


Paul Forrest
Senior Partner
Paul is an experienced business growth adviser and strategist.
Paul has spent in excess of twenty years applying his proven expertise to help businesses to realise their strategic ambitions. Much of this has been through his careful planning and hands-on delivery to increase revenues and profits through highly effective commercial execution.
Paul has exceptional knowledge and skills within the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sectors and has deep experience of working with Retail, Aerospace and Defence businesses.
He has worked with many FTSE 100 businesses to identify and deliver substantial profit growth opportunities including one particular engagement where £19,000,000 was returned to profit by creating a combined procurement function between two major wholesaler/distributors of consumer goods.
He has worked with many businesses to design practical strategies to achieve accelerated growth plans and to help them prepare for, and deliver on the promise of a profitable exit.
Paul is a highly regarded professional who is much respected for his ability to develop practical plans to achieve exceptional cost management and rapid growth in profit. He is an accomplished public speaker and has been a visiting lecturer on a number of MBA programmes delivering his insight and leadership on the subject of ‘Managing and Measuring Intellectual Capital’.
Paul has led, managed and delivered substantial change which has resulted in the achievement of tremendous results in enhancing profit through his insight, professionalism, knowledge and practical delivery skills. Paul is looking forward to continuing to deliver on his track record with clients seeking similar results who are prepared to match his drive, passion and enthusiasm for success.Paul is based in our London Office.
Paul has spent in excess of twenty years applying his proven expertise to help businesses to realise their strategic ambitions. Much of this has been through his careful planning and hands-on delivery to increase revenues and profits through highly effective commercial execution.
Paul has exceptional knowledge and skills within the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sectors and has deep experience of working with Retail, Aerospace and Defence businesses.
He has worked with many FTSE 100 businesses to identify and deliver substantial profit growth opportunities including one particular engagement where £19,000,000 was returned to profit by creating a combined procurement function between two major wholesaler/distributors of consumer goods.
He has worked with many businesses to design practical strategies to achieve accelerated growth plans and to help them prepare for, and deliver on the promise of a profitable exit.
Paul is a highly regarded professional who is much respected for his ability to develop practical plans to achieve exceptional cost management and rapid growth in profit. He is an accomplished public speaker and has been a visiting lecturer on a number of MBA programmes delivering his insight and leadership on the subject of ‘Managing and Measuring Intellectual Capital’.
Paul has led, managed and delivered substantial change which has resulted in the achievement of tremendous results in enhancing profit through his insight, professionalism, knowledge and practical delivery skills. Paul is looking forward to continuing to deliver on his track record with clients seeking similar results who are prepared to match his drive, passion and enthusiasm for success.Paul is based in our London Office.



Russell Dalgleish
Managing Partner
Russell is an accomplished and driven executive possessing an entrepreneurial flair with successful track record in establishing new business and nurturing Blue chip accounts on a global basis.
A business development orientated professional with a proven ability to win profitable international business in Engineering, IT Hardware, Software Services, Staffing, Financial and Retail sectors with both private and public sector clients.
Today, Russell works with a range of businesses using his experience, contacts and market knowledge to assist companies to grow to their full potential and deliver value to their shareholders. He is an expert in company turnaround situations and has successfully sold and bought many businesses.
Successfully delivering business growth through vision and strategy creation built on a foundation of trust, consistent dialogue and shared inspiration.Russell is based in our Edinburgh Office.
A business development orientated professional with a proven ability to win profitable international business in Engineering, IT Hardware, Software Services, Staffing, Financial and Retail sectors with both private and public sector clients.
Today, Russell works with a range of businesses using his experience, contacts and market knowledge to assist companies to grow to their full potential and deliver value to their shareholders. He is an expert in company turnaround situations and has successfully sold and bought many businesses.
Successfully delivering business growth through vision and strategy creation built on a foundation of trust, consistent dialogue and shared inspiration.Russell is based in our Edinburgh Office.



Steve Turner
Partner
Steve is an experienced business coach and mentor who specialises in high growth strategy development and delivery.
With a deep understanding of business development, sales processes, client behaviour, and innovation cycles, Steve has a track record of developing new business and managing the financial and operational impact of rapid growth within ambitious businesses.
With direct experience of successfully restructuring and growing businesses in the UK and wider international markets, Steve possesses a creative, direct and practical collaborative approach which delivers demonstrable results to his clients.
Steve has worked in senior commercial and consultative roles within the international operations of Global business including Casio and Acco Brands and has extensive experience of delivering consultancy within both the public and private sectors.
Today, Steve is a regular writer, public speaker and contributor to debate on international trade and entrepreneurship which he combines with his consultancy work for select group of clients leveraging his international knowledge, contacts and experience of delivering high growth projects.
With a deep understanding of business development, sales processes, client behaviour, and innovation cycles, Steve has a track record of developing new business and managing the financial and operational impact of rapid growth within ambitious businesses.
With direct experience of successfully restructuring and growing businesses in the UK and wider international markets, Steve possesses a creative, direct and practical collaborative approach which delivers demonstrable results to his clients.
Steve has worked in senior commercial and consultative roles within the international operations of Global business including Casio and Acco Brands and has extensive experience of delivering consultancy within both the public and private sectors.
Today, Steve is a regular writer, public speaker and contributor to debate on international trade and entrepreneurship which he combines with his consultancy work for select group of clients leveraging his international knowledge, contacts and experience of delivering high growth projects.

Paul Owen
Partner


Paul is an experienced and growth oriented business leader who has spent 20 years delivering exceptional results across a wide spectrum of businesses and organisations at an executive, non-executive, investor and advisory level.
Paul has a proven ability to develop and challenge business strategies and then to deliver highly profitable business both nationally and internationally across a wide range of sectors – From healthcare to food, vetinarian to engineering, FMCG to industrial and may more sectors besides, long term customers that Paul has worked with include Alfred Karcher, Fuchs Lubricants, Wurth, Halfords, RAC, AA, Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Aldi, Wal-Mart, DHL, FedEx to name just a handful.
Paul’s natural entrepreneurial instincts have helped take a dozen or so businesses from start-up / early stage to Multi-Million pound ventures, as well as assisting a number of larger organisations consistently achieve double digit growth over sustained periods of time.
Passionate about “Fulfilling Potential”, whether within an organisation or as individuals, Paul believes that there are hidden talents, routes to market, sales opportunities and product / service ideas within every business and the unique approach adopted by Exolta Capital Partners to finding these things is something that fits very closely to Paul’s way of operating.
Paul is based in our South West Regional Office in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Paul has a proven ability to develop and challenge business strategies and then to deliver highly profitable business both nationally and internationally across a wide range of sectors – From healthcare to food, vetinarian to engineering, FMCG to industrial and may more sectors besides, long term customers that Paul has worked with include Alfred Karcher, Fuchs Lubricants, Wurth, Halfords, RAC, AA, Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Aldi, Wal-Mart, DHL, FedEx to name just a handful.
Paul’s natural entrepreneurial instincts have helped take a dozen or so businesses from start-up / early stage to Multi-Million pound ventures, as well as assisting a number of larger organisations consistently achieve double digit growth over sustained periods of time.
Passionate about “Fulfilling Potential”, whether within an organisation or as individuals, Paul believes that there are hidden talents, routes to market, sales opportunities and product / service ideas within every business and the unique approach adopted by Exolta Capital Partners to finding these things is something that fits very closely to Paul’s way of operating.
Paul is based in our South West Regional Office in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Michael Young
MBN Consilium


Michael is the Chief Executive of the MBN Group which is a key alliance partner of Exolta Capital Partners.
MBN Consilium provides a complete range of people solutions, staff and management development and the human resource elements of business growth and transformation.
Michael has many years experience of helping a large variety of businesses to solve their complex resourcing issues and problems and he spearheads our engagement activities in this area.
MBN Consilium provides a complete range of people solutions, staff and management development and the human resource elements of business growth and transformation.
Michael has many years experience of helping a large variety of businesses to solve their complex resourcing issues and problems and he spearheads our engagement activities in this area.

Terry Donovan
Partner


An Influential and inspirational results orientated NED or Mentor with over twenty five years experience in leadership roles with a sustained record of achievement as a superb strategic, tactical and pragmatic leader.
Experience includes dynamic fast growth companies with turnover up to £150m spanning the U.K., Europe, Middle/Far East and Australasia as well as start ups, six successful turnarounds and raising Venture Capital money.
He has a proven ability to stabilise and increase sales, cut costs and improve margins thus creating cash generative businesses.
An excellent communicator who both motivates and ensures the buy in of all key stakeholders. Defines and delivers on the vision and strategy through an empowering team ethos.
A self confident, dynamic , dedicated and credible leader with a passion for achievement and looking to mentor/coach in a role as Executive Chairman, Non Executive Director or advisor.Terry is based in our Leeds Office.
Experience includes dynamic fast growth companies with turnover up to £150m spanning the U.K., Europe, Middle/Far East and Australasia as well as start ups, six successful turnarounds and raising Venture Capital money.
He has a proven ability to stabilise and increase sales, cut costs and improve margins thus creating cash generative businesses.
An excellent communicator who both motivates and ensures the buy in of all key stakeholders. Defines and delivers on the vision and strategy through an empowering team ethos.
A self confident, dynamic , dedicated and credible leader with a passion for achievement and looking to mentor/coach in a role as Executive Chairman, Non Executive Director or advisor.Terry is based in our Leeds Office.



Peter Whittington
Partner
Peter has spent most of his career using his natural leadership and communication skills, together with his accountancy training, to lead management teams in business turnaround situations and follow on to profitable growth.
Today Peter turns his corporate skills to a variety of client businesses to help them achieve profitable growth and clarity of purpose. He believes that clear direction and good strategy, well implemented, is the cornerstone of any businesses future.
His excellent international manufacturing and business experience, used to leading teams has made him a business developer with extensive experience in re-structuring, turnaround and results improvement. Also A&M experience in both acquisitions and disposals.
A Chartered Accountant, turned Commercial Managing Director, Peter has spent most of his career in manufacturing and distribution, first in the building industry and then in food packaging. His businesses have supplied most of the major European retailers, and he personally has handled the McDonald’s account on a world-wide basis.
In the building industry he turned an insulation manufacturing company around from losing £1,800,000 a year to making £1,000,000 million a year profit in three years.
At LINPAC Plastics, Peter was Managing Director of their Northern European operations, with a combined turnover of over £200,000,000, 1,500 employees and 8 manufacturing sites with distribution across 14 countries. Peter developed this part of the LINPAC Group to become one of their most profitable sectors having grown profits to over £12,000,000 in 2002.Peter is based in our Leeds Office.
Today Peter turns his corporate skills to a variety of client businesses to help them achieve profitable growth and clarity of purpose. He believes that clear direction and good strategy, well implemented, is the cornerstone of any businesses future.
His excellent international manufacturing and business experience, used to leading teams has made him a business developer with extensive experience in re-structuring, turnaround and results improvement. Also A&M experience in both acquisitions and disposals.
A Chartered Accountant, turned Commercial Managing Director, Peter has spent most of his career in manufacturing and distribution, first in the building industry and then in food packaging. His businesses have supplied most of the major European retailers, and he personally has handled the McDonald’s account on a world-wide basis.
In the building industry he turned an insulation manufacturing company around from losing £1,800,000 a year to making £1,000,000 million a year profit in three years.
At LINPAC Plastics, Peter was Managing Director of their Northern European operations, with a combined turnover of over £200,000,000, 1,500 employees and 8 manufacturing sites with distribution across 14 countries. Peter developed this part of the LINPAC Group to become one of their most profitable sectors having grown profits to over £12,000,000 in 2002.Peter is based in our Leeds Office.



Suhail Ahmad
Partner
Suhail is an experienced director with a track-record of successful business development in financial services and information technology.
Having worked in North America, the Middle East, and the U.K., Suhail offers powerful insights for companies wanting to reach global markets.
As the former CEO of a boutique investment bank in Canada during the 2008 credit crisis, Suhail also has an intricate understanding of capital markets and corporate finance to effectively restructure, turnaround, and grow businesses.
Most recently Suhail led a U.K. based financial technology company from start-up to multi-million pound strategic sale within five years. Suhail empowers companies with actionable advice they need to prosper in the global economy.
Suhail is an active share investor and author on entrepreneurship, finance, and technology in addition to being a champion for social entrepreneurs worldwide as the founder of the non-profit Good Entrepreneurs Organisation.
Suhail is based in our Edinburgh office.
Having worked in North America, the Middle East, and the U.K., Suhail offers powerful insights for companies wanting to reach global markets.
As the former CEO of a boutique investment bank in Canada during the 2008 credit crisis, Suhail also has an intricate understanding of capital markets and corporate finance to effectively restructure, turnaround, and grow businesses.
Most recently Suhail led a U.K. based financial technology company from start-up to multi-million pound strategic sale within five years. Suhail empowers companies with actionable advice they need to prosper in the global economy.
Suhail is an active share investor and author on entrepreneurship, finance, and technology in addition to being a champion for social entrepreneurs worldwide as the founder of the non-profit Good Entrepreneurs Organisation.
Suhail is based in our Edinburgh office.



Kendra Byers
Associate Partner
Kendra Byers is an Associate Partner and Consultant at Exolta Capital Partners. She graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a first class honours degree in Festival and Event Management with Entrepreneurship in 2014.
Mentored by Russell Dalgleish, Kendra has quickly progressed to work with clients based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. With expertise developed in Marketing, PR, Communications and Event Management, Kendra has successfully occupied a number of in house roles including Community Manger, Event Operations Manager and Marketing Manager to benefit and create value for her clients.
Kendra also holds the position of Operations Director at StartEdinburgh.
She is based in our Edinburgh Office, Scotland.
Mentored by Russell Dalgleish, Kendra has quickly progressed to work with clients based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. With expertise developed in Marketing, PR, Communications and Event Management, Kendra has successfully occupied a number of in house roles including Community Manger, Event Operations Manager and Marketing Manager to benefit and create value for her clients.
Kendra also holds the position of Operations Director at StartEdinburgh.
She is based in our Edinburgh Office, Scotland.
In addition to our core team, we have access to a network of over 1500 ex Big 4 Partners and Directors with many years experience. As required, we utilise the resources available for the benefit of all of our clients.