Manchester-based business intelligence platform Red Flag Alert, the UK’s only independently-owned credit reference agency for businesses, has made two senior hires as part of its 2023 growth strategy.
Marc Williams has joined as chief revenue officer while James Kean has been appointed as finance director.
Red Flag Alert has modernised the way that companies consume data, with real-time information on over 15 million UK businesses. With a unique insolvency scoring metric, alongside sales and marketing enablement, they power better business decisions.
Managing director Richard West said the hires reflect the tech firm’s growth ambitions.
He said: “These appointments are massive to Red Flag Alert and demonstrate the level of our ambition. They’re crucial in shaping our future growth aspirations.
“I’m a big believer in constantly bringing innovative new ideas into the business and employing those that think outside of the box. Red Flag Alert started out with just a couple of us in a basement in Stockport. Now, our latest hires mean the total headcount is 54, and we work out of offices in Manchester City Centre.
“As chief revenue officer Marc will ultimately look after every £1 that our company makes in terms of new revenue and retained revenue. Marketing, sales and account management will sit under his remit.
“As finance director James has an equally critical role to play and we’re delighted to have them both on board.”
The origins of Red Flag Alert date back to 2004 when it was part of Begbies Traynor to help insolvency companies. In 2012 it became an independent business, with a focus on launching its own software product to help companies use data to drive growth and remain compliant.
Today, Red Flag Alert’s cloud-based business intelligence software offers important tools for AML compliance. With KYB and KYC capabilities, clients can become data-driven in order to protect themselves and navigate risk.
West said: “We’re a business intelligence and analytics software specialist, where our niche has been identifying and tracking insolvent risk across the UK. We look at success and we look at failure.”
Williams, who previously worked at APLYiD and Creditsafe, said: “I was impressed by the way Red Flag Alert has grown in the last three or four years. They’re a dynamic company that can disrupt the market.”
Kean, who previously worked at Purple WiFi and Volcanic, said: “Red Flag Alert has enjoyed impressive growth and I was excited by the plans they have for the next few years. It’s an exciting, dynamic organisation and I wanted to be part of the journey.”
They join a number of senior hires including former civil servant Dr Nicola Headlam as chief economist.
West said: “We’re always looking to bring people in who add value to the business. Nicola thinks like an end user and her insights have been invaluable to the business. Without that investment, we wouldn’t have won the contracts that we have.”
