pro-manchester has announced that it will appoint Anthony Morrow, CEO and founder of fintech firm OpenMoney, as its new Chair from March 2021.
pro-manchester which is the largest business development organisation in the North West will welcome Morrow, currently a board member for the business following an 18-month tenure from Partner at EY and Liverpool Office Managing Partner Jenn Hazlehurst.
Anthony launched OpenMoney in 2017 with longtime friend and Moneysupermarket co-founder Duncan Cameron. Its objective is to make financial advice affordable and accessible for everyone regardless of how much money they have.
Prior to setting up OpenMoney, Anthony was a founding partner of Tatton Asset Management plc, the financial services group that listed in 2017 with a market capitalisation of £180m. Previously Anthony had worked as consultant at KPMG and Andersen.
The Manchester-headquartered business has seen sustained growth since launch and now has 85 employees of which half have joined in the last 12 months. It recently launched its WorkLife employee benefits platform and will be launching a mortgage advice service in the summer. Anthony credits this growth, in part, to Manchester’s rich and diverse talent pool.
Speaking about his appointment, he said:
“Manchester is entrepreneurial and venturous of spirit, brimming with ambitious and innovative businesses of all shapes and sizes. We also benefit from being a city with a young working population compared to other UK regions, as well as our multiculturalism and diversity of thought.
“All these ingredients create the perfect environment for commercial activity, and I’m looking forward to helping champion and support the city’s business community – as well as helping to nurture talent.”
In his year as Chair of the business development organisation, Anthony is keen to work on addressing the rebuilding needs of businesses due to COVID-19 alongside longstanding issues such as inclusive employment opportunities and feels the business community and financial sector, in particular, should play a key part in this.
Jenn Hazlehurst said: “It has been a privilege to act as Chairperson for an organisation that does so much to support our region’s business community. Covid-19 has taught us that we are stronger together and that by working together, in partnership, we will pull through.
“Sam, Nicola and the team have found new ways to support members, to connect and to collaborate. pro-manchester has provided practical support through skills seminars, as well as signposting to other sources of support and events outside of the organisation.
“I wish all the very best to Anthony and am hopeful that he will be steering the organisation through easier times.”
Jenn will remain a director and continue to work closely with Sam and the pro-manchester team.
