Member Spotlight - Jason Davenport MCIPP, MIoD
Get to know IoD members in the North West
Name: Jason Davenport
Position/company: Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). Beginning 1st July 2023
How would you describe your business to a total stranger?
The CIPP is a membership body supporting all payroll, pensions and reward professionals. Its mission statement is leading the profession through education, training and membership. CIPP deliver quality training, qualifications, advisory and support services and has been recognised as a Best Places to work in the Best Companies Awards.
Your previous roles:
As well as founding a consultancy business, I was COO for Capita HR Division, and previously supported the international growth of payroll services businesses such as NorthgateArinso, and LogicaCMG where I worked in global delivery. I have always worked in payroll – beginning my working career in the construction sector.
Other information (eg other positions held, charity roles):
I am also a Be The Business Mentor, which is a central government initiative to support the SME sector, and designed to help improve productivity. I have recently supported an MD of a marketing business, an MD of a talent acquisition business and a CTO working for a sports data analysis business. Mentoring is incredibly rewarding and I find it a positive challenge to support individuals from all different business backgrounds.
What do you do outside work? (hobbies/interests):
I am a L2 England Union Rugby Coach, to train under 16’s. I started that development as my son is a hooker for his school and club. I also have my UK powerboat licence and the International equivalent, as I own a sports cruiser and have her berthed in the Mediterranean.
How long have you been an IoD member?
I have been a member for 5+ years now.
Why did you join the IoD?
When I first set up my consultancy business, I thought it would be useful to help grow my network and have access to additional resources should the need arise.
Which parts of IoD membership do you value most?
The access to professional resources, that are available, with templates and case studies for points of view and best practice learnings.
How would you describe your branch area to a total stranger?
I have attended Christmas networking events, which were organised well, and hosted to support those new to such events and create contact with fellow members.
What is the most important issue for the government to tackle?
The tariffs for importing goods and paperwork post Brexit are still way too high. This has a negative impact right across all areas of the economy as prices continue to rise.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you started out in business?
Trust your instincts, they have served you well. Take time to hire the right people and be decisive to remove those that are not working out and always remember to enjoy the journey as much as the destination
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I will have a bigger boat, and I expect I will be supporting my children in their own pursuits to provide whatever guidance I can. My eldest daughter is at University and has started her own business, my middle daughter is just finishing A levels and off to MMU to do Journalism and Media, and my son wants to pursue a sporting career – it will be interesting to see where they are in 10 years and how I can help them in my retirement.
