The Leaders Council Podcast

Joe Harrison is the chief executive of NMTF, formerly known as the National Market Traders Federation, headquartered in Hoyland, Barnsley. NMTF is the retail market traders organisation representing roughly 20,000 market traders throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. The organisation was founded in 1899 and Harrison has served as its chief executive since June 2006.

Paul Vick is the principal and founder of Paul Vick Architects, an award-winning architects practice in London. Having worked as an architect for nine years, firstly for Michael Hopkins and Partners and then Ian Ritchie Architects where he accumulated experience not only as an architect but a project lead, Paul launched his own eponymous architectural practice in 2007, which has gone on to win sev...

Inzar Haq is an entrepreneur and business development consultant at Insight Consultancy, a design agency based in Leicester which is a trusted advisor and partner to a diverse range of businesses all over the UK. Inzar is an experienced business strategist and marketing advisor with an aptitude for excellent team leadership and project management.

Chris Pearce is the managing director of Jubilee Fireworks, a leading professional fireworks company. Chris has headed up Jubilee Fireworks since 1997. He is responsible for its financial oversight and management, overseeing its staging of over 200 outdoor shows annually. More recently, Chris has had to steer the company through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has hampered Jubilee F...

Ann Hickey is the CEO at East Sussex Credit Union [ESCU], a not-for-profit savings and loans co-operative, which has been trading since August 2000. Ann first joined ESCU in 2014 in the general manager’s role. Following two successful years in the job, she was elevated to the position of CEO in 2016, and now strategically leads one of the fastest-growing credit unions.

John Jeffcock is the CEO of Winmark, a world-leading C-Suite network business. In his leadership role, John works closely with FTSE and Fortune companies joining Winmark’s full portfolio of 16 C-Suite networks. Winmark as a company enables business leaders - through knowledge and connections - to improve the governance, performance, and sustainability of their organisations.

Angus McFadzean is a director at Industrial Site Maintenance [ISM], a facility services company, borne from an industry requirement to provide support services to the public, industrial, transport, logistic and production industry. Angus has been at the helm of ISM since 2008, and his leadership has helped establish the business as the UK’s market leader in providing high quality Facility Services...

Alan Brookes is the headteacher at Fulston Manor School in Sittingbourne, Kent. Brookes’ role extends beyond the headship of Fulston Manor. He is also executive head teacher of Fulston Manor Academy Trust and chair of the Kent Association of Head Teachers (KAHT).

Michael Coomber is the owner of Rivertrace Engineering Ltd, a firm specialised in water quality monitoring. Coomber has been owner of the business since 1984. Under his leadership it has grown to become a market leader in oil in water quality monitoring and is at the forefront of designing equipment and systems in tightening environmental legislation for the marine, offshore and industrial markets...

David Cox is the director of David Cox Architects, an RIBA chartered architectural practice. As a director, David is known for his hands on approach and oversees each of the studio’s projects. He cut his teeth in the sector at the University of Manchester’s School of Architecture and then worked for several large practices in Manchester and London before moving to Germany in 1994.

Fiona Allman-Treen is managing director of FAT Promotions, a websites and online software systems designer. Allman-Treen started FAT Promotions following a successful tenure at Ten Sixty Six Enterprise. she established the firm 19 years ago in order to provide clients with a website they love.

Simon Hill is the CEO and founder of Wazoku, a leading idea management company. He is also the owner of InnoCentive, a US-based pioneer in crowdsourced innovation and the world’s leading Open Innovation marketplace. Simon Hill is an established business executive, innovation leader and software expert. Alongside running his business, he is an expert contributor for The Future Shapers.

Owen Gleadall is the Online Ticketing & Admissions Solutions Specialist of Merlinsoft, an Award Winning firm for admission and ticketing solutions. Owen Gleadall joined Merlinsoft in 2009, having previously served as President and Non-Executive Director of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In addition to his role with Merlinsoft, Gleadall also serves as Chair of Governors of...

Tim Leech is the CEO of Wavelength Charity Ltd, a charity which combats loneliness among vulnerable and isolated people, through technology. Tim is an experienced CEO with a proven track record of working in the civic and social enterprise industry. He has headed up Wavelength since 2006 and overseen its work in challenging the root causes of loneliness and isolation.

Sharon Taylor is the owner of Paragon Print & Marketing Solutions, a business which provides complete print and design support to cater for all the marketing print needs of its clients. Taylor prides herself on providing a fair and inclusive workplace for her staff, based on a belief that being well connected personally and commercially within the wider community is critical to the growth and succ...

Tony Sewell is the managing director of Pavement Testing Services, a firm which specialises in pavement condition investigations. Tony is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, Fellow of the Institute of Highway Engineers and Fellow of the Institute of Asphalt Technology

Mark Henderson is the chief executive of Magicman Ltd, a market leading provider of on and off-site repair and restoration solutions for multiple industries. Following a 15-year career in the Royal Navy spanning 1977 to 1993, during which he survived the sinking of HMS Ardent in the Falkland Islands [May 21, 1982], Mark cut his teeth in the civilian world by establishing his own business.

Roger Philby is the founder of the Chemistry group, a London based management consultancy. Roger Philby founded The Chemistry Group in 2003, having previously served as Business Development Director for Maple Optical Systems. The Chemistry Group believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to be brilliant at work

Gautam Saraogi is an experienced investor and is the CEO and owner of Maakrish Ltd, a private investment and advisory company. Maakrish works in a diverse set of industries such as healthcare, alternative energy, mining and metals. Helping Hands Exmouth is just one care organisation that has benefited from its services.

Hugo Drayton is a senior non-executive director and remuneration committee chairman at Future PLC, a global specialist multi-media platform that creates loyal communities across a portfolio of over 200 compelling brands. Hugo Drayton is an established business executive in the publishing, media and digital industries. He is passionate about transforming advertising and publishing to embrace digita...

Sarah Maltby is the Director of Attractions at the York Archaeological Trust, and is responsible for leading all the trust’s York-based museums and events, including the renown Jorvik Viking Centre. Sarah has been in her current position at the York Archaeological Trust since 2002, having previously garnered experience in managerial roles with the Magna Trust’ Science Adventure Centre and the Else...

Gary Tylee is the managing director of Graphics bite, a Hampshire based digital marketing agency. Tylee joined Graphics Bite in 2015, having previously worked as Product Development Manager at CubelTz.

Christine Hallas Appleby is a director at Say Two Productions, a performance and production company located in the northwest of England with national and international acclaim. Christine is a female artist, entrepreneur and producer of film video theatre who has been active in her industry for over 30 years.

Gary Baker is the group managing director at CD (UK) Ltd, a leading supplier of surface materials including Corian® and complementary products to deliver design-led solutions. The CDUK business has been in existence since 1979, with Gary having headed up the company since 2006. In 2021, Gary also launched the purpose-driven Intelligent Appliances brand.

Ben Shepherd is the managing director of Savvy Media & Digital Recruitment, a London-based recruitment company that is passionate about placing quality candidates that reach the high standards and work practice similar to its own. Ben is an experienced business executive and has been at the helm of Savvy since 2010, helping the business become the most reputable Digital & Media recruitment agency...