Anchor Magnets attracts top dealmaker as non-executive director

Anchor Magnets, the market-leading magnet manufacturer based in Sheffield has appointed a multi award-winning business advisor as a non-executive director.

Experienced dealmaker Jo Haigh, who specialises in owner-managed businesses and has bought and sold over 300 companies, joins Anchor Magnets at a formative period in the company's 25-year development.

The manufacturer, whose turnover exceeds £4 million and who employs more than 40 staff at its 22,000 sq ft facility on Darnall Road in the east of Sheffield, provides bespoke magnetic products, including fridge magnets, to wide-ranging industries throughout Europe and Scandinavia. Boasting an innovative track record, its latest cutting-edge technology makes it the only organisation in Europe to recycle flexible magnets, potentially saving thousands of tonnes from landfill.

Ms Haigh, a high-profile entrepreneur and best selling author who heads the corporate finance division at Sheffield and London-based accountancy and financial management firm MGR, brings a wealth of experience to her non-executive director role.

Also a partner at training and consultancy organisation fds, she joins Anchor Magnets board members Peter Holmes, Mike Burton and Neil O'Keefe as the company continues to prosper, develop new export markets and keeps a watchful eye on acquisition targets.

Said Ms Haigh, who has previously clinched the title of Institute of Directors (IoD) Yorkshire & Humber Business Advisor of the Year: "I first met the Anchor Magnets board on the IoD Role of the Director Programme and was struck by their professionalism and determination. It is tremendous to be involved with the continued success of the business and refreshing to work with a team that are dynamic, ambitious, focused - and fun!"

Peter Holmes, managing director at Anchor Magnets, added: "Jo's depth and breadth of experience and skills will add much to the board as a non-executive director. I am confident she will challenge us and offer guidance to help us grow at an even faster pace. Her particular expertise in acquisitions will be extremely useful, as we look to bring on board complementary organisations to accelerate our progression."