2019 marks fds’ 30-year anniversary since the business was established, back in 1989 by now Chairman Jo Haigh. Jo established fds from her back bedroom in 1989 to put her own unique stamp on the industry. The business has now transformed into a team of high-performing individuals who have turned the company into a trailblazer within the industry. The team have worked on over 400 transactions with industry-leading organisations.
Originally established to provide corporate finance services to owner-managed SME businesses and deliver director-level training, fds has developed its service offering over the years to support every aspect of a business owner’s journey. Services include assisting with the creation of business plans and sourcing funding, reviewing shareholder agreements, providing non-executive director support and selling businesses either to trade or private equity buyers, to name a few.
Jo Haigh now oversees fds from her position as Chairman, alongside CEO Poonam Kaur. Poonam manages all the clients and the daily operations of the business with the team.
The company’s success has been built on expertise, professionalism and providing a high standard of service. These are all qualities which reflect fds’ core business values. Team achievements and awards at fds are also reflected in industry acknowledgments. This includes being awarded The Sunday Times NED of the Year, the Business Service Award on behalf of the CBI, Most Innovative UK Deal Negotiator 2016 and The AI One to Watch in Corporate Finance from Acquisition International M&A Awards and the Super Staff Award from BIY Inspired Awards to name a few.
Jo comments: “Through 30 years, like any business, we have seen our fair share of ups and downs but it’s with a very happy heart and with my enviable team, that I look forward to our next exciting chapter”.
Poonam comments: “Having been with the business since 2011, we have built a thriving and rapidly growing company. The special partnership Jo and I have has meant we have excelled our dreams, and long may it continue”.
In the 30th anniversary year, fds will be celebrating with ‘Pearls of Wisdom’. This will include industry market insight reports, business expertise blogs, video content and hosting a celebratory event.
As well as fds celebrating its 30th year of business, this year also welcomes the launch of OnBoarding Officers. OnBoarding Officers is a brand-new business, founded by Jo Haigh. The business comprises a bespoke programme to develop elite non-executive directors from exiting British Military officers and SNCOs.