We met Jimmy for the first time at our dinner on the topic of scaling fast & fundraising with the founders of the tech startup Mopp. He liked the concept so much he approached us to host his very own dinner, which of course we gladly accepted! We’ve just co-hosted our first dinner with Jimmy and the Institute of Directors on the hot subject of the Sharing Economy on the 25th. Read more about Jimmy, the IoD and his interest in this growing sector…

What is the Institute of Directors?

We’re one of the oldest business groups in Europe, with a Royal Charter that requires us “to promote the conditions favourable to entrepreneurial activity and wealth creation.” We have 34,000 members from all over the UK, covering every conceivable sector and background. Our main focus is on supporting individuals, start-ups and SMEs with everything from tax advice to work spaces. We also have a large policy team who produce original research on everything from energy and infrastructure to innovation and disruptive technologies.

What were you doing before you joined the IoD?

I previously worked in political communications, starting out on Boris Johnson’s first Mayoral Campaign in 2008 and since then for a range of financial and tech clients.

What were the biggest developments in 2014?

The extent to which we continue to cram our entire lives into a smartphone. I haven’t had one for the last few weeks and it’s complicated pretty much every area of my life from travel to finance.

What will 2015 bring?

Further disruption of the traditional industries, combined with a real devolution of power and autonomy to regions, cities and individuals.

How are you involved in the Sharing Economy?

The IoD has a real interest in this area and in what it represents for the future of our economy. We hosted the founder of Uber, Travis Kalanick, at our recent Annual Convention and our members really engaged with the case he put forward about the potential benefits of his business philosophy. We have just launched a report on the subject calling for the Government to extend the ‘rent a room’ scheme to the whole of the sharing economy, and increase the tax free allowance of earnings in this sector to £10,000.

Why did you want to start a TableCrowd table on the subject?

I attended my first one with the Pete Dowds and Tom Brooks, the founders of Mopp, and thought it was a fantastic evening with lots of likeminded people sharing ideas and talking about the future of our economy. I knew immediately that I wanted the IoD to be part of that debate, and that we are in a good position to contribute.

What’s your favourite London restaurant?

Tremendously difficult question, but probably the Big Easy or Hawksmoor …

Thanks Jimmy, it’s been wonderful catching a glimpse into what you do and your plans for the future.

For our upcoming tables, click here.