Baroness Sue Campbell
former Chair of Youth Sport Trust
I recruited Colin to join the Board of YST’s wholly owned trading subsidiary as he had particular expertise and networks in Consumer Goods, eCommerce, Retail and the Healthcare/Sport sectors. He also had considerable International experience and we were considering broadening our geographical reach.
Colin worked for four years as a Board member attending regular meetings, always making a valuable contribution; his ‘mentoring’ style enabled him get close to his colleagues and also the broader working teams and this enabled him to make commercial contributions outside the Board. In particular Colin was able to provide support and coaching, facilitation, constructive challenge, independent commercial oversight, ideas and creativity.
Having made an excellent contribution I asked Colin to Chair the group which he undertook for the next 3 years; he led the Board meetings with sensitivity and insight. He was also able to bring a number of new people to the Board which brought greater eCommerce, Digital and Legal expertise. Needing to move home, he resigned after 7 years in post and we were very thankful for his valuable contribution over the previous 7 years.
Neil Butler
Owner and Finance Director, 3V Natural Foods
Colin acted as Non-Exec Chair of our business for over 6 years. He brings tremendous insight around the consumer, innovation and brand agenda together with a professional board/business process. His patience and sensitivity with people helped enable a real value added outcome for us all. He worked closely with the executive board to support a very successful business sale after 3 years during which CAGR was greater than 50%.
Russell Smart
Commercial Director, 3V Natural Foods
As our Non-Exec Chair Colin helped support and guide our business from a revenue of c£6m to over £30m in 6 years. He then worked with us through to a very successful Business sale. He approaches business challenges in a measured and strategic way, always focussing on the Customer/Consumer and ensured we were asking the most important questions of ourselves and the business. It is at times a tough balance to strike as a non-executive; Colin was able to guide and be non-directive whilst always making sure the senior team achieved progress and positive outcomes. In addition he mentored several members of the exec which helped them develop professionally.
Paul Fenton
Partner, Cunningtons Lawyers
As the managing partner of a large National form of Solicitors, I served on the board of the Youth Sport Direct Ltd. as a Non-Exec. Director, which is where I met Colin Webb.
Seldom does one encounter, in business, such a dynamic, forward thinking, committed and strategically-aware personality. His “can do/must do” style was inspirational to the Board where his focus on sales, realistic but aspirational targets and the “bottom line”, soon led to his elevation to the “Chair”, where he continued to steer the Company through a very successful period; in particular, providing phenomenal resources not only to schools but to the 2012 British Olympians, whose success was equally reflected in the contribution made by Colin. As one seasoned Board member recounted: “Every Board of Directors should have a Colin Webb.”