Richard LeaverTechnology Sector CEO and Non-Exec

No.1 Provider of Non-Execs to UK SMEs

“Effective focusing of innovation and entrepreneurship in an SME.”

Case Study

Richard Leaver:

Client had an enthusiastic and young team of engineers who could be easily distracted towards ‘the next bright shiny new thing’ to the detriment of delivery and product launch and dismay of investors. However some of the new innovations had clear merit.

I reviewed both current and future innovations and opportunities against clear market need. I was able to secure additional funding and support the investment case for developing the forward product roadmap. Subsequently these new opportunities achieved step-change growth for the company and a successful exit for the investors and founders.

Client:

“Richard was able to see the big picture and interact with first hand expertise and experience both with the board, the engineers and the company’s investors positively. He consistently delivered results in the short, medium and long term”

Effective focusing of innovation & entrepreneurship in an SME

Main challenges: Facilitating clear communication and strategic direction between the SME board, investors and staff – enabling them to ‘see the wood for the trees’.

Overcoming the challenges: Leading from the front and winning respect on all sides both as an experienced innovator, technologist and investor.

What value was your role to them: Understanding the value of what they actually had in terms of unique core competences, innovative products and services that had defined market need and the ability to access step-change opportunities with international partners I introduced. Working with the board to win investment and deliver on a prudent, actionable results oriented strategy both on time and to budget.

Effective focusing of innovation & entrepreneurship in an SME

Profile: Richard Leaver

RICHARD is one of the UK’s leading business advisors; he is an accomplished investor and mentor having been on the boards of a number of private and public listed companies in roles range from CEO to non executive director.

Specialising in successfully making money from innovation, Richard has founded and led a number of companies both on and off-shore and managed over four different funds investing in start-ups to growth companies and beyond. Based in Cambridge, he has over 30 years experience in international innovation and entrepreneurship ranging from senior roles in large corporates to SMEs and start-ups; from inception to successful exit.

Specialisms:

Making money from innovation both in profits and successful exits;Effective raising of investment funding and use of funds; Step-change profit growth by building sustainable international revenues and managing costs whilst building a long term business;Mentoring boards and efficient alignment and multi-disciplinary communication throughout the business;

NXD is the No.1 Provider of Non-Execs to UK SMEs

Wanting to grow their business to the next level

Concerned that their business is getting too big to manage

Frustrated with persistent and damaging issues

Facing new types of challenges in the future

Preparing their business for succession or sale

Needing a high quality, independent sounding board

NXD non-executives have substantial commercial experience that enables them to act as a seasoned sounding board. They also have the commercial acumen to help you improve your financial performance. Non-exec services include: Vision, strategy, planning Fund raising Succession planning, acquisition &

exit

Geographical and product expansion. Leadership coachingNXD non-executives operate across the full range of industry sectors including: AutomotiveBusiness ServicesCharities & Not For ProfitEnergy & ChemicalsFinancial ServicesGovernment/Public SectorHealthcare & PharmaceuticalsIndustrial ManufacturingICT/TechnologyLeisure & TourismMedia/Advertising/PRProperty & ConstructionRetail & Consumer GoodsTransport and LogisticsUtilities

NXD is a network that provides non-executive services to SMEs. Challenges that the NXD non-executives work with business owners to address include: