Renowned business leaders team up to launch advisory firm
Two renowned West Midlands business leaders have joined forces to create a new advisory business.
Paul Faulkner and Mark Taylor are bringing together more than 30 years’ experience in high profile roles to launch Element45 – offering services designed to develop leadership capability, tackle strategic challenges and raise organisational performance.
Paul is the former chief executive of both Aston Villa Football Club and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, while Mark spent 17 years as a partner at global accountancy and business advisory firm RSM – eight of those as regional managing partner in the Midlands.
With vast experience in leadership and board-level positions and extensive networks, the duo are teaming up to deliver a suite of services including bespoke advisory projects, support for boards (which may involve acting as non-executive directors) and individual board members, learning and development activities and one-to-one mentoring and coaching.
The name Element45 is inspired by the chemical element rhodium, the precious metal known for its catalytic qualities – aligning with the firm’s mission to be a “high impact catalyst for positive change and performance improvement”.
Paul has recently been working with several West Midlands-based clients including the Richardson international investment business, furniture repair specialists Emmiera Group and the Kids’ Village charity, where he has been serving as interim CEO. Paul will continue these client relationships with Element45.
Paul has led teams and organisations in a variety of sectors including professional sport, banking, recruitment, charity and family offices.
He chairs Sport Birmingham and has held board or trustee positions with the likes of the Football Association, Town Hall Symphony Hall, Cure Leukaemia and Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Trust.
He said: “I’m excited to launch Element45 with Mark. Our values and approach to business very much align, and with Element45 we will be focused on using the experience we have gained in a variety of roles to help our clients overcome strategic challenges and grow their own businesses.
“We look forward to speaking with business leaders who would like to have a conversation and explore ideas.”
Mark has 23 years’ experience in professional services. RSM’s Central region, which he oversaw for eight years, comprised seven offices and more than 1,000 staff when he departed in March.
Under his leadership, the Central region more than doubled in size, while he was also instrumental in the transformation of its Birmingham office – with revenues increasing by 140 per cent, the partner group growing from 20 to 32 and the overall team expanding from under 200 to in excess of 400 employees during his seven and a half years as office managing partner in the city.
Among his other roles, Mark is also currently chair of Business Commission West Midlands - the influential group representing private sector firms which was convened last year by the region’s three Chambers of Commerce to establish a roadmap for business growth.
He said: “I have thought for a long time that one day, if the opportunity and circumstances, were right, I’d love to launch my own business.
“The chance to go into business with Paul, who I have known for nearly eight years, was something I couldn’t let pass up.
“The possibilities ahead of us are very exciting. I am very much looking forward to getting started in earnest and helping our clients to thrive.”
Find out more about Element45.
Pictured: Paul Faulkner and Mark Taylor
