ABOUT
CxO can help accelerate the development of a business by providing the experience, resource and co-ordination to deliver a range of services; from helping to tie down the strategy and business plan to practical implementation of key elements. Working on an interim or project-specific basis, we give firms the boost to take matters forward and help businesses to run themselves better, particularly during periods of change. Whist we bring strategic and advisory skills, the focus is hands-on practical implementation that delivers visible results, not a report that sits unactioned.
Senior resource
Most businesses, however successful, will face periods when there just isn’t sufficient senior resource to get done all that is required. This is common through periods of change, a major event or the departure of a member of the leadership team. There could simply be a stagnating business plan that isn’t moving forward due to continued short term distractions.
The common theme is a lack of time at a senior level to push forward in all the areas the leadership team would like to, leading to unfulfilled ideas, a lack of traction towards what the future of the company should be and concerns that the business is not keeping pace with the competition.
Independent, flexible and responsive
The engagement of a senior hire brings energy to the strategic focus of the firm, has a positive influence on management and gives a strong message to staff and clients about future ambitions.
Working on an interim or assignment basis, there is a very short lead time before tangible benefits can be seen. C-level expertise can quickly be brought into the team without the risk of the long-term commitment that a permanent hire brings, and which can often slow down the decision to make the investment needed. We bring healthy, independent, challenging and honest support.
Practical implementation
We are inspired by seeing businesses thrive in a tangible way. Paul Finnegan, the founder, has a long and respected track record of delivering a range of work that has brought significant improvements in the businesses he has worked in.
“Following our investment from Apiary Capital we embarked on a rapid growth trajectory, including plans for a number of acquisitions. We brought Paul in to help integrate our first acquisition, a 70-person firm, and to benefit from his experience of growing a similar practice and working in a PE-backed business. He has been a breath of fresh air and quickly fitted in with the Shaw Gibbs team. I have no doubt that the acquisition would not have gone so smoothly without him. The heads of department have been very complimentary about the leadership and support Paul has provided. He has also relieved me of a significant amount of work and pressure, allowing me to focus my attention on progressing other areas of the firm’s development. I have really enjoyed working with Paul and we plan to engage him to assist with future acquisitions.”
Peter O’Connell, Managing Director, Shaw Gibbs