Julia Payne, CEO, Incisive Edge (Solutions) Limited

A Chief Executive with a track record of delivering rapid and sustained profit growth with expertise in sales, marketing and business development allied with team leadership, development and engagement.

2008 - INCISIVE EDGE [SOLUTIONS] LIMITED
Co-founder of market leader in driving income and equity growth in companies. Specialists in building valuation levels within owner/managed companies to drive shareholder and equity value as part of growth and longer-term exit strategies.

2002-2008 CENTRE for HIGH PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT
T/o £13m management consultancy providing bespoke leadership and development solutions.

2006-08 CEO
Promoted to provide strategic leadership, deliver accelerated profit growth and prepare the business for trade sale.

  • Conceived the strategy to deliver rapid but sustainable profitability.
  • Implemented an accounting framework to comply with UKGAAP and tight performance management, including budget / KPI responsibility, performance reward and monthly reviews.
  • Led the Management Team through the sale process and due diligence process, culminating in a successful sale to US Capital H Group.
  • Steered the organisation through the business sale process, retaining all key staff and delivering full service and revenues.
  • Developed the strategy with the new business owners to restructure the company and further develop US and UK markets.
  • Enhanced external brand awareness and profile through thought leadership articles in prominent media and engagement in targeted events.
  • Re-negotiated client contracts to enhance service delivery, reduce debtor days by 50% and eliminate short term borrowing requirement.
  • Led major client relationships to secure significant contracted revenues in the EMEA market, with Microsoft globally, American Express and multiple other leading firms.
  • Led opening of new EMEA channel to market, securing patronage of Royal Family.
  • Recognised as the driving force behind growth of the business to a market share >10% and t/o from £1m to £13m, whilst achieving net profit and revenue growth > 20% year on year.

2002-06 Managing Director and Board Director – Business Development
Initially head-hunted to lead new business development, subsequently rapidly promoted to direct European and then all global sales, marketing and business development activities.

  • Conceived and implemented a new business strategy increasing t/o by 50% to £2m first year.
  • Developed web-site and brand marketing/communications platform.
  • Implemented an on-line recruitment and business development strategy reducing costs by 15% and increasing revenue prospects pipeline.
  • Launched on-line newsletter, creating 2,000 monthly subscribers.
  • Received a Sunday Times Award for Best Small Company in 2006.
  • Executed a key account strategy, securing preferred supplier status with Microsoft globally, key institutions in the Middle East and major blue chip firms / government agencies.
  • Created and implemented the platform for 20% year on year revenue and net profit growth.
  • Winner of 2 awards for outstanding commercial achievement.

2001-2002 FORMULA 1 EVENTS Ltd
T/o £1m hospitality and events provider.
Managing Director and Board Director - Head-hunted to grow revenues of the start-up business and build future growth capability.

  • Developed revenue growth strategy including new products and international expansion.
  • Designed and implemented an effective long-term organisation structure, including distinct divisions, job responsibilities and performance management processes.
  • Introduced financial controls and new accounting package, reducing costs by >30% in first year, streamlining invoicing and improving cash collection.
  • Developed new revenue streams through marketing, sales sponsorship, enhanced services and strong leadership of the management team.
  • Created and ensured development of brand position, awareness and geographical expansion in the UK, America and the Caribbean.
  • Streamlined all event packages to allow for top quality generic and bespoke events.
  • Recruited and developed specialist staff.
  • Integral to achievement of a leading position in the marine hospitality market.
  • Grew revenues from £38,000 to £900,000 within 9 months.
  • Quoted by fellow Board member, Sir Keith Mills as 'the one to watch'.

1998-2000 CLIPPER VENTURES plc
T/o £15m Marine hospitality and events provider.
Director-Corporate Events and Board Director - Invited to co-found and lead a Corporate Events market entry.

  • Conceived and launched the Corporate Events Division.
  • Designed and implemented sales, marketing, procedural, operational and IT strategies.
  • Recruited and developed the organisation, personally managing HR activities.
  • Developed the Corporate website, marketing, sponsorship and PR communications, including sponsorship creating in excess of £750,000 of PR coverage.
  • Built operational capacity to match revenue growth potential.
  • Achieved 33% market share of the UK sailing events market within 2 years of start up.
  • Member of the Management Team which led the transition of the company from the OFEX through to the AIM market.
  • Co-founded Clipper’s sister company, Offshoretele.com, now renamed Xploite, and led flotation onto the AIM market in 2001.

1994 – 1998 TROWERS & HAMLIN
Solicitor-Landlord & Tenant Department

  • Instrumental in rapidly growing revenues from existing and new clients.
  • Recognised by being offered Partnership, the youngest Partner in the Firm’s history.

1990-1994 LONDON BOROUGH OF CROYDON
Solicitor - Initially recruited as a trainee solicitor, successfully completed training contract and invited to become a litigation solicitor.

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