Meet the Board

This page outlines the non-executive directors that work closely with Make An Impact CIC in delivering its services, programmes and initiatives. 

"It’s all about maximising the impact we have every day – and knowing that we’re always just one conversation away from making an impact in someone’s organisation"

Our Board

Welcome to the Make An Impact Non-Executive Board


We are delighted to have five Non-Executive Directors on the Make An Impact CIC Board.

MEET THE TEAM

They work alongside Heidi and the team to develop the strategic direction and support the growth of the organisation.


Find out more about our Board members here.

Board Member: Arshad Khalid

Arshad Khalid

Founder, Ethiqana

www.ethiqana.com


With over 20 years’ experience in delivering a broad spectrum of agile and innovative tech solutions to enhance performance and operations, Arshad is a solution focused individual with a methodical approach. He effectively distils complex problems into efficient and manageable solutions.

A collaborative leader and effective communicator, Arshad has a keen focus on accountability and inclusion which is the driver behind his social and environmental responsibility in his corporate endeavours.


Arshad founded Ethiqana in 2017 with the aim to provide sustainable livelihoods and social parity to artisans, especially women, in the developing world. He is a fellow of the RSA and was recognised as one of 150 IBM Champions worldwide for two consecutive years for providing thought leadership and vision.

Board Member: Ayo Abbas

Ayo Abbas

Founder, Abbas Marketing

www.abbasmarketing.com


Ayo is a built environment marketing consultant and specialist. She has over 20 years’ experience working in B2B marketing and has worked for some major firms including Arup, Mace and Ramboll.

In February 2020, Ayo founded her own consultancy business Abbas Marketing and offers marketing services that spans three key areas of strategy, content and campaigns development.


She enjoys working with business owners who are passionate about what they do and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Ayo is a fellow of the RSA and a committee member for Build Up! – a built environment marketing networking group. She also hosts her own podcast, Marketing In Times of Recovery.

Board Member: Bev Reid-McPherson

Bev Reid-McPherson

Founder, Cosmopolitan Candle CIC

www.facebook.com/ignitefromwithin2021


Bev is an independent Project Management Consultant with extensive knowledge of working in the NHS and Higher Education sector. She has experience of managing small to large projects and enjoys innovative and challenging projects that expand her technical capabilities, present new opportunities for development and new ways of working.

Whilst working on these business transformation and change projects, Bev noticed that staff were being often being required to effect change when their preferred skill-set and/or personal behaviours were not compatible within the new change environment.


This noticeable gap inspired her to set up a peer to peer social collaboration network, Cosmopolitan Candle CIC (“Ignite from Within”), as a social enterprise. Bev enjoys a calm approach to self-employment and is committed to working with individuals to adopt a ‘work less’ whilst ‘achieving more’ work life balance.

Board Member: Frank Sims

Frank Sims

Staff Engagement & Empowerment

www.twitter.com/franksims9


Frank has spent 30+ years in the NHS, operating as CEO for hospitals, community and commissioners, driven by a passion for improving care and experience for patients. He joined the social enterprise movement a few years ago and discovered the importance of inclusion, outcomes, including staff in decision-making and adding value with local communities.

Frank has also worked at a national level within the NHS, and was Chief Executive for Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) – a social enterprise where he oversaw their transition to a charity.


Frank role models standard setting and behaviour and is a highly visible leader, with a collaborative, open and honest approach. Frank has introduced staff engagement and empowerment into organisations alongside senior team development to find innovative solutions that have traction.

Board Member: Julie McLaughlan

Julie McLaughlan

Founder, Intoto International

www.intotoint.com


Results orientated and plainly spoken, Julie is founder of Intoto International, a retail and food & beverage boutique agency which assists brands with international expansion. With a network that spans the globe and 30+ years’ retail & hospitality experience she has worked her way up and is well versed at putting principles into practice.

She has a flair for building teams to deliver strong corporate results and fully appreciates the value of people and the unique skills they bring. Julie brings a highly developed commercial focus, offers a track record of reversing corporate inefficiencies through aligning KPIs and workforce skills and profiles, acting as a champion for the achievement of world class standards.


Her thorough understanding of business allows her to see complex problems in their simplest form. This approach engenders more progress and less procrastination – an often-underestimated key to success.

It’s our specialist knowledge of various sectors that sets us apart from others. We’ve developed specific services to meet your needs around impact and with our extensive experience in working with organisations just like yours.

It means we totally get what problems you’re facing, we understand how things need to be done, we know what works and we can hit the ground running.

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