West Yorkshire's Economic Evolution: Driving Growth Across Tech, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Green Energy

This is the first of our West Yorkshire Growth articles, highlighting how the region has transformed into a powerhouse for tech, healthcare, manufacturing, creative industries, and green energy — now contributing £70 billion annually to the UK economy. Today’s article looks at the key sectors driving this growth and the role recruitment plays in supporting the region’s success.

A New Era of Economic Growth for Nottingham: Strategic, Skilled, and Scaling

An analysis of the latest market data and valuable insights from one of the most informed thought leaders in the region, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, Chief Executive of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire. Our Director for the East Midlands, Euan Begbie, adds his views on why the future is bright for the region.

The Evolution of HR: From Operational Support to Strategic Boardroom Leadership

As businesses evolve, strategic HR leadership is gaining prominence in the boardroom. Organisations now see HR as a key driver of growth, culture, and long-term success.

CFO Network Quarterly Update – April 2025

The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Navigating Change: Carl Swansbury of Ryecroft Glenton on the Future of Corporate Finance

In our latest CFO interview, Carl Swansbury, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at Ryecroft Glenton, discusses the firm’s strategic expansion into Yorkshire, emerging M&A trends, and key opportunities for SMEs in 2025. He shares insights on private equity, sector growth, and the evolving corporate finance landscape.

Leading Finance with Purpose: An Exclusive Interview with Kate Cooper, CFO of the Institute of Directors

Kate Cooper, the newly appointed CFO of the Institute of Directors, shares her insights on leadership, finance, and the evolving role of CFOs in 2025. In this exclusive interview, she discusses the challenges, opportunities, and future of business leadership.

An Interview with Emma Panariello

Pratap Executive is delighted to welcome Emma back to Executive Search. With nearly two decades in search and six years as a CEO, she brings invaluable leadership insights. In this interview, she shares her journey, industry shifts, and vision for helping businesses identify top talent.

The Evolution of HR: From Personnel Officers to Strategic People Directors

Human Resources has evolved from a back-office function into a key driver of business success. Today, HR leaders shape company culture, talent strategy, and organisational growth.

Yorkshire's Investment Landscape: Reflecting on 2024 and Navigating 2025 with insights from Paul Mann, Head of EMEA Private Equity at Squire Patton Boggs

This article explores key trends in Yorkshire’s investment landscape, highlighting M&A activity, private equity growth, and evolving market dynamics, while providing insights for navigating 2025.

Why Doing Good is Good for Business: The Power of ESG Strategy

In today’s business world, doing good is not just a moral choice - it is a smart strategy. ESG expert Lisa Basford helps companies mitigate risk, attract investment, and drive growth. This article explores why embedding ESG is key to long-term success.

Navigating Finance with Richard Siddle: Lessons from a Top Interim CFO

Richard Siddle, a seasoned CFO with experience at KPMG, Asda, Lloyds, and Barclays, has mastered the art of interim leadership. In this interview, he shares insights from his career, lessons on navigating change, and advice for finance professionals aiming to make an impact.

Yorkshire’s Business Outlook with Natalie Wright, Forvis Mazars

Natalie Wright, Office Managing Partner & Head of UK Family Business at Forvis Mazars in the UK, shares her insights on Yorkshire's business landscape, discussing growth opportunities, challenges, and the importance of resilience and innovation for local leaders navigating the region’s dynamic economy.

Fractional CFOs – The benefits to businesses

In our final article in the series on the growing demand for fractional CFOs, we look at their advantages to businesses, and talk to the CEO of Pi Datametrics, a Mercia Ventures’ portfolio company that is benefitting from the support of fractional CFO.

The power of originating Executive Search from the Local Region

This article highlights the advantages of local executive search firms, emphasising their deep market knowledge, strong regional networks, cultural alignment, and ability to provide faster, more personalised service while supporting economic growth.

East Midlands M&A Overview

Euan Begbie shares insights into the Mergers & Acquisitions market over the last 12 months; and with the input of Breeze Corporate Finance, looks into what 2025 has in store.

Andrew Ross – Thoughts from the Yorkshire Dealmaker of the Year 2024

Andrew Ross, Investment Partner at Endless LLP, reflects on his journey in Yorkshire's business community, his award-winning leadership on transformative deals, and the key role private equity plays in driving growth.

CFO Network Quarterly Update – January 2025

The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands

Pratap Executive: Where Technology Meets the Human Touch in Executive Search

Our most recent article highlights how Pratap Executive seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with the human touch to deliver exceptional executive search results.

Fractional CFOs – Explaining the Benefits and Opportunities for Finance Leaders

Our latest article highlights the rise of fractional CFOs, exploring their benefits, such as flexibility, diverse experiences, and cost-effective strategic leadership, through insights from experienced professionals.

Fractional CFOs – Explaining the Growing Market

Our latest article explores the rise of fractional CFOs, highlighting their growing demand and impact. These leaders bring flexible expertise to drive strategic growth for scaling businesses.

C-Suite Hiring Market in Yorkshire and the Midlands – 2024 Overview

Yorkshire and the Midlands' C-suite hiring landscape in 2024 reflects a dynamic mix of growth opportunities, shifting candidate expectations, and economic complexities.

Panoramic Referencing: Elevating Executive Search with 360-Degree Insights

Pratap Executive’s panoramic referencing delivers tailored, risk-aware executive search results through comprehensive insights and networks.

Executive Benefits: Empowering Leadership for Long-Term Success

Retaining top leadership is critical for an organisation’s long-term success. By offering competitive and meaningful benefits, companies can attract and retain the high-calibre leaders needed to navigate challenges and secure a strong future.

An overview of the Fractional CFO Market: Insights from Victoria Robson, Talent Leader at Mercia Ventures

Victoria Robson, Talent Leader at Mercia Ventures shares with us her insights of Fractional CFOs, highlighting how strategic financial leadership on a flexible basis can unlock unprecedented opportunities for scaling businesses.

The Importance of Unconscious Bias and the Value of a Diverse Gender Interviewing Panel

In this article, we explore why unconscious bias matters, the value of diverse perspectives during the interview process, and how Pratap Executive’s distinctive approach — having two partners as part of our search delivery team — enhances decision-making and delivers superior outcomes.

How HR Consultancy Empowers EOT Businesses: Insights from Paul Dickinson

Paul Dickinson, HR Consultant and Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) specialist, shares his experience on ways that HR consultancy can specifically support EOT businesses, from cultivating a strong ownership culture to developing customised HR policies that align with the unique EOT structure

Pratap Executive – National Executive Search Across the North & the Midlands

Launching Pratap Executive elevates the standards we can deliver to a new level. National Search, Regional Connections

CFO Network Quarterly Update – October 2024

The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands

The Story Behind Pure Pet Food: Daniel Valdur Eha on Entrepreneurship, ACCA, and What’s Next

An interview with Daniel Valdur Eha, co-founder of Pure Pet Food. This article explores the success of Pure Pet Food, from its founder’s inspiration to the decision to become an entrepreneur. It highlights the impact of his ACCA qualification and looks ahead at the company’s future growth and innovation.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in today's business environment

By understanding the basics, assessing the current situation, setting clear goals, and involving the entire organisation, businesses can create a more equitable and inclusive environment.

Launch of the 2024/2025 Yorkshire & Humber Executive Finance Leadership Annual Report

We are delighted to launch our second CFO Network Annual Report for the Yorkshire & Humber region. One of the most in-depth analyses of the CFO & Finance Director landscapes conducted.

CFO Network Quarterly Update – June 2024

The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands

Yorkshire M&A Overview: Insights from Roger Esler

Roger Esler shares insights into his success as one of the most prolific dealmakers in Yorkshire, and his predictions for the coming months.

The importance of Employer Value Proposition

Helping clients to build their EVP in a challenging market

Speaking at the EY 'Redefining Macho' Event

Nik's summary of learnings as part of the speaker panel at the recent outstanding “Redefining MACHO” event in Leeds.

Navigating the Housebuilding Sector: Insights on EVP and Accountancy Careers from Jeremy Gledhill

Jeremey Gledhill, CFO of Homesbyhoney, shares insights on the housebuilding sector, including insights on EVP and accountancy career paths.

CFO Network Quarterly Update - March 2024

Nik Pratap joins Make-A-Wish

I’m delighted to share with my network that I’m joining the Board of Trustees at Make-A-Wish® UK.

Building People Strategies for Growth – Getting the Skills and Culture Right

Guest contributor Paula Brockwell talks to Elise Walsh about how to grow your people strategy ahead of business results.

Unlocking Success – Where are the Opportunities for OMB Shareholders in 2024?

With Alex Baskeyfield, M&A Partner at Mazars in Leeds.

Unlocking Success – How Will PE Investment Activity Develop in 2024?

Unlocking Success – How Should a CFO Approach the Job When Joining an OMB?

In the fourth article of our series, Nik's guest contributors look at the best way for a CFO to approach the job when joining an OMB.

Unlocking Success – Insights from Patrick Lynch and Marcus Patrick

In our third article, Nik explores getting the timing right to transact for shareholders, with contributions from Patrick Lynch and Marcus Patrick

Pratap Partnership and Pratap Executive Transition to be Employee Owned

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the ownership of Pratap Partnership has been transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust. This is wonderful news for our dedicated employees and our original shareholders.

Unlocking Success – The Importance of Having the Right Team in Place

In this second article, Nik speaks to Dahren Naidoo and Vickie Brown about the importance of having the right team in place.

How important is aftercare in the recruitment process?

Elise Walsh explains why it is so important to us to ensure that we extend our service beyond the excitement and nervous energy of the first day.

Unlocking Success – The Potential for Owner-Managed Businesses

Launching our new series of articles: Unlocking Success - The Potential for Owner-Managed Businesses. Nik Pratap explores growing businesses building up to positive change, with contributions and insights from our Adviser network.

Navigating Offer Management for Executive Level Roles

Elise explores the importance of the offer stage in Executive Search

Leadership, R&D Tax Reliefs, and Driving Growth in the East Midlands: Insights from Sheetal Sanghvi

This article features an in-depth interview with Sheetal Sanghvi, a prominent financial leader in the East Midlands and Managing Partner at RSM Nottingham. She shares insights from her 18-year career, the impact of diversity and inclusion strategies, her expertise in Research & Development tax reliefs, and the strengths and opportunities in the East Midlands economy.

Driving Deals and Diversity: Linda Nguyenova shares her journey in Private Equity and Championing Inclusive Leadership

Linda is establishing herself as one of the most prolific dealmakers in Yorkshire and the North East, as well as being one of the most influential voices in promoting diversity and inclusion in the business leadership community.

The Vital Role of Regular Metrics in Executive Recruitment

Elise Walsh explores how regular metrics are the compass that ensures we're always on course to deliver a successful process.

Embracing Innovation: The Evolution of Assessment, Screening, and Testing in Modern Executive Search

How we stay ahead of the curve, leveraging the latest advancements and best practices to identify the perfect leaders for your organization.

The importance of a meticulous search process within Executive Recruitment

Our commitment to delivering exceptional executive search services positions organisations for continued growth and success.

CFO Network Quarterly Update - June 2023

The volume of CFO and FD appointments in the Yorkshire and East Midlands region is at record levels for the second quarter in a row.

Executive Finance Leadership Report (Yorkshire 2024)

NEW Yorkshire Report for 2024/25, giving you in-depth insights into the Executive Finance Leadership community.

Executive Finance Leadership Report (East Midlands)

East Midlands Report 2024. In-depth insights into the Executive Finance Leadership community.