Huddersfield-based incident management and recovery business FMG, appointed Claire Owens as a new managing director in March, at the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK.

In her new role, Owen’s priority was adopting digital technologies. FMG moved over 95% of the business to remote working which allowed the continuity of service provisions to clients and customers, the company said.

The appointment follows the most successful year in the businesses’ history, as new business wins have been a key feature in the last 12 months, along with the retention of clients, according to FMG. 

Claire Owens, managing director at FMG, said: “The acceleration of our digital capabilities has proved astonishing, so has the positivity in which colleagues have embraced our new ways of working.

“Change is a constant, and I must accept where we’re at; my job today is firmly focussed on successfully leading the business through the seismic impact of Covid-19, ensuring the business continues to deliver the high level of service our partners expect and ensuring our business remains well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the new world.”

During the pandemic the business went live with new Highways England contract, the refreshed scheme continues the partnership for more years following the 10-milestone achieved in 2019.

Prior to joining FMG in 2017 as finance director, Owen’s held senior finance positions across multiple sectors including Sodexo.

Owen’s succeeds Harvey Stead, who was promoted to managing director at Redde Limited. Stead joins the Redde-Northgate Management Board to take responsibility for the performance of several businesses within the newly formed group, which still includes FMG.

Harvey Stead, managing director at Redde Limited, said: “The appointment reflects the influence Claire has had in accelerating business growth over the last three years and is in recognition of her key contribution.

“Claire’s appointment provides continuity for the business, our customers, supplier partners and our people. I am confident that Claire will intelligently and strategically lead FMG with the same calm, pragmatic and level-headedness she has continually demonstrated as a member of the FMG Board, and I wish her every success.”

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