The Team

Jo Haigh
LLB CF
Chairman
Since 1989 Jo has bought and sold approximately 400 companies specialising in owner managed companies, in addition to selling three of her own companies and undertaking two personal MBOs. Throughout her career, Jo has held 40+ non-executive roles and is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chair for number of prestigious companies across England and the Isle of Man. Jo is also a regular presenter on corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions for prestigious organisations across the UK and Europe.
Key Highlights
- Included in the 2023 Power List, Northern Power Women Awards (2023)
- Non-Executive Director of the Year finalist in the category of Private/Private Equity Backed, in association with Peel Hunt and supported by The Sunday Times (2021)
- Winner of the Non-Exec Director of the Year, IoD Yorkshire & North East Regional Awards (2018)
- Nominated for Business Woman of the Year, The Yorkshire Choice Awards (2018)
- Finalist in Business Services category, First Women Awards (2017)
- fds winners of Most Innovative UK Deal Negotiator & AI One to Watch in Corporate Finance, Acquisition International (2016)
- Shortlisted for Mentor of the Year, First Women Awards (2016)
- Shortlisted for Inspiring Leader of the Year, Forward Ladies (2015)
- Shortlisted for SME Business of the Year, Forward Ladies (2015)
- Winner in the CBI First Women in Business Services Award (2014)
- Finalist of the Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards (2013)
- Winner of The Sunday Times NED of the Year Award in association with Peel Hunt (2013)
Fun Facts
Most likely to: Break her big toe by dropping a wine bottle on it!
Least likely to: Go camping

Poonam Kaur
BSC (Hons) FCCA Cert IoD
CEO
Poonam is CEO of fds Director Services, where she leads all projects and director-level training with the support of Chairman Jo Haigh. With over 20 years of experience in the accounting and corporate finance industry, Poonam has worked with organisations across a plethora of industries, including worldwide organisations. She is passionate about helping organisations and directors with their business journeys, whatever their stage.
Key Highlights
- Shortlisted for Transformational Leader of the Year, Novi Awards (2024)
- Included in the Power List, The Northern Power Awards (2024)
- Shortlisted for Company Leader (up to 100 employees), TheBusinessDesk’s Yorkshire Leadership Awards (2024)
- Shortlisted for Businesswoman of the Year, Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards (2024)
- Winner of Leeds City Region Leader, The Northern Leadership Awards (2023)
- Shortlisted for Leeds City Region Leader, Diversity & Inclusion Leader and Professional Services Leader, The Northern Leadership Awards (2023)
- Nominated for Levelling Up Leader, Northern Power Women Awards (2023)
- Shortlisted for Corporate/Inspiring Leader in FL Leadership Summit & Awards (2021)
- Finalist for Director of the Year, Small – Medium Business, IoD Yorkshire & North East Awards (2020 & 2019)
- Chair of IoD West Yorkshire (2020)
- Shortlisted for Business Advocate of the Year, The British Business Awards (2019)
- Winner of Mentor of the Year, Forward Ladies Yorkshire, North East and Scotland Region (2019)
Fun Facts
Most likely to: Say it as it is
Least likely to: Finish a cup of tea

Rachel Gill
BA (Hons)
Commercial Manager
Alongside Poonam, Rachel manages the team and corporate finance projects. Rachel also oversees and facilitates the marketing requirements for fds and leads the creative process, design and preparation of all internal and external marketing collateral and business documents.
Fun Facts
Most likely to: Win the book challenge
Least likely to: Miss a Clubbercise class

Gemma Dickinson
BA (Hons)
Practice Manager
Gemma has a degree in Hospitality and Business Management, and 13 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, she has extensive skill in client management and customer service. Gemma is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and oversees all aspects of director-level training services.
Fun Facts
Most likely to: Be out walking with her family
Least likely to: Cook dinner!

Sam Bland
MA
Project Assistant
With a Master’s in English Literature, Sam supports the team with all ongoing projects, assisting with client communications and administrative tasks as relevant.
Fun Facts
Most likely to: Be watching a horror movie
Least likely to: win the book challenge

Shamsa Iqbal
Project Assistant
Shamsa assists on a daily basis with all ongoing projects, performing administrative tasks, client communications and financial support where relevant.
Fun Facts
Most likely to: Never say no
Least likely to: Go walking
Discover How We Can Help You
We are here to support you on your business journey. If you, or your company require specialist business support, the fds Journey Planner can help point you in the right direction.