Retail expert James Pow joins the team
Business advisory firm Quantuma has appointed James Pow, as a senior advisor to its retail group, following a rise in demand for restructuring and insolvency services across the UK.
Business advisory firm Quantuma has appointed James Pow, as a senior advisor to its retail group, following a rise in demand for restructuring and insolvency services across the UK.
Throughout his career, Pow has held a range of chief executive positions at the likes of the Harris Watson Group and Tulchan Group, and has developed a reputation as a retail expert, working with global brands such as Samsung, Mulberry and Hackett.
In 2006, Pow set up a specialist consultancy to provide executive and advisory services to corporate, financial and venture capital and investor clients. During this venture, he has gained extensive experience in complex turnaround and growth projects with businesses across the globe.
Quantuma’s retail group is currently led by CEO Carl Jackson and supported by managing directors Andrew Andronikou and Simon Bonney and director Brian Burke. Pow’s appointment comes as the group has seen a significant rise in demand for restructuring and insolvency services from retailers in light of the announcement of second national lockdown. Recent sector cases the firm has worked on include high street names Select, Lulu Guinness, Beulah London, and Store 21.
Pow will further strengthen the firm’s retail advisory group, bringing with him the unique sector insight and knowledge amassed during his career in the sector.
Carl Jackson, CEO at Quantuma commented: “We are delighted to welcome James to the firm at what is a pivotal time for the retail sector. Economic uncertainty, in addition to the pressure to adapt to keep up with changing consumer demand and requirements has seen the sector face an extraordinary level of pressure, which shows no sign letting up as we head into the “make or break” Christmas trading period.
“James’ wealth of retail sector experience will bring invaluable insight and perspective to businesses, and his advanced turnaround skillset has already been of keen interest to a number of prominent retailers we are acting for.”
James Pow added: “This year has been incredibly difficult for the retail sector. Within a matter of months of the Covid-19 pandemic, more bricks-and-mortar retailers across the UK were forced into administration than in the whole of 2019, putting countless stores and jobs at risk. By early October 2020 and the second lockdown, this trend showed no sign of slowing, with more and more stores at risk and staff facing redundancy than at the height of the 2007 recession.
“Providing businesses in this sector with the right support at the right time is absolutely crucial, and Quantuma is a firm that is leading in this space. I am delighted to have been appointed as senior retail advisor, and to be working alongside the firm’s retail experts to provide pragmatic and innovative solutions to distressed retailers.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors Quantuma is a leading business advisory firm which works with businesses at the key milestones, delivering bespoke solutions to help clients take advantage of opportunities and overcome a range of operational and financial challenges, enabling them to achieve their business objectives and ambitions. The business has 20 offices, including 17 in the UK, two international offices in Cyprus (Nicosia and Paphos) and one in Mauritius.
