In this week’s Meet the Team feature, we talk to the man himself – our Founder and Managing Director, Garry Mumford. Over three decades ago, Garry established Insight Associates – and he’s never looked back!
Now, Garry is a very busy man. Not only has he spent 30 years working with businesses to fine-tune their finance departments; he’s also found the time to write a book, volunteer as Chief Financial Officer for Talyllyn Railway and – most recently – find his way onto The Best Business Podcast, where he chatted all things financial management with its host, Daryl Urbanski.
But where did it all begin?
As a young schoolboy, Garry never wanted to be an astronaut, a train driver or even a superhero. No. Young Garry always wanted to be an accountant (which even he admits is a little odd)!“I joined the London Borough of Redbridge finance department as my first job out of school,” he explains. “They offered a great study contract that got me going with my professional studies. I left after a couple of years, moved into industry, and never looked back.”
After qualifying and undertaking several Finance Director roles, Garry decided he wanted to do things for himself. So, in 1992, he made the leap and Insight Associates was born.
“I love being my own boss”
Garry enjoys the flexibility of running his own business and the ability to make his own decisions. “I love being my own boss,” he says. “I enjoy seeing how the decisions I make can have a positive impact on helping our clients grow and achieve their ambitions.”
One of his favourite parts of the job is getting companies to see how financial management should be done, and watching on as they realise the true value of what we do in terms of improving and growing their business. In distressed situations, he appreciates being able to hold their hand and guide them through the difficult times. All in all, he thrives on the variety and new challenges each day brings – even though he himself admits that he’s often far too busy!
Garry is also hugely proud of the open and honest culture he has fostered over the years at Insight Associates. “After 31 years, the business is strong and continuing to provide opportunities for growth and development to new generations. And I think a great deal of that is to do with our culture. Our team aren’t just here for their monthly paycheque – they’re here because they enjoy the work, find it fulfilling, and know there’s plenty of room for development and career progression.”
A favourite client success story
“One of our greatest success stories here at Insight Associates is when we helped sell a business that had come close to liquidation to an American corporate, securing a great price for the owners,” remembers Garry. “We were then retained by the new owners to carry on the great work we were doing! During the sale transaction, the due diligence process turned up literally nothing to help the buyers beat the price down as we were running such a clean ship for the sellers.”
Don’t ask about the stag do…
When we ask Garry for a surprising fact about himself, he’s a little enigmatic… “Hmmm… shall I tell you about my stag do?” he laughs. “Now that is a story.” On that tantalising note, he says, “No, my fact is that I was diagnosed with chronic heart disease at the age of 49 – but I’m still here!” Glad to hear it, Garry!
And if he were stranded on a desert island, Garry says he’d want his wife, Thelma, by his side. “We’re a great team.”