Jumpstart looks to push into UK markets as top sales and marketing executive is recruited

Edinburgh-based research and development (R&D) tax relief specialist Jumpstart moved to accelerate its advance into pan-UK markets with the appointment of a new sales and marketing director.

The firm has appointed Cheshire-based Mike Dean drive its push for business south of the border as well as for inside sales, partner development and digital marketing.

Mr Dean, 50, will head up a team of 16, half of whom will be based in Jumpstart’s Edinburgh headquarters and the remainder of whom will be active across the rest of the UK, focused on replicating the model the company has utilised in Scotland.

Jumpstart has successfully recouped £42 million for Scottish companies since its inception in 2008 as a result of 1318 specifically-tailored applications. It currently has 173 active clients in Scotland alone and more than 500 in the wider UK.

Mr Dean said: “Having worked with Jumpstart in a consultancy capacity for several months recently, I am delighted to formally join the company and look forward to contributing to its continuing success.

“I will be leading an excellent team of professional and dedicated individuals and we will be pushing vigorously towards our target of doubling the new contract run rate within the foreseeable future.”

Before joining Jumpstart in August, Mr Dean had conducted a successful business for 12 years as a UK-wide consultant with an impressive portfolio of clients in sales and marketing. He also specialised in interim and advisory management roles.

His sales career took off after gaining an MBA at Manchester Business School. He then joined Marconi, becoming sales and business development director in the European services division and running a team of up to 60 people with a turnover approaching £350 million.

He will report to Brian Williamson, managing director at Jumpstart, who said: “We are delighted to have attracted someone of Mike’s calibre and experience and we are confident that great benefits will accrue to the company as a result.”

Jumpstart was founded in Edinburgh - where it retains its UK base - to address a huge opportunity in the market to engage with British businesses by informing and guiding them through HMRC’s extremely complex R&D tax relief claim process.

As well as sector-expert business analysts, the Jumpstart team includes scientists and technologists who understand each market area and can produce robust applications which in turn have resulted in significant R&D claims for its clients.