HIGH-PROFILE entrepreneur Brian Williamson has cited the global growth potential of 4icg Group as he was unveiled as the new chairman of the fast-growing sales and marketing company.
Mr Williamson has taken a non-executive position with Glasgow-based 4icg in his first move since exiting Jumpstart, the R&D (research and development) tax credit specialist, following its sale to French technology firm Visiativ Goup in January.
He has been brought in to advise 4icg founders Robert Copeland and Patrick Byrne as the group targets increasing turnover to £4.6 million in its current financial year, after reporting revenue of £3.1m to June last year.
READ MORE: Edinburgh tax credit specialist bought by French firm
The group comprises three companies, the biggest of which, Pursuit Marketing specialises in providing sales leads for technology companies and employs more than 100 staff.
Fierce Digital, the newest 4icg firm, provides digital marketing services such as email marketing and social media management, while Software Advisory Service helps businesses acquire technology infrastructure and services.
Mr Williamson, who began his career with Weir Pumps before establishing himself as an entrepreneur with a reputation for helping firms reach their potential, said he was attracted to work with 4icg because of its ability to help firms generate more business.
He said: “This solves a problem that is a global problem, and it has got a great track record for it. I like the fact it is a solution to a very big problem in business.”
READ MORE: Entrepreneur staying put at firm securing R&D tax relief
While Pursuit is currently the biggest part of 4icg, Mr Williamson, who earlier in his career oversaw the successful sale of Brightwork when chairman of the recruitment firm, said Fierce Digital and Software Advisory Service have “even greater potential”.
The businessman has invested in 4icg as part of his involvement in the company, adding it was too early in the firm’s growth cycle for it to take on external equity.
Mr Williamson, who is currently spending time at 4icg’s Glasgow offices every week, said the firm is not only targeting revenue growth of 50% this year but 50% next year and the same amount the year after that.
Noting that the firm is poised to open its first European mainland office in Spain, which will allow it to work across the European Union after Brexit, he said: “There is certainly capacity in the marketplace to do that. Normally you would say that is hyper growth but this is a company where it is not an aspirational plan. It is very possible.”
Mr Copeland said of Mr Williamson's appointment: “This is a massive coup for our company, and I believe this is the perfect time to welcome Brian, one of Scotland’s most experienced businessmen, to our award-winning board of directors. He has a proven record of delivering outstanding growth for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) – and our company has aggressive expansion plans.
“He will work closely with current directors to streamline business strategy, identify growth opportunities and help us reach our ambitions. Together we look forward to reinforcing our position as Europe’s most successful sales generation and digital marketing businesses.”
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