee, Director of Liverpool Girl Geeks

• Steve Byrne, CEO of Travel Councellors

• Ed Salt, MD of Delamere Dairy

• Louis-James Davis, CEO & Founder of VST Enterprise

• Jen Atkinson, CEO of ITC Travel

Sacha Romanovitch, CEO at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:

“At Grant Thornton, we know that doing well by doing good makes business sense and believe that leaders embracing this ethos deserve to be championed. That’s why we launched the Faces campaign – to celebrate individuals who exemplify the Vibrant Economy movement, which aims to shape an environment where people, organisations and communities thrive.

“From jet aircraft manufacturers, farmers, local government leaders dance school principals; our Faces share the same commitment to make a positive impact. For many of these leaders, clear purpose is the North Star, helping them to navigate and make the right decisions in the longer term. Being purpose-led in this way involves a fundamental mind-set shift from ‘what I can do’, towards ‘what we collectively can do’.

“By celebrating these remarkable leaders, we recognise their role in developing a more purposeful and innovative business environment. They show us how business can be done through ‘human’ leadership which nurtures talent. They provide examples to inspire other business leaders and the next generation to shape a Vibrant Economy. They demonstrate that profits with purpose lead to sustainable business, and show us that it’s not only possible, but also necessary, to do well by doing good.”

The 2018 Faces have become part of a wider community that is now 300-strong. The community connects leaders with similar mind-sets and missions, who may otherwise never meet. It gives an opportunity to share ideas and insights, as well as learn from each other.

Sacha continues:

“We firmly believe that collaboration can also enthuse and assist the next generation. It’s why we are creating links between the Faces community and our Schools Enterprise Programme, to develop financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills in support of the Key Stage 3 curriculum. We also recently piloted an event for year 12 students, working with Faces and people from our own business to challenge the way young people see their role in the community and provide inspiration about how they can start building a career that truly contributes to a shaping an economy where everyone benefits.”

Five aspiring student photographers worked alongside a professional photographer and mentor from JSR Agency to undertake portrait photography of the leaders of these organisations. These talented artists were selected as part of a nationwide competition to complete the commission. These photos, along with profiles of the 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy, are available on the campaign website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellie Watson .