Financial services across Yorkshire and the North of England is experiencing one of its strongest periods of growth in decades. Private equity has poured into the region, backing everything from specialist lenders to fintech platforms, insurance brokers, wealth managers and compliance‑driven service providers. The result is a sector that's scaling fast, professionalising quickly and competing harder than ever for talent. But with growth comes pressure. And for many Northern f

For SMEs and owner‑managed businesses (OMBs), the board isn't a formality. It's the engine room of decision‑making, accountability and long‑term value creation. A strong board accelerates growth, sharpens strategy and protects the business during periods of change. A weak or misaligned board does the opposite — it slows momentum, creates confusion and leaves founders carrying too much weight. Yet across Yorkshire and the North, many high‑potential businesses still operate wit

In the high-stakes world of financial services and private equity, leadership is not just about charisma or credentials, it is about staying power. At FatGreen Executive, we believe the best leaders do not just arrive, they endure. So, what separates those who merely occupy the seat from those who truly fit, lead, and last? 1. Fit: Beyond the CV Cultural alignment is no longer a soft metric; it has become a strategic imperative. Leaders who "fit" are not just compatible with

What this means for Leadership Hiring in Growth Firms and Private Equity Portfolio Companies. The UK labour market is showing early signs of stabilisation, but headwinds remain. For private equity investors and high-growth SMEs across Newcastle, Leeds, and Manchester, this moment calls for clarity in leadership and confidence in hiring. What's Happening in the Market Unemployment has nudged up to 4.8% (three months to August 2025), reflecting a cooling economy. Vacancies cont

Private equity in the North of England has never been more active. Yorkshire, the North West and the North East now form one of the UK's most dynamic investment corridors, fuelled by ambitious mid‑market businesses, strong founder‑led cultures and a commercial pragmatism that investors trust. For boards, founders and senior leaders, understanding this landscape isn't optional. It shapes valuation, leadership expectations and the pace of growth. And for candidates, it defines

For years, leadership conversations in the UK have been dominated by London‑centric thinking—capital, talent, strategy, culture, all viewed through a South‑East lens. But the reality on the ground is shifting. The North is no longer a "regional outpost"; it's a powerhouse of scale‑ups, private equity activity, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, and ambitious mid‑market firms driving real economic momentum. And with that shift comes a truth many boards are only just w

High‑growth companies across Yorkshire and the North of England are some of the most resilient, ambitious and commercially grounded businesses in the UK. They scale through substance, not hype. They build loyal teams. They deliver real value. But they also face a unique set of challenges—particularly when it comes to finance, leadership and the pace of growth. For founders, boards and owner‑managed businesses (OMBs), these challenges aren't theoretical. They shape day‑to‑day

When private equity invests in an SME or owner‑managed business, the capital is only half the story. The real determinant of success is the relationship between the investor, the board, and the leadership team. When that relationship is aligned, businesses scale with pace, clarity and confidence. When it fractures, even the strongest companies stall. Across Yorkshire and the North, we've seen both outcomes up close. And the difference almost always comes down to one thing: Th

I explained to colleagues I had to leave our meeting to answer my phone. Ordinarily, I wouldn't answer a phone during a meeting, but this was different. I left the meeting with an overpowering sense of dread. Anny, my darling wife, rock and life partner was calling from hospital. I answered the call and in trepidation put the phone to my ear. Instantly I knew, Anny’s trembling voice and tears said it all, Cancer. Yes, the evil which blights 50% of the UK’s population knock