Business South has announced that Conrad Ford is now a non-executive director.
Mr Ford is on the leadership team of the bank Allica, which was recently named the ‘fastest-growing company in the UK’ by The Sunday Times.
Previously, he founded Funding Options, a fintech start-up which was ranked among ‘Europe’s fastest-growing firms’. It was later sold to a digital banking provider.
Mr Ford is a chartered management accountant and lives in Winchester.
He recently attended the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum with Business South, where he spoke about his enthusiasm for the Central South UK and the potential the region holds.
He told a ‘packed room’ that he wants the Central South to be the base for his next big project.
Mr Ford said: “I moved to the Central South region almost a decade ago and became increasingly excited about its potential – our region has a vital part to play in unleashing the UK’s economic growth potential, and I’m really excited to do my bit.
“People often make the mistake of thinking of the South-East as London’s commuter belt.
“But the Central South region has its own distinct economic identity, with global leadership in a range of high value sectors such maritime, defence and life sciences.
“Central South is also blessed with port cities that anchor Britain to its largest trading partners on the continent, a collection of world class universities, and the visitor draw of its amazing coast and national parks.
“However, the Central South region has its fair share of challenges too, with many areas of deprivation – and we owe it to these areas to unlock more local growth.”
Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Business South group CEO, said: “Having Conrad Ford as a non-executive director on our board will enable Business South to further develop the organisation to meet the needs of the businesses in the Central South region.
“We are delighted he has decided to join us and we know his insight, energy and expertise will help us to achieve our goals in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
