Paul Gourmand (age 71)
Non-executive chairman
Paul began his career within Unilever plc, where he held various positions over fifteen years. Subsequently, he became managing director of several substantial private companies before joining TKM (Holdings) plc. He has been chairman or non-executive director of a number of substantial private companies and continues to advise overseas groups and venture capitalists on their UK investments. Paul's responsibilities on the Board include chairing the audit committee and serving on the remuneration and nomination committees.
Paul Jackson FCA (age 60)
Chief executive
Paul qualified as a chartered accountant in 1974, became a partner in Morgan, Brown and Spofforth in 1975 and then its senior partner in 1986. He has extensive corporate finance experience, having advised in his capacity as director and shareholder on the flotations of Inspirations plc and Capcon Holdings plc on the Unlisted Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange and AIM respectively. Inspirations plc subsequently transferred to the Official List. His responsibilities within the Group include business development, strategy and corporate finance.
Paul Ashton FCA (age 59)
Executive director
Paul qualified as a chartered accountant in 1975 and has extensive public company experience. He joined Morgan Brown & Spofforth in 1977 and was made a partner in 1978. Until 2000, Paul was Managing Partner of Morgan Brown & Spofforth. Paul has specific responsibilities for the merger and acquisition strategy.
Trevor Applin FCA (age 54)
Finance director
After Trevor qualified as a chartered accountant, he joined Binder Hamlyn in 1977 and moved to R D Neville & Co in 1979 where he became a partner in 1980. The firm subsequently merged with Morgan Brown & Spofforth in 1985, where Trevor became managing partner from 2000. Trevor has advised clients from owner-managed businesses and SMEs through to publicly quoted companies on a diverse range of commercial and technical issues. Trevor has responsibility for all internal finance functions of the Group.
Nigel Hamilton-Smith FIPA, FABRP (age 55)
Executive director
Nigel worked in the insolvency department of Leonard Curtis & Co before moving to Latham Crossley & Davis, where he became a partner in 1984. He was responsible for overseeing the growth of the insolvency department in the London office and expansion into four regional offices. He joined Morton Thornton in 1987 to set up the corporate recovery and insolvency business and is licensed by the IPA. Nigel has responsibility for all aspects of the business recovery division of the Vantis.
Bob Thornton FCA (age 59)
Executive director / Chairman of the Regions
Bob qualified as a chartered accountant in 1973 and was a co-founder of Morton Thornton Chartered Accountants in 1974. He was the managing partner of Morton Thornton and specialises in work related to owner managed businesses and corporate finance. Bob acts as the focal point for regional development and co-ordination and has responsibility for the Group's core practice activities.
Ken Dulieu (age 61)
Non-executive director
After a career with the police force, Ken was appointed security adviser to divisions of Allied Breweries and Whitbread plc. In 1983 he founded K&J Dulieu Limited (trading as Capitol Consultants), later renamed Capitol Group plc in 1994 upon its admission to the Official List, where he was chief executive until its sale to Carlisle Holdings plc in 1998. He is currently the executive chairman of Capcon Holdings plc and non-executive chairman of Southampton Leisure Holdings plc. Ken chairs the remuneration and nomination committees and is a member of the audit committee.
Graham Cole FCA, MSI (age 62)
Non-executive director
Graham is a chartered accountant, formerly a partner in Deloitte, Haskins & Sells. He was a founder partner of that firm's corporate finance division and the firm's European flotation partner. He continued this role following that firm's merger with Coopers & Lybrand. He joined Beeson Gregory Limited (now Evolution Security Limited) in 1995 as a director where he advised domestic and international companies, both public and private, on their strategies for growth and capital raising. Graham is a co-founder and past executive member of the Quoted Companies Alliance. He is chairman of Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc, Ashton Penney PLC, and a non-executive director of The Claims People Group plc. Graham is a member of the audit, nomination and remuneration committees.