Legislation concerns fuel latest IMA expansion

Three new providers have joined the Interim Management Association, boosting membership to an all-time high of 30.

Albemarle, Campion Willcocks and Niche Resources have all become members.

Alan Horn, managing director of Albemarle Interim Management, said the company had re-joined the IMA to be part of an industry-wide approach to looming legislation likely to affect the interim management sector.

He said: ìTwo key aspects were important to us. The first is that the IMA is a well-run organisation and the second is that we are genuinely concerned about creeping legislation on a number of issues. Itís clear you can only fight legislation from within an organisation or association. Itís better to be in than not.î

The IMA has been keeping a close watch on European legislation and is keen to defend the UKís flexible position over how it uses its workforce.

On the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, Alan Horn said: ìThis year our business will be three times the size it was in 2006. As interim management is increasingly used and understood, the potential for companies that are well-run and have quality controls is huge. The challenge is finding the right people to work for you. That is really what holds back a lot businesses.î

Marcus Astley, managing director of Niche Resources, said: We are joining the IMA to increase our credibility and visibility in the industry. We work primarily at the top end of the interim market, providing high-calibre, vetted interim executives and we see membership of the Interim Management Association as one way of reflecting that focus.

ìOur main area of expertise over the last nine years has been in the telecoms sector, but we believe that our offering is equally valuable to other industries, and we hope the IMA will help us move into other markets. We also feel that, in terms of opportunities, the job market in all sectors is becoming more fluid and this lends itself increasingly to the use of high-quality interim managers.

Mark Campion, managing director of Campion Willcocks, said: ìJoining the IMA will give us an opportunity to share knowledge and influence the industry and government on legislation and employment issues. There is also the value of being part of a wider group.î

On the challenges ahead, he said: There is still a lack of understanding in the market place that has to be overcome, particularly confusion over the use of the terms interim, contractor and consultant.

Nick Robeson, chair of the IMA said the associationís share of the market continued to rise - up 11 per cent in 2006 on the previous year. He said: ìIMA membership now stands at 30 and the members who have just joined have added substantial weight to our coverage of all significant interim management providers.î