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Arthur Crocker
Chief Financial Officer at Shields Energy Services Limited
Professional Background
Arthur Crocker is a seasoned Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) known for his extensive international experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and initial public offerings (IPOs). With a professional journey that spans over three decades, Arthur has established himself as a pivotal figure in the financial and technology sectors, leading numerous high-profile initiatives and helping companies realize their growth potential.
Arthur's career began after he qualified as an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) in 1988. He spent the first nine years of his professional life at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he held both audit and interim finance roles. His expertise in financial practices led him to the Global Capital Markets Group at PwC, where he thrived for an additional five years. During his tenure in this group, Arthur was instrumental in facilitating a significant number of successful cross-border IPOs and listings, showcasing his capacity to navigate complex financial landscapes effectively.
In 2001, Arthur was headhunted to join Shields Environmental Group as CFO to assist the founder in the business’s growth strategies and to navigate the exit pathways available. Under his leadership, the company saw a successful de-merger process of Fonebak from Shields, culminating in a successful IPO on the Alternative Investment Market (AiM), where Arthur served as CFO. He played a central role in transforming Fonebak's financial trajectory, leading the company from a phase of losses to a profitable standing, significantly increasing revenues during his tenure.
After leaving Fonebak in June 2007, Arthur set his sights on new business ventures, notably stepping into a consultancy role with Byyd Tech (originally Adfonic) in early 2010. This initial consulting position quickly evolved into a full-time commitment where he ascended to the roles of CFO and later COO & CFO, demonstrating his versatile executive capabilities.
In 2016, Arthur transitioned from Byyd Tech to join Active Ticketing, where he took on the role of CFO at the beginning of 2017. His expertise continued to shine as he integrated essential financial controls and strategies within the company. In May 2018, Arthur's journey led him back to Shields, this time joining Shields Energy Services, a company focused on Internet of Things (IoT) retrofit solutions that digitize and enhance building and estate management.
Education and Achievements
Arthur's educational background is impressive, beginning with a study in BSc Chemistry at the prestigious Durham University. Additionally, he received foundational education at Winchester College, preparing him for a career that blends analytical precision with innovative financial strategies.
Throughout his career, Arthur has achieved significant milestones in terms of organizational improvement, financial turnaround, and strategic growth within high-change environments in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector. His proficiency in orchestrating M&A deals and IPOs has made him a coveted leader in various organizations, allowing him to exert influence across both operational and financial arenas.
Notable Positions and Contributions
Arthur's expertise is highlighted through his various roles, including:
- Chief Financial Officer at Shields Energy Services.
- Former Consultant at his own consultancy, Arthur Crocker.
- Finance Director at Purple Crocodile Limited, where he applied his financial skills to support business operations.
- CFO at Active Ticketing PLC, driving innovation in secure mobile ticketing solutions.
- CEO at MAPS (Management & Personnel Services Limited), where he managed a diverse portfolio of services.
- COO & CFO at Byyd Tech Limited, navigating the complexities of the evolving mobile advertising industry.
- Group CFO at Fonebak plc and Shields Environmental Group plc, where he significantly contributed to operational efficiencies and organizational effectiveness.
- Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, shaping the next generation of financial leaders.
Arthur’s versatility and leadership have consistently driven performance improvements and created value for stakeholders in each of his roles. His ability to manage both the financial and operational facets of an organization has made him a true asset in the corporate arena.
Specialties
Arthur's areas of specialization reflect his vast experience and strategic capabilities. His expertise encompasses:
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Demonstrating a strong track record in facilitating successful M&A transactions that support growth and profitability.
- Initial Public Offerings (IPO): Well-versed in both domestic and cross-border IPO processes, allowing companies to leverage capital markets efficiently.
- International Experience: A deep understanding of global financial markets and the nuances of operating in various jurisdictions, enhancing his ability to drive international business success.
- High Growth / High Change Businesses: Proven ability to adapt and excel in environments characterized by rapid change and growth within the TMT sector.
Arthur Crocker’s exemplary career in finance and operations not only underscores his commitment to excellence but also highlights his significant impact on every organization he has been part of. His journey offers invaluable insights into the world of finance, technology, and organizational management, making him an influential leader in the modern business landscape.
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Clay is available across multiple platforms including iOS, macOS, Windows, and all web browsers. Clay is especially strong for Apple users, offering Mac, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS apps with deep native integrations on each platform. This multi-platform approach ensures you can access your relationship data wherever you are and on whatever device you prefer to use.
Clay offers tiered pricing options to suit different needs. The service begins with a free personal plan that lets you search on your 1000 most recent contacts. Clay offers a Pro Plan ($10 when billed annually) with unlimited contacts. Clay for Teams starts at $49/month/seat. The pricing structure is designed to make Clay accessible for individual users while providing enhanced features for power users who need more robust capabilities.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Clay offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Clay focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Clay also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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