Testimonials
Strategy and Operations
Avril joined A to E in October 2015 as non-executive chairman and remained in this role until the end of March 2018. During her tenure she helped to develop the business structures and direction taking the company over a significant and previously elusive revenue target. She was adept at using her extensive network to connect the business with the right people and skills to really grow the internal talent as well as the business vision. Without the input of Avril there is no question that A to E would not be in the position it is today. One of Avril’s strengths is her straight, no nonsense approach to solving business problems and see opportunities to develop the business not only strategically but also operationally.
Chris Kurt-Gabel, CEO, A to E Training
Invaluable Insights
“We would be delighted to endorse Avril to anyone who cares about their business - she joined us to help focus and prepare us for the next stage of growth, and was invaluable with her insights, experience and ability to recite quotes to help make her point! We all really enjoyed working with her.”
Tom Trotter, Partner, Kepler Partners
Instrumental
‘Avril was instrumental in helping us form a functional, well-governed and high performing board of Directors. A source of sound advice, and a trusted mentor, she really helped us reach our individual and group potential. Our business is a fast-growing consultancy in a niche sector but Avril diplomatically and sensitively ensured that was underpinned by good governance and sound financial process. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Avril to other companies.’
Anthony Ellis, CEO, Integrity Global
VERY dedicated.
" Honest, straight-talking, highly knowledgeable, a pleasure to work with and VERY dedicated! I/we thoroughly enjoyed and valued the time Avril spent as part of our Executive team. Many thanks for all the efforts and dedication to the business. "
Nick Clarkin, Chairman, Palmarium
Sound judgement.
" Avril is a professional who has a wonderful sense of business matters. She is objective, sees through issues and is articulate in her responses. Her judgement is sound and her ability to listen and absorb is evident. I have the greatest respect for Avril and know that she would contribute on any board. "
Michael Hacking, CEO, Mocoh
Avril has been invaluable.
" Avril has sat on the FACE Partnership board for the last 3 years acting as Chairman. She has been invaluable in providing strategic advice for the business and personally mentoring for me as MD. She continues to work with FACE and support the growth of the business in the UK. "
James Pope, Managing Director, Face Partnership
Highly innovative.
" Worked with Avril in several different capacities however most recently as a non-exec. Over the years of her involvement, I've found her to be incredibly insightful, driven, enthusiastic and capable of highly innovative thinking. Avril is straight talking & doesn't waste time getting to the point. "
Nicholas Wells, CEO, Webber Chase
Well-rounded and growth-focused.
" I have worked with Avril Millar for the last 4 years and have found her corporate vision and business experience invaluable in bringing balance and insight to all commercial and corporate governance matters. I strongly recommend Avril to anyone seeking a well-rounded and growth-focused non-exec. "
James Banister, CEO, FX Ecosystem
One of the most talented people I know.
" I have known Avril as a friend for decades and more recently as a business partner. She is one of the most talented people I know: excellent in business management generally and business development specifically, she has a crystal clear understanding of the SME sector. Avril is an outstanding speaker and presenter of ideas. She is also extremely compassionate -whilst at the same time as tough as they come – and has personal integrity of the highest level. "
Martin Groak, CFO, Cogenpower PLC
Avril always has a positive input in board meetings.
" Despite the fact that Avril is a Non Executive Director, she is very active and always has a positive input in Board Meetings. A very positive approach whilst at the same time she is not afraid to express her opinion despite the fact that her opinion might differ significantly from other Board members. "
Charalambos Psymolophitis, CEO, FxPro
Her true skill is deciphering what is most appropriate.
" Avril encouraged me to bring my style, technique and personality to my work load. Sounds simple because it is. Avril sees the simple matters that her clients cannot see for whatever reason. Her coaching helped me settle into a new role quickly and confidently. Avril’s technical and academic expertise allows her use different techniques in different circumstances. Her true skill is deciphering what is most appropriate and when. This allows her deal with wide range of clients from all walks of life. ”
Jasper Walshe, Wealth Adviser, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management
She knows our strengths and weaknesses.
" Avril has provided solid advice and support. She has detailed knowledge of what we do and how we do it. She knows our strengths and weaknesses. She combines her knowledge of our business with her wider experience to provide some great and well informed solutions. ”
Rob Cameron
Her advice is direct and she doesn’t mince her words.
" Avril’s business advice and coaching has been really helpful in helping me to grow my business. With limited time and information she has a fantastic grasp on the nub of the challenges that I am facing as a ‘business leader with L plates’! Her advice is direct and she doesn’t mince her words, which means that our time together is well spent and that my output is focused. ”
Amanda Davie
A tour de force.
" Avril is a tour de force to work with. Always a calming influence on those around her, however stressed they are. Over the years I have known Avril, I have been extremely impressed by the breadth and depth of her knowledge. Avril is a doer, easily able to turn her hand to the most challenging situations and produce positive results for all those concerned. If you are in business and you need help, I can strongly recommend you talk to Avril first. "
Marcus Corah , Senior Consultant and Partner - Raise the bar
Don’t expect any time wasting.
" I have no hesitation in recommending Avril as a true professional in today’s business arena. I have had the pleasure of working with and consulting Avril over many years.
Her speed at evaluating the business potential of new projects has been outstandingly accurate.
My final comment is don’t expect any time wasting with Avril she gets to point fast and always delivers on time. "
Brian Clements