About The Chairman’s Network T
he Chairman’s Network was co-founded in 2003 by Caroline Hayward, an experienced senior recruiter who started up her own executive search business Hayward & Associates some 15 years before.
Having built relationships with her extensive list of high level contacts in the technology sector, Caroline recognised a gap in the market for a forum to address the needs of this community of board level executives and drew upon her business experience to form The Chairman’s Network.
The aim of the network remains to provide information, support, advice and networking opportunities to its target membership of SME Chairmen, Non-Executives, CEOs, MDs and senior Directors with the support of its Partners (currently Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Lloyds Development Capital, The Financial Times NED Club, Norton’s Accountants and Hayward & Associates). Members benefit from networking directly in the form of connections leading to new sales leads and finding new Executive and Non-Executive Directors for their businesses.
Many members and event speakers are seasoned business leaders whose experience, advice and guidance are key to the success of the entrepreneurs and growing businesses within the network. Moreover, being able to compare the experiences and challenges facing Directors in the present
climate of stricter governance and increasing political pressure on remuneration policies is invaluable.
Members meet regularly at breakfast seminars, informal early evening drinks events and networking lunches at Claridge’s, London with eminent speakers, the likes of which have included Stelios, Digby Jones, Dr. Mike Lynch OBE, Julie Meyer MBE and Jos White. “The lunches are a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. I met many new NXD/NXC contacts in a relaxed environment and was able to listen to a thought-provoking speech as well. This led to further business contacts and discussions on Board issues” explains Keith Cornell, Chairman of poLight.
With a strong presence on Twitter and LinkedIn, the network regularly polls it members for opinions and promotes discussions on topical issues such as Board Diversity and quotas, business growth, leadership and CSR & Sustainability. Via its appointments service, the network provides a platform for advertising board-level opportunities to a community of senior executives looking to enhance or expand their portfolio. A new Portfolio service will also soon provide a vehicle for both existing and as yet untapped board talent to be exposed to potential hiring companies.
In times of austerity and corporate belt-tightening, networking is often seen as difficult to justify as an expense. Rod Perry, Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director at bwin. party digital entertainment disagrees: “I would argue that, in addition to the business contacts created, networking events can be critical in helping to create effective strategies for survival and for growth. Two or three hours thinking ‘outside the box’ with a group of people in diverse businesses can clear the mind and help you to find answers to the issues you have probably been struggling with for days! “
Caroline Hayward concurs: “Businesses are more likely to succeed during challenging times through building and nurturing valuable relationships and partnerships. Allocating time for networking should be paramount as it helps individuals to raise their visibility, to spread the word about their business and to achieve far better market penetration than they could ever manage single-handedly”.
The Chairman’s Network provides a compelling opportunity to develop a broader network of contacts relevant to you and to your business. Join as an Associate first (free of charge) to receive newsletters and then upgrade to become a Member (£250 p.a.) or Fellow (£350 p.a.).
Tel: +44 (0)1242 236277
membership@chairmansnetwork.com
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