Conrad Ford and Business Central

Published: October 2 2024

Business South welcomes fintech entrepreneur as latest non-executive director

Business South is delighted to announce that fintech entrepreneur Conrad Ford has joined the board as a non-executive director.

Conrad Ford is on the leadership team of SME-focused bank Allica, recently named by The Sunday Times as the fastest-growing company in the UK. Previously he founded Funding Options – a financial technology (fintech) startup ranked among Europe’s fastest-growing firms, that latterly sold to a leading digital banking provider. He is a chartered management accountant by background, and lives in Winchester, Hampshire.

When he recently attended UKREiiF, the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum, with Business South he spoke about his enthusiasm for the Central South UK and the potential the region holds.

He told a packed room that he wants the Central South to be the base for his next big project.

“I moved to the Central South region almost a decade ago and became increasingly excited about its potential – our region has a vital part to play in unleashing the UK’s economic growth potential, and I’m really excited to do my bit,” he said.

Business South Group CEO, Leigh-Sara Timberlake, said: “Having Conrad Ford as a non-executive director on our board will enable Business South to further develop the organisation to meet the needs of the businesses in the Central South region.

“We are delighted he has decided to join us and we know his insight, energy and expertise will help us to achieve our goals in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”

Commenting on the opportunities for the Central South region, Conrad explained: “People often make the mistake of thinking of the South-East as London’s commuter belt. But the Central South region has its own distinct economic identity, with global leadership in a range of high value sectors such maritime, defence and life sciences.

“Central South is also blessed with port cities that anchor Britain to its largest trading partners on the continent, a collection of world class universities, and the visitor draw of its amazing coast and national parks. However, the Central South region has its fair share of challenges too, with many areas of deprivation – and we owe it to these areas to unlock more local growth.”