Simon West

I am a recently exited co-founder of Blair West, a sophisticated search and recruitment business serving a client base of investors and high growth businesses. Over 25 years I have developed an extensive network of business owners, directors and senior executives across multiple sectors and geographies in addition to a wide range of professional contacts in Private Equity, Venture Capital and other corporate advisory services. My approach to business growth is customer focused with a high degree of emphasis on effective culture and employee experience.

Securing investment from FDC in April 2026 facilitated my exit from Blair West, transition to an equity holding non-executive role and opportunity to develop my advisory portfolio and investment interests. I am a LP of Coniston Capital (funds I and II) and a member of Unity Angels.

Non-Executive Director at Blair West (2026-04 – Present)

Strategic support to the CEO and management team for the next 5-year growth cycle.

Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at Blair West (2019-01 – 2026-03)

Blair West is a boutique search and recruitment services provider serving a client base of investors and high growth businesses. Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, the business has been successful winning and retaining customers throughout the UK.

• As Chief Commercial Officer, all market facing, fee earning consultants ultimately reported to me.
• As leader of our People OKR group I also oversaw external hiring, training and development, reward and recognition and our CSR activities.
• Peak rolling 12-month NFI of £2.2m (90% permanent fees, 10% interim fees) achieved to the end of March 2026.
• Achieved 33% CAGR over seven years.
• Secured start up Angel investment from two private HNWs (both partners of institutional investment funds), growth investment from a local venture capital fund (debt) and from FDC.
• Returned £700k in dividends to the original shareholders.
• Increased new client acquisition and delivery by 20% in 2025 through improved sales engine.
• Marketing – 'High Growth Leadership' podcast, sponsorship of NE Dealmakers via Insider Media, LinkedIn following grown to 37,000.
• Developed a highly efficient operating platform and performance dashboards.
• Implemented a growth shares scheme to incentivise management and high performers.
• Identified and implemented relevant AI tools to improve process efficiency (e.g. Bluedot & SourceWhale).
• Reshaped the business post CV19 to focus on our two main strengths – Search & Finance.

Owner at Black Box Consultancy (2015-11 – 2018-12)

• Search company focused on senior leadership appointments for privately owned and invested businesses.

Head of Business Development & Executive Search at NRG (2013-11 – 2015-10)

• Hired by the founder and incoming CEO to lead on a sector focused approach to business development and develop a new service proposition.

UK Country Manager (Consumer Division) at Nigel Wright Consultancy (2005-06 – 2013-10)

Senior Consultant at ABPM Financial Recruitment (2003-05 – 2005-05)

ABAS Associate at PwC (2001-09 – 2003-04)

MA in European Political & Economic Integration – Durham University

BA in History – Durham University