A Baptism of Fire for New FMG Managing Director
Huddersfield based incident management and specialist recovery business FMG, appointed new managing director Claire Owens in March at the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK.
Claire could not have envisaged her new role would coincide with an overwhelming economic environment and rapidly-evolving challenge to business – a true baptism of fire.
Her first priority amid the unfolding pandemic was the rapid migration to adopting digital technologies. FMG successfully moved over 95% of the business to home working within her first month at the helm, and in doing so continued to provide full continuity of service provisions to FMG clients and customers.
The appointment comes on the back of the most successful year in the business’s history. New business wins have been a key feature of the last 12 months, so too has the retention of clients.
During the pandemic the business went live with the new Highways England contract following a successful tender back in December. The refreshed scheme continues the partnership for several more years following the 10-year milestone achieved last year.
The business will report a growth in their fleet book just short of 30% during the last financial year, and with two new major contracts with large insurers along with innovation across their proposition including the launch of image capture and green parts, unique LCV developments, ability to build in APIs to support continued transparency with clients, the business has carved out a solid position in recent years.
Commenting on her appointment, Claire explained “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead FMG in the next stage of our evolution. Given the very different backdrop, it’s fair to say the start of that evolution has focussed on innovation, flexibility, agility and safety and wellbeing. The acceleration of our digital capabilities has proved astonishing, so too has the positivity in which colleagues have embraced our new ways of working. Change is a constant, and I must accept where we’re at; my job today is firmly focussed on successfully leading the business through the seismic impact of Covid-19, ensuring the business continues to deliver the high level of service our partners expect and ensuring our business remains well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the new world.
Claire joined FMG in 2017 as Finance Director, prior to which she had held a number of senior Finance positions across multiple sectors, more recently with the multinational corporation, Sodexo. Claire succeeds Harvey Stead, who saw a recent promotion to the newly created role of Managing Director, Redde Limited. Stead joins the Redde-Northgate Management Board to take responsibility for the performance of a number of businesses within the newly formed Group, which still includes FMG.
Stead commented, ‘I’m really pleased that Claire has been appointed as my successor. The appointment reflects the influence Claire has had in accelerating business growth over the last three years and is in recognition of her key contribution. Claire’s appointment as Managing Director provides continuity for the business, our customers, supplier partners and our people. I am confident that Claire will intelligently and strategically lead FMG with the same calm, pragmatic and level-headedness she has continually demonstrated as a member of the FMG Board, and I wish her every success.”
