Background

Having previously recruited a Head of Sales for Inprova Group in 2016, five years later their Group CEO Steve Malone recommissioned Sherrington Associates in April 2021, this time to help them appoint a new Finance Director.

The Client

Inprova Group are a privately owned outsourced procurement business who have demonstrated exceptional growth over the last decade both organically and through strategic acquisition. Located in Warrington, their 60 staff serve a variety of customers in both the public and the private sector, providing intelligent procurement solutions that reduce costs and increase bottom line as well as creating value by managing complex supply chain arrangements on their behalf. By achieving substantial cost savings for social housing landlords and housing associations, Inprova take pride in the value they create for the communities in which their customers operate.

After gaining investment from Lloyd’s Banking Group’s LDC in 2014, Inprova grew rapidly through an ambitious buy and build strategy. Shortly after the company also launched it’s energy brokerage division having acquired three leading energy consultancies in 2015. Then in 2019 the business completed the sale of Inprova Energy to global leader Inspired Plc. Following the completion of a successful MBO by Inprova’s founding Chairman Paul Kennedy shortly after, the business could now focus on growing their core outsourced procurement business as a privately-owned entity with a single shareholder.

The Requirement

Following on from the success of the previous buy and build programme, Inprova had ambitions to complete multiple purchases over the next three years, of complimentary technology businesses whose IP and service portfolio would significantly enhance Inprova’s value proposition for customers. To work closely with the CEO and senior management team on achieving this growth, Inprova required a highly capable and dynamic Finance Director to drive improvements, enhance the effectiveness of financial systems and controls and play a strategic role in shaping the future direction of the business.

The Search

Requiring a robust FD with a background in high growth businesses operating with a strong moral compass, Sherrington carried out extensive research into the regional talent base, engaging with experienced Finance Directors across multiple market sectors. Using our extensive network gained from over 20 years recruiting executive directors for clients in the North of England, we gained numerous referrals for potential candidates. After identifying a suitable long-list, Sherrington's Managing Consultant liaised with both the Group CEO and Chairman to determine an assessment framework with which to interview candidates.

Assessment & Selection

Both biographical and competency interviews were carried out and after scrutinising an impressive selection of long-listed candidates, a shortlist of four were selected for interview. The client carried out thorough interviews and financial assessments and two candidates were selected for final stage interviews. Final interviews involved candidate presentations and a cultural assessment involving members of the Inprova Group finance team. After thorough referencing, the role was appointed.

Result

Richard Godsland joined Inprova Group in October 2021. Richard was previously the Group Financial Controller at property investment group Place First. Prior to that Richard was a long-serving member of the finance team at Timpsons. On completion of the search assignment, Inprova Group clients commented...