A keen chess-player, with an interest in how things work and how people learn, Robert Harden started out as an economist and moved into accountancy within the insurance industry, before finding his niche in operational and financial management.
As an internal trouble-shooter, strategist and business development consultant for QBE, one of the world’s largest insurance groups, Robert has had plenty of experience of getting to the heart of what’s holding a business back and putting systems and process in place to fix it. As just one example, Robert was appointed Finance Director of a seemingly underperforming unit, where he worked with the Managing Director to drive through changes to strategy, planning and reporting. Robert stayed in this FD role long enough to deliver increased profitability and crucially, renewed confidence in the unit, before being redeployed to solve other problems elsewhere in the group. He left behind an increased per-transaction capacity for the unit and stable profit generation for the parent.
Robert also has extensive experience of helping business units achieve growth and profitability through start-ups, acquisitions and (where appropriate) exit - in the UK and throughout Europe.
Robert’s unique combination of talents – the ability to ‘see the wood for the trees’ together with the knack of helping others to see it too, backed up by sound financial and strategic sense makes him an ideal non-executive Director, a position Rob has filled for a number of businesses.
Already a qualified Chartered Accountant (via PwC in London), Robert also has a Diploma in Company Direction (with Distinction) through the Institute of Directors and hopes shortly to achieve Chartered Director status.
Robert has recently joined Hard Hat Business Advice, a franchise which delivers practical, hands-on help for struggling business owners - unlocking their drivers for sustainable growth. Hard Hat clients usually see a sustainable improvement in their bottom line within 4 months.
"Last night was very productive and I have to say I am feeling much more confident about the business. As usual you are able to strip back a process that seems daunting and unachievable and recreate it into something which is non-threatening and do-able. We are now buzzing with what to do next!"
ROBERT HARDEN
