Jim qualified as a social worker in the 1970s and went on to establish numerous, successful businesses over the past 25 years ranging from social care to restaurants and artificial intelligence.  Between them, these companies have employed thousands of individuals in the UK and across the world.

Ayyab is a champion of change and has dedicated her career to project management and change roles. She leads the Martin James Network change agenda and is passionate about creating a progressive working environment. Ayyab believes in the power of connection and strives for all the businesses within the Martin James Network to work together to disrupt markets and deliver leading edge innovation.

PragmatiK comprises two companies (one specialising in the automation of employment law and the other specialising in personal resilience). Greg has 30 years’ experience in HR/employment law having worked across a range of industries and sectors. In that regard, he wants to simplify the law for the end user through IT solutions. He also has a personal history which lends itself to helping other people develop emotional and psychological resilience for their careers and relationships. Greg loves being part of the Martin James Group because “of the incredible talent and support, as well as the serious commitment to creative entrepreneurialism”.

Pat manages the Intellect Tax Team –the Team provide FosterTalk members with a free Tax, National Insurance and Benefits helpline whilst also preparing and filing over 3,000 self-assessment tax returns a year for Foster carers.

She worked as an accountancy practitioner in UK practice for 30 years before joining the Intellect team and enjoys applying her expertise to a rapidly developing business

They are passionate about providing Foster carers with prompt advice regarding their finances whilst also ensuring carers are getting the correct benefit entitlements. Many foster carers are terrified by the issues of tax and benefits –we provide a simple solution to their worries

In an age of increasing reliance on digitalisation, her team continues to demonstrate the importance of the personal touch for clients when dealing with tax and associated matters. Pat looks forward to guiding her team to increased growth over the coming years.

Loubna Bouarfa is the founder and CEO of OKRA Technologies. Loubna grew up in Meknes, Morocco before studying at the University of Technology in Delft in electrical engineering, specialising in statistical signal processing. In 2007, she undertook a PhD applying Machine Learning to predict surgical workflow and detect anomalies in real time, applying her research directly to surgical operating, predicting error and improving workflows. Over the course of her PhD, Loubna discovered that AI provides a strong framework for evidence-based medicine, using data to improve outcomes directly in the real-world environment outside of clinical trials and widely used controlled healthcare studies.

Previously to founding OKRA Loubna worked in academic settings, a start-up and consulted for different Pharmaceutical vendors. Loubna holds several advisory positions, is a member of the EU High-Level Expert Group on AI, and was named a Forbes 2018 Top Woman in Tech.

In 2017, Loubna was recognised by MIT Technology as an Innovator under 35. In January 2018, she was among the finalists for the award of the entrepreneur of the Year by Women in IT and was selected as one of Forbes Top 50 Women in Technology.

Mark joined the Martin James Network as Group People Director in August 2019 with over 20 years experience in HR across many different industries. Mark is passionate about driving and continuously improving engagement and diversity across the business. Mark is at the forefront of new and progressive people approaches which reflect and support the company values and the entrepreneurial and innovative approach of the Group. Outside of work, Mark’s married with 2 children (a girl and a boy) and has lived in Birmingham for most of his life.

Steve is currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of Key Assets (Europe & USA).  Key Assets (Europe & USA) provides social services to children, families and communities commissioned by government child protection services in Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Finland and the USA.

Steve qualified as a social worker in 1995 and has developed extensive practice and business experience in the design, delivery and oversight of children and family social services across international jurisdictions as a lead manager and as an independent consultant.

Steve, as a volunteer, has served as Expert Advisor to the STARS Foundation (UK) and is a Director of the National LGBT Foundation (Ireland).  In 2018 he was listed in the Google/Deloitte (Asia Pacific) top 50 LGBT+ executives list and the Financial Times (UK) Outstanding Top 100 LGBT+ Executives list, ranking at number 4.  Steve is passionate about supporting others to achieve their potential at work and in life!

Steve says,‘being part of the Martin James Group is exciting because I get to work with outstanding people, across the world, who are purpose driven, fun and who want to make the world better for vulnerable children and families.’