Business lobby group appoints new National Chairman
6 January 2009  
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The FPB has appointed Noel Guilford as its new National Chairman. Noel, who has been a non-executive board member of the FPB since 2003, is the managing partner of Chester-based Guilford Consulting, and has more than 30 years' experience as a chartered accountant and management consultant. He has been acting Chairman since June 2008, but now takes on the role permanently.

"I am pleased to take on this challenging role at a time when our members need support and guidance more than ever," said Noel. Business conditions are the most difficult I can remember, but at the same time this presents opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to invest in and grow their businesses."

With his background in business strategy and corporate finance, Noel has been instrumental in supporting the FPB's campaign to improve small firms' access to finance in the wake of the economic downturn and the banks' credit restrictions, saying: "The FPB is urging banks to recognise the difficulties small businesses are facing, and is encouraging firms to take steps to protect themselves, such as seeking alternatives to traditional funding streams."

Noel is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a Member of the Securities Institute and a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. He is a former Regional Chairman of the Institute of Directors in the North West of England.

Noel has advised the shareholders, directors and management of numerous private companies, by leading and arranging acquisitions, management buyouts and disposals, raising development capital and providing strategic advice to businesses.

In addition, his experience of public companies includes advising and reporting on businesses that have floated on both the Main Market and AIM, and acting as Rule Three adviser under the Takeover Code.

Noel's first non-executive directorship appointment came in 1996, for Deva Designs Limited, a Chester-based design and marketing company for whom he now provides strategic and business advice.

In 2007, Noel became a director of Livewire Capital in Liverpool, which invests in early-stage technology companies. He was formerly a corporate finance partner at Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance, with whom he spent considerable time working in the Middle East.

The FPB's Chief Executive, Phil Orford, said: "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Noel Guilford as National Chairman of the FPB. Noel has vast experience in supporting the survival and growth of businesses of all sizes. His knowledge and skills will be invaluable during these testing times."