Matt Ballard, from Ballards Removals Ltd in Nottinghamshire, has been chosen as one of only eight business leaders selected to form the inaugural Gallagher leaders scrum.

The initiative was created by international risk management and insurance broker firm Gallagher, in partnership with Premiership Rugby, to help key decision makers make the right choices, at the right time, for their respective companies. 

The scrum aims to ensure that UK business leaders make informed decisions to minimise risk, protect business assets and underpin sustainable growth for their firms. Rugby fan and business leader, Matt Ballard, was chosen for his proven track record of making big calls to protect and grow his family business.

Alongside the seven other chosen leaders, Matt will now receive specialist coaching from an experienced panel of decision-makers, as well as benefitting from unique opportunities to network with business owners and experts across the country. The coaching panel includes serial entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den panellist, James Caan CBE, best-selling author Damien Hughes, and the CEO of Leicester Tigers, Andrea Pinchen. 

Gary Fletcher, Managing Director for the South, Gallagher, said: “The overall quality of applications to join the scrum was highly impressive and demonstrated the resilience of the UK business community. We are really looking forward to helping Matt and the other chosen winners, who have demonstrated great leadership within their businesses, make the next big decisions concerning the future of their operations.”

As well as receiving expert coaching, Matt will also receive hospitality tickets to the 2023 Gallagher Premiership Rugby final, tickets to an additional match, marketing support for Ballards Removals, and a visit from the club’s Director of Rugby. 

Matt said: “I’m so honoured and excited to have been announced as one of the eight business leaders to form the Gallagher leaders scrum.  I can’t wait to meet the other inspiring leaders and receive invaluable coaching from the panel of leading decision-makers. It will definitely be a great learning experience for me and one that I hope will also benefit our business too.” He added that the match tickets were a “fantastic bonus”.

Photo:  Matt Ballard, Ballards Removals Ltd.