Jeni Sidaway started her career within the Civil Service as an Executive Officer in the Department of Health & Social Security via the fast track entrant scheme.
In 1990 she left the Civil Service to start her own venture providing financial management information to small businesses with high growth potential. In 1991 Jeni added VIP Ltd to her portfolio, then in its first year of business.
VIP’s growth accelerated from 1998 onwards, culminating in Jeni joining the Company in a full time capacity in 2000. Subsequently she become Director of Finance and formed an integral part of the Management team that drove the business to 70 staff with a turnover in excess of £6M.
Between 2001 and 2006 Jeni was also given responsibility for Human Resources, Facilities, IT and centralised Administration, ultimately growing her team to ten direct reports.During VIP’s rapid growth period there was a need for constant review and process improvement whilst retaining a strong hand on finances and compliance with Government legislation. Jeni met these requirements and allowed the business to continue its growth. During this period she introduced initiatives such as:
In addition, partner agreements with BT & Siemens required the design of efficient processes for invoicing, payment and adherence to contractual obligations.
In 2005 VIP was approached by a public company with a view to a very significant acquisition. During the due diligence process leading up to disposal Jeni was heavily involved in provision of information, primarily financial but also including legal and contractual, that led to the very successful sale of the business in 2006.
Jeni enjoys a challenge and “gets things done”. She is hugely motivated and extracts the very best from any member of her team. When not working she enjoys “managing” her large family and entertaining.
In 1990 she left the Civil Service to start her own venture providing financial management information to small businesses with high growth potential. In 1991 Jeni added VIP Ltd to her portfolio, then in its first year of business.
VIP’s growth accelerated from 1998 onwards, culminating in Jeni joining the Company in a full time capacity in 2000. Subsequently she become Director of Finance and formed an integral part of the Management team that drove the business to 70 staff with a turnover in excess of £6M.
Between 2001 and 2006 Jeni was also given responsibility for Human Resources, Facilities, IT and centralised Administration, ultimately growing her team to ten direct reports.During VIP’s rapid growth period there was a need for constant review and process improvement whilst retaining a strong hand on finances and compliance with Government legislation. Jeni met these requirements and allowed the business to continue its growth. During this period she introduced initiatives such as:
- A staff EMI share scheme
- Business planning and associated budgeting
- Management accounting and fiscal analysis
- Revised HR policies throughout the entire business
- A major upgrade of the IT infrastructure and associated helpdesk
In addition, partner agreements with BT & Siemens required the design of efficient processes for invoicing, payment and adherence to contractual obligations.
In 2005 VIP was approached by a public company with a view to a very significant acquisition. During the due diligence process leading up to disposal Jeni was heavily involved in provision of information, primarily financial but also including legal and contractual, that led to the very successful sale of the business in 2006.
Jeni enjoys a challenge and “gets things done”. She is hugely motivated and extracts the very best from any member of her team. When not working she enjoys “managing” her large family and entertaining.
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