Consultancy firm launched by former chamber and RSM chiefs
Two West Midlands business figureheads have joined together to form an advisory business, bringing together more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles.
Paul Faulkner, former Aston Villa and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce CEO and Mark Taylor, previous regional managing partner at RSM have launched Element45.
The consultancy will focus on developing leadership capability, tackling strategic challenges and raising organisational performance. Its suite of services will include 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 and aligns with the firm’s mission of being a “high-impact catalyst for positive change and performance improvement”.
Faulkner has recently taken on the role of interim CEO at Kids’ Village charity after stepping away from his chief of staff post at the Richardson family business.
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.”
Taylor has 23 years’ experience in professional services and most recently oversaw RSM’s Central region for eight years, which comprised seven offices and more than 1,000 staff when he departed in March.
Whilst overseeing the Central region more than double in size, he was instrumental in the transformation of its Birmingham office – with revenues increasing by 140%, the partner group growing from 20 to 32 and the overall team expanding from under 200 to in excess of 400 employees.
Amongst his other roles, Taylor is also currently chair of Business Commission West Midlands – a 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.”
