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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktdickens/?originalSubdomain=uk">Mark Dickens</a>, the Managing Director at <a href="https://www.mobilize.com/en/explore-mobilize/mobilize-x-renault-group/">Mobilize Power Solutions</a>, has a career trajectory intertwined with the evolution of the automotive industry, “my career has seen me go from an apprentice engineer right the way through to board level directorship,” he states.&nbsp;Today, he stands at the forefront of correcting those past actions, leading the charge towards a greener future with electric vehicles (EVs).Dickens’ tenure at the Renault Group has been marked by versatility, having held roles in technical, after-sales, regional operations, and as the fleet and Remarketing Director with Renault UK. In 2021, he took the helm at Mobilize Power Solutions, a pivotal moment coinciding with the brand’s inception under the leadership of Luca De Mayo.The company, now a key player in the EV charging infrastructure market, was born out of a necessity recognised over a decade ago when the Renault-Nissan alliance pioneered electric vehicles.The decision to expand this business to the UK was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which, despite its challenges, expedited critical decision-making processes. Dickens was tasked with establishing the company and quickly legitimising its presence in the UK market.His engineering background proved a cornerstone in his approach to problem-solving and leadership. “My engineering experiences equipped me to problem solve,” he says, emphasising the importance of finding swift solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.Ascending to the board of directors was an eye-opening experience for Dickens, who had to quickly adapt to the responsibilities and obligations that come with such a position. Starting a new company within the Renault Group presented its own set of challenges, demanding meticulous planning and execution to ensure success.Leading the Future of E-MobilityThough less known among the Renault Group’s array of brands, Mobilize plays a crucial role in the transition to sustainable transportation. Dickens is acutely aware of the significance of their work in shaping the future of electric mobility.“Mobilize itself is responsible for e-mobility, energy and power, and data,” Mark explains, outlining the company’s multifaceted approach to supporting the EV ecosystem. The focus is not just on meeting today’s standards but on anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s vehicles, whilst ensuring that the infrastructure put in place today remains relevant and compliant in the years to come.The company’s mission is to provide solutions that are future-proof and user-centric. “Anyone can install an electric vehicle charger, but what you don’t want in three or four years’ time is to be told you have to pay another thousand pounds for another charger just because you picked up a new car,” says Dickens.Mobilize offers a comprehensive suite of services, including charging infrastructure, battery storage, off-grid solar solutions, and associated software for fleet and business management. This holistic approach ensures that homes and businesses are equipped with robust and reliable systems that cater to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. The company’s latest innovation, ‘fleet at home’, allows fleet managers to oversee home chargers installed at employees’ residences, ensuring that the cost of electricity is borne by the business rather than the individual. As the market matures and more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) enter the EV space, the need for diverse and robust charging solutions becomes ever more apparent. Navigating the Power PuzzleThe journey towards electrification is fraught with complexities, and for Mobilize, the challenge is as much about infrastructure as it is about innovation. Dickens is candid about the hurdles they face in the UK’s evolving energy landscape.“The biggest challenge in the UK at the moment is getting the right amount of power to a particular site,” the Managing Director states. With seven district network operators across the UK, the process of securing power is inconsistent and often slow, leaving businesses in a lurch when it comes to planning and development.Mark reflects on the company’s evolution, noting that what began as a service providing EV chargers has now expanded into a more holistic approach. “The majority of the business work that we’re involved in is alongside installation of solar,” he says, highlighting a shift towards integrating solar power with battery storage and EV charging as a unified solution.The cost of upgrading power can be prohibitively expensive, with quotes reaching up to £1.3 million, a sum beyond the reach of many businesses. This has prompted Mobilize to seek alternative strategies. Fortunately, being part of a larger financial ecosystem allows them to offer creative financing solutions. “We’re with a bank and are able to offer people finance alternatives, or power purchasing agreements if solar is involved,” Dickens explains. The Road AheadDickens is realistic about the industry’s pace, acknowledging that approvals, power supply, planning permissions, and even landlord consents can be significant roadblocks. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future, where he envisions a fully electrified 2030, with OEMs scaling up their EV fleets and requiring comprehensive charging solutions.Reflecting on the current state of the market, Mark notes the impact of media narratives on consumer behaviour, particularly the misconceptions surrounding EV safety and charging infrastructure. He counters the negative press with his own positive experiences, highlighting the efficiency and reliability of EVs and the advancements in charging technology that allow for quick and convenient power-ups.Looking forward, Dickens discusses the impending arrival of the new Renault 5 and the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology. He foresees significant benefits for both individual consumers and businesses, as the ability to manage power distribution between vehicles and the grid could revolutionise energy consumption patterns.However, Mark also touches on a less-discussed challenge: people. Building a reliable team from scratch, especially in a nascent industry, requires trust and a strong recruitment strategy. “You’re only as good as your team,” he remarks.The Managing Director sees a rapidly evolving industry that requires continuous learning and adaptation. With new technologies on the horizon and the need to integrate vehicles, chargers, and the grid into a cohesive system, Mobilize Power Solutions is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of e-mobility. The path may be complex, but the direction is unmistakable—towards a more sustainable and electrified future with Mobilize and Mark Dickens at the vanguard.</div>

Going from automotive engineering to the forefront of the e-mobility sector, Mark Dickens has mastered the industry. But since assuming the role of Managing Director of Mobilize Power Solutions in 2021, he has been leading the automotive electronic efforts in the UK.

Mark Dickens: Leading the UK’s E-Mobility Sector


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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">Secure Innovation have collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) to produce ‘Remote Planet’, a new platform that will enhance asset management protection.&nbsp;<a href="https://securein.com/">The ISO-certified company</a> with over 40 years of expertise and presence in more than 50 countries, specialises in cash protection products and remote asset management services. Released on Wednesday, Remote Planet leverages advanced space technology to provide customers with unparalleled access to their assets globally, without the need for physical presence. The new software will prove particularly significant for sectors including transport, logistics, utilities, renewables, and vulnerable infrastructures, where the ability to monitor, manage, protect, and control assets remotely is a necessity. “The need for secure and efficient asset management has never been greater,” says Tony Westington, MD of Secure Innovation. “With its innovative technology, Remote Planet is set to revolutionise the way we control and manage assets, enabling customers to do so remotely, effortlessly, and securely.”By harnessing multiple satellite networks and optimising Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with proprietary hardware, the brand offers a reliable and secure remote access solution through a secure online portal. This technology not only focuses on asset protection, but also enhances operational efficiency and reduces carbon emissions – a win-win for businesses and the environment. What’s more, the technology provides safeguarding for people in high-risk locations, offering real-time data and insights for effective decision-making.A Portal to Peace of MindThe interactive portal and companion app of Remote Planet provides a single point of control, allowing customers to manage their assets with ease. “The seamless integration with Remote Planet gave us a competitive advantage in our digital solution offerings that increases service levels and efficiency for our key customers,” remarks Luke Sebastion, CEO of OpenSys Technologies. Already making waves, Remote Planet protects over 1,000 journeys daily and secures assets worth over £100 billion each month. With Secure Innovation continuing to diversify its business and expand its reach, Remote Planet exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation through strategic collaborations and delivering customer-centric solutions. For more information on how Remote Planet can transform your asset management, visit the<a href="www.remoteplanet.com"> Remote Planet website</a>.&nbsp;</div>

In collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), Secure Innovation have released a new online platform aimed at enhancing remote asset protection and management.

Secure Innovation Collaborate with ESA to Release 'Remote Planet' Platform 

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/members/georgi-rollings">Georgi Rollings</a>, the Founder of Starfish Accounting, has a career that has spanned continents, industries, and represents the very perception of what it means to be an accountant.“I started off working for Deloitte in London back in 1996,” <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgirollings/?originalSubdomain=uk">Rollings recalls</a>. It was here, amidst the technological boom of the late 20th century, that she cut her professional teeth, “I was working in their technology team in London and so I did over three years there.”The lure of Silicon Valley called, and Rollings answered, moving to California. “I worked with a lot of tech startups and on secondary public offerings, which was great,” she says, reflecting on her time at Deloitte’s San Jose office. This period not only honed her expertise but also saw her qualify in both the UK and the US.Returning to the UK in 2003 marked a shift from the advisory realm to the corporate world, where Rollings navigated the complexities of IFRS and US GAAP at Anglo American, and later, the European accounting consolidation at Visa Europe. Her corporate journey continued at EDS, an American IT giant later acquired by Hewlett-Packard, where she spent five years before a life-changing event prompted a bold entrepreneurial leap.“I went on maternity leave to have twins, started up Starfish Accounting toward the end and never went back into corporate land,” Rollings shares. The inception of Starfish Accounting in 2011 was more than a new business venture; it was the birth of a new philosophy in accounting.Rollings’ transatlantic experiences reshaped her understanding of the accountant’s role—from gatekeeper to growth facilitator. Today, <a href="https://www.starfishaccounting.co.uk/">Starfish Accounting</a> represents Rollings’ vision of accounting as a proactive, client-centric service. “We’re there on the side of the client. We want them to do well. If they do well, then we do well,” she asserts. Embracing technology, the firm operates fully in the cloud and prides itself on being a Xero Champion gold partner, leveraging tech to empower clients and share insights across industries.The Compass in the Storm for Small BusinessesRollings, with her finger on the pulse of the industry’s evolution, speaks with a blend of foresight and compassion about the role of her company in today’s challenging economic landscape.“We’ve gone full circle in the land of accounting,” Rollings observes, noting the shift from a tech-centric approach back to prioritising client relationships. She describes the current climate for business owners as “a really lonely place to be,” with the stress of the economy, the cost of living crisis, and the aftermath of Brexit and COVID creating a perfect storm of uncertainty.Rollings identifies a gap that Starfish Accounting fills: being the steadfast ally for clients who feel they have “nobody in their corner.” “We fit into that gap where we understand what struggles are like,” she says, emphasising the firm’s role as both a sympathetic ear and a strategic advisor.Rollings also sheds light on the myriad challenges small businesses face, from the rapid pace of technological change to the ever-evolving legislative landscape. She cites recent changes in corporation tax rates and the complexities surrounding research and development tax credits as examples of the hurdles her clients encounter. “They need somebody to help them navigate through those changes,” she asserts, reflecting on the firm’s proactive support during the COVID crisis with furloughs, cash flow forecasts, and loan applications.Rollings presents a vision of an accounting firm that is more than just a service provider; it is a partner, a mentor, and a lifeline for small businesses braving the turbulent waters of the modern economy. It is this dedication to the “relationship” that Rollings believes is the cornerstone of her company’s importance and the key to its clients’ success.The Micro Business PerspectiveGeorgi also emphasises the need for a reevaluation of the small business definition. “Policy makers need to revisit their understanding of what makes up a small business,” she asserts, highlighting the disconnect between government perception and the reality of micro businesses. Rollings champions the cause of the smallest players in the business world, reminding policymakers that the vibrancy and health of the economy depend on the success of businesses across the spectrum, not just the larger entities.Rollings recounts an event at Downing Street where the showcased ‘small businesses’ were, in her view, quite substantial with turnovers reaching £10 million. She argues that while such businesses are important, it’s the genuinely micro enterprises that are often overlooked, despite their significant contribution to the economy and employment. She advises policymakers to “get more of that voice at the table.”Rollings cites the VAT Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) legislation as a case in point of the struggles faced by micro businesses, where the intent to regulate large digital service providers inadvertently burdened the smallest, such as individuals selling knitting patterns online. The complexity of navigating VAT across European countries led many micro businesses to cease selling into the EU altogether.Envisioning a LegacyAs she contemplates her legacy, Georgi reflects on the evolution of Starfish Accounting from its inception to its current state. Over the next decade, She envisions a gradual step back from the business she founded, a transition that prompts deep consideration of the company’s core values and alignment with her own. “It’s been an interesting thought process,” Rollings shares, noting the shift from a solo venture to a partnership that now owns the business equally.Rollings takes pride in the recognition she has received, such as being named Xero Most Valued Professional 2024, an accolade that underscores her professional achievements. Yet, it’s the work around the company’s values that she believes will form the crux of her legacy.Ultimately, Rollings’ legacy seems to be one of thoughtful leadership and a commitment to ensuring that the values of Starfish Accounting endure and evolve. It’s a testament to a leader who has not only achieved personal success but also fostered a business that reflects her principles and aspirations for the future.</div>

Georgi Rollings, founder of Starfish Accounting, ensures that she and her team are always behind small businesses and start-ups. At the company, the team go beyond accounting and make themselves the partner of choice for micro enterprises, providing them with a voice and a lending hand at the same time.

Georgi Rollings: Charting a Course Through the Numbers

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-davenport-mcipp-miod-a7039326/?originalSubdomain=uk">Jason Davenport’s ascent</a> to the pinnacle of the payroll profession at the <a href="https://www.cipp.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)</a> began humbly as an officer junior in the construction industry.“I had accounts and HR in front of me, but doing tax and insurance computations, I really enjoyed that.” Davenport’s ambition soon took him beyond and his foresight coincided with the nascent trend of outsourcing. He seized the opportunity to join an Anglo-Dutch corporation, CMG, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a shared service centre in Salford Quays.His work with CMG, particularly his leadership in expanding payroll services across Europe for clients like Coca-Cola, gave him a taste for international work. This experience led Jason to join NGA, a company with a global vision. “They were buying up other businesses strategically to pull together a global offering,” Davenport explains. His role included developing shared service centres across India, the Philippines, and supporting operations in the US and European capitals.However, the pull of family led him to refocus his career back in the UK, where he became CEO of Capita’s HR division. After a stint in corporate leadership, Davenport’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own consultancy business. His connection to the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals remained strong throughout, serving on the board and promoting payroll as a career. When the opportunity arose to <a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/news/davenport-appointed-new-cipp-ceo">lead CIPP as CEO</a> in 2023, Davenport was ready. “It’s a combination of all the work I’ve done within payroll,” he reflects. Navigating Payroll ComplexitiesDavenport is acutely aware of the challenges faced by payroll professionals, particularly in compliance and risk management. “Tax and legislation that might affect National Insurance could also impact things like salary sacrifice schemes and different benefits. It’s important to ensure all of that is properly dealt with within the systems they’re using,” he states.He also highlights the UK’s pioneering role in real-time information (RTI) systems, which have revolutionised the way payroll is managed. “We’re world-leading in that,” Davenport notes, adding that other countries are now seeking the UK’s expertise in this area.Looking to the future, Davenport is excited about the potential of AI to further support payroll professionals. He acknowledges the apprehension some may feel towards automation but reassures that human expertise remains crucial. “You still need the human touch to ensure accuracy” he says, underscoring the continued need for professional judgement.Educational Endeavours: Shaping the Future of PayrollAt the heart of CIPP’s mission lies a commitment to education, a vision that Jason champions with fervour. “We have a foundation degree, and we’ve got university partners that we work with in order to deliver that,” Davenport explains. The pivot to online delivery, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has not only sustained but expanded the institute’s educational reach. “There’s a lot more online delivery now than before,” he notes.CIPP’s influence extends beyond the UK, reaching global learners in shared service centres from India to the Philippines. These international students seek the institute’s expertise in UK legislation and training, and CIPP delivers. The institute’s qualifications are highly regarded within the industry, with employers often insisting on Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) accreditation for their payroll teams. With as many as 500 students a year going through the foundation degree process, CIPP is nurturing the next generation of payroll professionals. But the journey doesn’t end there. Davenport encourages graduates to consider their long-term career pathways and further education opportunities. “We’ve got the Masters and the BA,” he says, citing recent graduates from the University of Lincoln who have leveraged their honours degrees to advance to more senior positions.CIPP’s educational efforts also extend beyond Payroll. In light of the escalating cost of living, Davenport champions initiatives aimed at bolstering financial acumen amongst the younger generation. “We’re developing bite-size, consumable pieces that can be shared with schools and school leavers,” he elucidates, outlining a collaboration with the Heart of Worcester College to explain the intricacies of pay slips and taxation.Charting a New CourseIn the concluding remarks, Jason contemplates a legacy that surpasses the conventional scope of payroll management. With fervour, he asserts, “My real aspiration, since taking up the position, is to broaden our membership.” He recognises the untapped potential within the UK’s payroll sector, which provides livelihoods to over 100,000 individuals. “We’re only touching less than 8% of those,” he rues, with ambitions to expand CIPP’s influence and support to a broader demographic.Davenport’s legacy is dual-pronged: he seeks to both swell the ranks of membership, thereby empowering a greater number of professionals, and to elevate the profile of payroll as a credible career path. “I’ve had a fantastic career that took me across the world,” he reminisces, aspiring to motivate those on the cusp of their careers to contemplate payroll as a future pursuit.He recalls with pride a commendation from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which recognised the pivotal contribution of payroll professionals to the UK’s fiscal framework. “In the 2022/23 tax year, for example, £378 billion in taxes was collected through payroll,” he highlights, drawing attention to the significance of their endeavours.For Jason, the essence of his work transcends mere figures; it is about the personal growth and trajectories of individuals. “From a career trajectory, I was able to manage my career,” he divulges, reflecting on his own professional journey and the decisions that shaped it.As he looks to the future, Davenport’s aspiration for his legacy remains unambiguous: to equip individuals with the requisite knowledge and competencies to confidently steer their financial destinies, thus enhancing their personal well-being and contributing to the prosperity of the wider UK economy.</div>

Jason Davenport's journey has taken him from being an office junior to CEO of CIPP. His leadership and vision in global payroll services is advancing the future of payroll education and compliance. Discover how he champions AI and RTI systems, nurtures new talent, and aims to expand the UK's payroll sector.

The Ascent of Jason Davenport: From Office Junior to CIPP CEO

Peter Smits is the Managing Director of Ashbourne Insurance, an independent insurance broker in Hertfordshire.Originally employed to help expand business sales, Peter was appointed Managing Director in 2008 and now works alongside his fellow directors and is responsible for all day-to-day business activities.

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