http://www.inspiringawards.co.uk/
Hilene Henry is the Chief Executive of Wilson Henry LLP, a firm of chartered accountants and business advisors based in Liverpool. Hilene’s father, Mr Wilson Henry, set up the business in 1958 and Hilene took over in 1992 after moving back to Liverpool. The practice had suffered due to her father’s ill health and she pulled it up by its boot-straps, focusing the business, and growing significantly the number of clients on the books. With Hilene at the head, Wilson Henry LLP aims to be a first point of contact for all its clients’ business needs; not simply undertaking accounts preparation, auditing and tax returns, but primarily a problem solver and partner in fulfilling its clients’ business ambitions. Hilene and her team at Wilson Henry LLP celebrated 50 years in business in 2008 with a masked charity dinner at the Palm House in Sefton Park for 150 clients, contacts and supporters.
Hilene as an inspirational manager
Hilene is well known for her strong belief in the development, professionalism and support for the people she works with. She recognises and values the important contribution made by her team in their business and so she oversaw the firm being successfully awarded Investors in People in 1998. Hilene insists that the 30 people at Wilson Henry LLP are a “team”, rather than “staff”. She is also a trained trainer with the world-renowned Dale Carnegie. Further proof of this commitment to the team, is that Wilson Henry is officially an Authorised Training Employer with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales which means the firm trains would-be chartered accountants, helping them progress through their exams and their careers and paying generous study leave and exam fees.
“I am one of a very few that worked for Hilene's father during the late 80's. I remember quite clearly the uncertain times when he was talking about Hilene coming back from London to take over the firm and the picture that he painted of her. I need not have worried as it become quite clear from a very early stage that Hilene's focus was on developing strong relationships with both staff and clients. Looking back on my early years at Wilson Henry I now realise that I wasn't focused enough on my training and development. Hilene spent a lot of time with me and showed faith in me. She helped me to develop within work and with my professional exams. She has been my main mentor at Wilson Henry and someone I look up to.
The firm has changed beyond recognition over those last 20 years and Hilene has been at the fore throughout always leading by example. She works long hours each week putting her clients needs before her own. Hilene can look back on what she has achieved to date with a great deal of pride but I know that she will not rest on her laurels. The business community around us is living in very challenging times and I am sure that Hilene will continue to work with our clients, new and old, and all our business contacts to give them whatever help and support she can. I don't believe that Hilene does any of this for personal reward or recognition. It is all becomes she cares deeply about what she does and how she can help” Graham Marsh, Client Portfolio Manager, Wilson Henry LLP
“I have worked here since August 2006, one of the main contributors to me joining the firm was my interview conducted by Hilene. I was drawn to her people skills, especially her ease of communication and her ability to make people comfortable. What I have witnessed during my time here is her compassion for each individual team member and her unique relationships with her clients. I believe Hilene goes way beyond her professional commitment to her clients and team and in turn is very well respected for her professionalism and proactivity. She is relentless in her drive to ensure Wilson Henry is professional, caring and committed to their clients and their employees.” Suzie Lloyd, Office Manager, Wilson Henry LLP
‘Since joining Wilson Henry and working Hilene for over 12 years I have to say that she is an inspirational woman. Hilene main goal is to help people to achieve their goals and this applies to both clients and team members alike. Her main strengths are being able to understand peoples’ needs and cares passionately about the work she does. Hilene is not your ordinary business advisor, her compassion has mean she will go that extra mile and as a result many of her clients see her as a friend than their advisor.” Pauline Chung, Client Portfolio Manager, Wilson Henry LLP
“I joined Wilson Henry in 1987. Led at that time by a wonderful man, Mr Wilson Henry, the practice was definitely 'old school'. We followed orders and we got our heads down.In 1992 Mr Henry's daughter Hilene arrived and the transformation began! Hilene brought the concept of 'empowerment' to Wilson Henry. Hilene showed us that we could all make a difference from the rawest junior to the senior partner. No idea is ever turned away as being ridiculous by Hilene instead she will spend time to evaluate and demonstrate the value that we all bring to the table.In my early years at Wilson Henry I suffered terribly with a lack of self-confidence. Hilene recognised this and introduced me to the concept of Dale Carnegie! The idea of attending one of these courses filled me with absolute terror and my initial instinct was to run for the hills! However, Hilene explained to me how the course had helped her overcome some obstacles and she even took time out to attend the course as an instructor with us.
Her encouragement, support and motivation helped me through and I look back at that time in my life as a turning point. Hilene is not perfect but nor is she afraid to show it. We can all look at the position Hilene has reached today, the immense strides that she has taken in growing Wilson Henry from a one man band to a truly forward-thinking practice to be proud of and know that she achieved it all by not being afraid to let her team be involved and by allowing us all and herself to learn from our mistakes. Hilene has endured some horrendous times with family illnesses but has always remained strong and focused when others would most certainly have understandably crumbled. Hilene does not spend time extolling her own virtues but instead is willing to learn about herself, encouraging feedback and using it to grow as a person.
Hilene is the first person that anyone at Wilson Henry turns to if they have a problem, be that personal or business related. I know that I can always rely on Hilene to do her very best for me and this inspires me to want to do my very best for her. Hilene cares passionately about people, always taking time to show an interest in the work of others. No matter how busy Hilene is she will always do whatever she can to help people.
I consider Hilene to be a true friend and most definitely an inspirational leader!” Amanda Davidson, Client Portfolio Manager, Wilson Henry LLP
Unlike some successful women, Hilene has not pulled up the drawbridge behind her. At Wilson Henry LLP 50% of the team are women, at every level in the organisation. But Hilene is not just an inspiring manager, she is also an extremely good business leader.
“Far removed from the stereotypical profile, Hilene Henry has been instrumental in the dynamic growth and development of the accountancy firm, Wilson Henry. Over time, and having worked collaboratively on a number of high value corporate transactions, Hilene’s drive and determination is consistently at the forefront of any commercial matter. Not only is Hilene passionate about business and the enterprise agenda, she truly does “walk the talk”. Those who work within the region’s business and finance sector, and more importantly her client base, have come to trust in her realistic business advice and “common sense”. Hilene is skilled in being able to communicate effectively. A further strength lies in her determination to do the very best she can for those she works with, showing great respect and integrity at any level. These attributes, coupled with her enduring sense of humour, really do make a significant difference to those who know her.
Hilene is really is worthy and deserving of recognition, but, knowing the woman, she is highly unlikely to seek it for herself.“
Heather Summers, Partner JST Lawyers
“Hilene is undoubtedly one of the most unstinting business leaders in the region, being consistently the firm’s biggest fee earner and regularly putting in 60+ hours per week. She is one of the best ‘people’ persons you will come across – very few would have a bad word to say about her and she is respected by everyone"
Peter Alcock, Partner, Wilson Henry LLP
“Having known Hilene since 1977 I would add that Hilene must have the biggest shoulders in the world. She is amazingly able to relentlessly and conscientiously carry, inspire and resolve the pains and issue of her clients, friends and family. A truly worthy winner!“ Gary Li, HK Links Ltd
"Hilene is an inspirational business associate. Her contribution of a supportive and knowledgeable understanding of our market has been vital as she has guided us through a tough restructuring of our business. Hilene has an enhanced ability to build high-quality relationships with both key internal and external stakeholders. These attributes collectively along with her remarkable work ethos, her undoubted financial management skills and business understanding all help her to deliver clarity as an external perspective on our business". Terry Graham, SISRA Ltd
“Further to what everyone else has said about Hilene Henry, I would like to support their comments and deem her a worthy nominee as a truly Inspirational Business Woman, but one with compassion and care who gives very personal service and advice, no matter what the problems or questions are, Hilene will always give you 200% of her time. Hilene is always very professional and her help is always above and beyond the call of duty. She has gathered a great team and her achievements must be admired.“ Amy Li, HK Links Ltd
Hilene’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Hilene thrives on the responsibility she holds to the societies, communities and environment in which the firm operates. “We hold a clear vision for the role of our business in developing social and environmental sustainability as well as innovating in the fields of social and commercial enterprise.“ The policy is based upon several leading principles:-
- Social contribution and development Environmental preservation Advocacy and
- innovation in social and commercial enterprise
- Maintenance of high ethical standards in business and employee relationships
Hilene thought very carefully about the best place to run the business, moving the Wilson Henry business to Edge Lane, Kensington, Liverpool in 2002. She chose to base the firm in this area because she is passionate about the urban regeneration and renewal of the North-West and Liverpool in particular saying “It would have been easy to have a plush office in the city centre, but we want to play our part in economic development and renewal of local enterprise; we want to help bring about economic growth, job creation and social well-being. We believe this can be best achieved from an office in the heart of the biggest New Deal for Communities initiative in the UK.”
Hilene in business
Hilene is passionate about helping her clients grow their business. Going hand-in-hand with this desire to develop is a need to raise finance to facilitate this growth. Hilene and her team help to arrange funding packages and business planning for start-ups; development capital raising, acquisition due diligence, through to business valuations for businesses looking to sell. The team has developed exceptional local experience and as such has cultivated close working relationships with many of the funding specialists and the banking and asset finance fraternity. Hilene prides herself on providing accessible, proactive, high-level contact throughout the process.
In July 2008, Hilene managed the buyout of a Yorkshire rival firm on behalf of the Lancashire plastic packaging firm Lendlock Group. The group, which supplies the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and toiletries industries, has expanded after a number of mergers and acquisitions.
“Hilene is a true professional yet down to earth and totally approachable, she has worked with our Group since 2002. During 2008 we acquired a further company, Hilene was involved with this from start to finish, her energy and enthusiasm teamed with her knowledge and expertise steered us through to completion. Nothing put before her ever fazes her and she is always pro-active on our behalf. A great asset in the nicest possible way.” Linda Cossa, Lendlock Group
“Hilene Henry has given advice on our business for many years, she is a dedicated forward thinking person whom Kathy, Paul, Julian & John Flanagan of The Flanagan Group are delighted to nominate for this award.”
“As a business we have worked along side Hilene Henry for 15 years, in that time she has become an essential part of our Company. Her involvement in the success of Firesafe shows her commitment to our company and the individuals involved, having also built up a personal as well as a working relationship we are safe in the knowledge that Hilene is always available and willing to help us out with any problems we may have. Her enthusiasm for the work involved and the excellent results that can be achieved is second to none.” Tracy Dunn, Firesafe Installations Ltd
“Since we started working with Wilson Henry five years ago, our company has become more efficient and profitable. The relationship with Wilson Henry and in particular, Hilene Henry, has contributed greatly to this. She has always been available to discuss potential problems, and by taking her advice, resolved them before they arise enabling us to plan for the future with confidence. She seems to have an extensive knowledge of a wide range of businesses and how they function. Her assistance over the past five years has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing our relationship with her.” Joseph Azagury, Joseph Azagury (London) Ltd
“I have known Hilene for nearly 10 years and she has always been very inspiring to work with. Her calm cool manner has always been an asset in meetings and helps keep situations at a sensible level when sometimes they can get fraught or heated.Her vision with time management and personal development is very advanced in the accountancy field and diversifies into many fields including walking on fire!I would recommend Hilene and her team anytime as they are an asset to any business.” Sally Thomas, L & L Inc.
“I have known Hilene for so many years that this is a number that she probably does not want to account for, and during this time she has always been very approachable and highly regarded in the business and finance world. It is my opinion she has been fully committed to meeting client’s needs and expectations by going the extra mile to ensure that mutual goals are achieved. Her ability to build long lasting relationships is clearly something that she is able to do with some ease, and I have no doubt that she would be a worthy recipient of the Inspiring Women Award 2009” Ron Potter, Lloyds Business Communications
