Ken Dickson BAcc (Hons), FCMA, CGMA, FRSA, the Managing Director of Axiom-e Limited, is an internationally experienced Finance Director. He believes that ‘finance is fun’ and, as a Tutor, reflects this in his interactive sessions with participants. Ken seeks to show the practical relevance of business theories and ideas through accessible talks, individual and group exercises, and examples from historical and contemporary writings, as well as his own career. As a result, Ken equips students with skills to use in their workplaces. Ken’s teaching and research interests include startups, entrepreneurship, business management, fundraising and empowerment through better financial management – areas of work that he has been involved with practically over many years.
Ken is passionate about encouraging people to use their talents to develop purpose-led businesses for good. In his courses and articles, Ken highlights ethical principles for business and, using his wide experience, equips the next generation of entrepreneurs in various countries (so far more than 40) to benefit their communities.
During his early career within subsidiaries of blue-chip multinational corporations, including Unilever and Johnson Matthey, Ken’s board responsibilities covered Finance, IT and Personnel. He successfully managed 20 acquisitions, negotiated the sale of companies and implemented multi-site accounting systems. In 2001, Ken founded Axiom-e Limited, the Cambridge-based strategic financial management consultancy, through which he advises commercial companies, charities and social enterprises who want to make a long-term impact. Ken has worked in many sectors (including high-tech, manufacturing and health) where he has focused on business planning, fundraising, and improving profitability. He has secured millions of pounds for clients from venture capitalists, Innovate UK, R&D tax credits and banks.
Ken has run several well-received courses at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education and has worked and taught in several countries. He provides pro bono support to voluntary associations, such as Zambia 2050, for whom he designed and ran the initial version of ‘The Pillars of Business Success’, and BE:iT, a business training organisation based in Nigeria.
When not working, Ken enjoys reading, cycling and ‘bagging’ Munros – not necessarily simultaneously!
