The CIO World’s Post

Fascinating discussions at the NW Growth 35 event hosted by Deloitte at Alliance Manchester Business School   We explored how the Northwest region can drive productivity and growth - building more homes, improving transport infrastructure, delivering jobs and skills, and creating technical career pathways for young people.   The day began with insight from political heavy hitters, facilitated by Jo Ahmed and Tim Grogan. And then onto a panel discussion on the role of sport and the cultural industries in driving social and economic benefits.   A big thank you to our panellists Rachel Wilkey-Pinfield, Jon Dutton OBE, and John McGrath Factory International for sharing their valuable insights.   My key takeaways:   🏢 A compelling sports and culture offer has the power to redefine a place - to the people who live, study and work there and to the outside world.   ⚽️🎭 Sport and culture can play a unique role in delivering social outcomes, particularly by addressing intractable economic challenges in underserved communities   🤝 Local leadership and cross-sector collaboration are vital enablers for success. The North West region has a strong track record in this regard, but we can do more and work closely with local authorities to deliver benefits to the towns surrounding our major cities.   🌆 Manchester has an inspiring story to tell about building connections between world-class facilities, teams, athletes, artists, and local communities, driving both social and economic benefits.   Looking forward to continuing this conversation to drive productivity, growth, and positive change in the North West region! 🚀 #NWGrowth35 #Productivity #Growth #Collaboration #NorthWest #DeloitteEvent Timothy Bridge Andy Tong James Savage

📖 Opening the Books for 2025: Conceicao Consulting As we step into 2025, I’m excited to officially open the books for Conceicao Consulting—a consultancy dedicated to delivering practical, future-focused workforce planning and policy solutions for industries and governments. Over the years, I’ve worked with incredible organisations, including Jobs and Skills Australia, MEGT (Australia) Ltd, and the Chartered Institute for Further Education (UK), delivering impactful workforce strategies and solutions. Drawing on leadership experience across key roles: ➡️ CEO of a National Apprentice Employment Network: Driving innovative apprenticeship employment policies and programs to support sustainable workforce growth. ➡️ Executive Director at TAFE NSW: Leading strategic initiatives for the nation's largest training provider, shaping education and skills pathways for Australia’s future. ➡️ Economic development champion: Spearheading the state’s post-COVID economic recovery agenda, focusing on jobs, skills, and investment. 🔧 I’ve also had the privilege of contributing to transformative projects, such as: ➡️ Post-Brexit construction workforce strategy (UK): Developing solutions to address critical worker shortages and infrastructure demands for the housebuilding sector. ➡️ Apprenticeship policy and procurement guidelines development: Crafting practical frameworks to elevate workforce readiness and compliance. ➡️ AUKUS workforce and capacity planning: Strategising for the multi-billion-dollar national defence commitment, with TAFE at the core of workforce readiness. ➡️ Delivering advocacy 101 training to leadership teams: upskilling leaders in the key frameworks for ensuring focus and impact on issues that matter. At Conceicao Consulting, we deliver: ✅ Workforce and capacity planning tailored to sector-specific needs. ✅ Policy design and government submissions that drive tangible action. ✅ Strategy refinement to focus businesses on high-impact opportunities for maximum results. ✅ Industry-specific workforce solutions for large-scale initiatives for industries, including defence, construction, and VET. ✅ Advocacy training and campaign frameworks for organisations and leaders to create impact. The opportunities and challenges of 2025 demand bold solutions and expert guidance. Whether you’re navigating skills shortages, refining your strategy, or future-proofing your workforce, we’re here to help. 🌟 Let’s Work Together Follow us here or visit conceicaoconsulting.com to learn more. #WorkforcePlanning #PolicyDevelopment #StrategyRefinement #HighImpactOpportunities #SkillsForTheFuture #EconomicDevelopment

There are experiences we all have and you never quite know the real impact until years later. I have had that happen and I could not be happier to have experienced serendipity. Nearly 8 years ago, I had been hired as the Program Manager for the MTA's Small Business Development Program. At the time, we were working with about 300 trade contractors that wanted to work in the agency's capital program. The challenge for small business owners was trying to work in a $5-6B annual program where the small projects could be $10M - still beyond their financial or operational capacity. One approach we took was to make direct connections between the program business owners and the large prime contractors working for the #MTA. Here is where fortune shined down on me. As I was preparing for one of the outreach sessions, I ran into Catherine Best in the elevator as she struggled to corral all of the material she was bringing. I offered to help her get set up and that was the start of a relationship that has remained ever since. Lots of text messages, phone calls, discussions about the industry, and commiserating over bad projects, challenging colleagues, and missed opportunities. Most importantly, we built a sense of trust and alignment around purpose. Her roles had been focused on #compliance and meeting #supplierdiversity goals. I was working with diverse business owners that were looking for opportunities. We had similar outlooks on the industry and were coming at it from opposite ends. The animated conversations (we can both get a little excited and passionate) have always been a highlight and I always look forward to her ideas and perspectives. That trust and common purpose has come full circle. I could not be more excited at the ability to work directly with Catherine. Catherine is joining as our Marketing Director and a Compliance Specialist. I feel like I have caught the tiger by the tail and will have to hang on because her passion, spirit, and excitement are unmatched by most people I have worked with. I can't wait to see how we can bring innovative and interactive workshops, #leadership #coaching, small business consulting, thought leadership, and creative approaches to supplier diversity to the #construction industry. Don't be surprised when her emails start hitting your inbox. Trust me, you are in for an animated conversation - the kind I have come to excitedly anticipate. To infinity and beyond! #management #aec #womeninconstruction #nawic #namc #mbe #wbe #sdvob American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) NY Tri-State Chapter of NAMC Carolinas AGC Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas (HCAC) #agc #carolinasagc #cagcmembers

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Crown Commercial Service has a strategy not only to attract young talents but also to create an environment that appeals to experienced individuals from the private sector. We believe that understanding the people behind organisations is crucial. The best way to achieve this is by asking questions that are passionately purposeful, avoiding the typical, repetitive ones. Here is a short clip where our CEO Mac Karlekar ask these questions to the Crown Commercial Service. Watch what Roger Gonourie has to say. Thanks Roger. Ps: Let us know if you already knew the answers! #ThinkDifferently #PassionatelyPurposeful #Strategy #Technology #Innovation #Design #Leadershiptraining #Crowncommercialservice #Question #Answer #Government #Employeesmatter #privatsector #PublicSector #Inspiration #Motivation #EmployeeEngagement #Digitaltransformation

The defining feature of Atlantic Cedar’s approach is the strength of our people. Atlantic Cedar is made up of practitioners, not career consultants. Our clients understand and value this. Each member of the team has a range of experience and extensive knowledge of their field, and works as a trusted partner to their clients.    Our ethos of delivering rapid insights leading to practical solutions for business is at the core of our approach. We understand the pressures of running a business through good and bad times. Our consultants have been on your side of the table, they have navigated their way through tough business transformations regardless of economic circumstances. We hate slow delivery and over-engineered solutions, and we believe that high quality outcomes can be delivered at high speed to the benefit of all stakeholders.    Over the next few weeks, we will share more about some of the people who make Atlantic Cedar great so you can see for yourself. You never know - they might have exactly the skills and experience you’re looking for. Click the link below to find out more about our approach to consulting ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/edK62fTy #atlanticcedar #consulting #strategy #change #functionaltransformation #leadershipanddevelopment #strategicprocurement #functionaloptimisation

In the verdant valleys of Ireland, as a young executive, I once visited a struggling business that was on the brink of collapse. Its products were top-notch, and its staff loyal, but the firm lacked leadership and direction.    Their finances were strained, and hiring a full-time CEO was out of the question. Just when all seemed bleak, they discovered the concept of a Fractional CEO. #BusinessTips #FractionalCEO

  Exciting News! We are expanding our footprint across North America by welcoming a new partner in Canada—xNorth! Building on our recent success in the United States, we're thrilled to strengthen our international network with xNorth, a leading Executive Interim Management firm based in Toronto with nationwide capabilities. Led by former industry executives, xNorth excels in providing immediate access to seasoned professionals who guide businesses through transformation, growth, and crisis. With a deep understanding of the Canadian market and a robust network of elite executives, xNorth supports both local and international companies through successful transitions, including corporate turnarounds, digital transformations, and M&A. In recognition of their impact, xNorth was named Startup of the Year by the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in February 2024. Benoît Créneau, President & CEO at xNorth, says, “Joining Valtus Alliance enables us to offer world-class solutions to our clients, both locally and internationally. This partnership is a natural step in accelerating our global expansion.” As the demand for Executive Interim Management continues to grow in Canada, Valtus Alliance is committed to raising awareness of this powerful solution, helping businesses navigate complex challenges with precision and expertise. Aymeric Bas, Managing Partner International & Chief Revenue Officer at Valtus, adds, “Expanding our network across North America deepens our ability to provide culturally nuanced Interim Management solutions, ensuring that our clients receive a seamless support.” #executiveinterimmanagement #leadership #businessgrowth #canada #northamerica #globalnetwork  

BDO UK LLP's latest report, created in collaboration with Norman Broadbent Plc, sheds light on the evolving role of Non-Executive Directors (NED's) and how they can drive success in these dynamic industries. In the fast-paced world of life sciences and technology, having the right NEDs on board can make all the difference. They not only provide oversight but also drive innovation and growth. Key insights from the report include: 1. Strategic Insight: NEDs bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, helping to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and market dynamics. Their strategic input can be invaluable in making informed decisions that drive growth. 2. Governance and Compliance: As businesses scale, maintaining robust governance structures becomes critical. NEDs ensure that compliance and risk management are not just tick-box exercises but integral to the company’s ethos. 3. Network and Influence: NEDs often have extensive networks that can open doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and market expansions. Their influence can accelerate growth and innovation. 4. Mentorship and Development: For senior executives, having a seasoned NED as a mentor can be incredibly beneficial. They provide guidance, challenge assumptions, and support leadership development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 5. Sustainability and ESG: With increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, NEDs play a pivotal role in ensuring that these principles are embedded in the company’s strategy, enhancing long-term sustainability and reputation. 6. Securing Future Investment: NEDs can help secure future investment by ensuring that the business is investment-ready and not leaving money on the table. Their expertise in corporate relationships and navigating risk can be crucial in attracting and retaining investors. For a deeper dive into the evolving role of NEDs and how they can benefit your business, I highly recommend reading the full report: https://lnkd.in/eSZzdM-m #LifeScience #Technology #Growth #NED #Cambridge #Board #startup #scaling Tanya Gass Iain Hopper Shrenik Parekh, CFA

"A strong resource for this is the Council of Canadian Innovators’ Innovation Governance Program, which maintains a cadre of potential board members from the innovation economy who have diverse experiences and have gone through governance training. By tackling this less visible diversity challenge in Canada’s boardrooms structurally, our companies would be better situated to address some of the most meaningful challenges they and our economy face today and in the future – including our productivity decline. It would also likely have the added benefit of making our boardrooms more visibly diverse in a manner that drives shareholder value." https://lnkd.in/eQNpMNYi