The CEOs of two growing Leicestershire businesses have been named amongst the UK’s 100 most inspirational and innovative individuals from across the private, not for profit and public sectors.
Chris Barker, CEO of Spirit Healthcare, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, CEO of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, are the only individuals from the East Midlands to be named on the 2017 ‘Faces of a Vibrant Economy’ list, produced by business and financial adviser, Grant Thornton UK.
The firm has compiled the list to identify and highlight individuals, from emerging entrepreneurs to big business names, who have developed a culture that empowers, develops and motivates their people, who make a positive contribution to the local and wider national community, and that demonstrate excellence in growth, innovation and purpose.
Launched this week, this is Grant Thornton’s second annual Faces of a Vibrant Economy list and the first time individuals and their companies based in the East Midlands have been selected.
Launched in 2009, Spirit Healthcare develops a range of products and services that manage and monitor long-term health conditions, such as respiratory diseases and diabetes. Its CEO, Chris Barker, says he helps people understand how to make best use of NHS resources and utilise new technology to stay healthy.
Aside from creating innovative technologies, Chris guides the business to help other organisations achieve their goals, namely by working with South Leicestershire College to provide apprenticeships and a number of charities.
“Getting the best value from NHS resources is a key determinant of sustainable healthcare in the UK and helping the NHS evolve is essential,” he explains. “At Spirit Healthcare, we are all about making the nation happier and healthier by delivering real value in healthcare – empowering people to take control of their health, make best use of NHS resources and utilise new technology.
“There are examples across Leicestershire and the East Midlands where, working in partnership with the NHS and other organisations, we have been able to reduce unplanned hospital admissions by over 60% whilst increasing the number of patients with COPD that each specialist nurse can work with; where our diabetes education programmes have significantly improved numbers of people attending courses to help them better manage their condition; and where our prescribing efficiency model has driven 700% greater savings in the treatment of type 2 diabetes than more traditional approaches, without compromising on quality.
“It’s about sustainable transformation that focuses on using technology where appropriate to do the things that are proven to work, which is why we are proud to be recognised in this way.”
Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, based at Loughborough’s Castle Business Park, is an established manufacturer, wholesaler and exporter of branded and generic medicines with products supplied to UK NHS hospitals and pharmacies twice daily.
Dr Nik Kotecha, OBE, is committed to helping everyone access quality healthcare, and since launching the business in 1991, he and his wife Moni have built it into one that exports to more than 100 countries and operates across the public and private sectors. Morningside Pharmaceuticals has dedicated itself to delivering high quality medicines that make a significant difference to the lives of patients globally, and has supported emergency disaster relief and supplied products to the United Nations, charities and NGOs – including Red Cross and the World Health Organisation.
In 2016 Dr Kotecha took part in the Prime Minister’s trade visit to India, and during the visit Theresa May said, “I am showing off the best of British on my trade trip to India – and Morningside Pharmaceuticals is a great example of what the United Kingdom can offer the world as we leave the EU.”
Dr Kotecha says he is motivated by “a strong passion for giving back to the local community, country and international aid sectors”, and of being named one of the UK’s 100 Faces of the Vibrant Economy, adds: “It is an honour to be given this individual recognition, but also for the business’ commitment to innovation to be identified as amongst the country’s most inspirational.”
Commenting on the 2017 list, Chris Frostwick, Partner and Practice Leader of Grant Thornton’s East Midlands office, said: “Our two local Faces of a Vibrant Economy are both exceptional leaders, driving positive results against a clearly defined purpose. Their commitment and passion makes us want to be like them, to work with them and to learn from them.
“These leaders show us how business can be a force for good in society, how creative approaches to public services and commitment to investing in your people can drive superior results and how passion, coupled with purpose and a great idea can change the world for the better.”
Faces of a Vibrant Economy 2017 identifies and brings together 100 organisations (private, public and third sectors) that demonstrate excellence in two or more of the following areas:
- Purpose- investing in their workforce, connecting financial profit to social purpose and contributing to the wider community
- Growth- fostering a culture of growth, job creation and leading their organisation into new markets
- Innovation- solving problems, leaders whose products or services are disrupting the sector and challenging the status quo.
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