Jo Boraston

Jo graduated from the University of Bath, is a qualified Chartered Accountant, and trained with KPMG in Kent. Jo has worked in the industry for over 25 years, initially with Shepherd Neame Brewery, then Adscene plc, and latterly for nearly 20 years as Finance Director of Blaze Signs Limited, a venture capital (VC) backed Thanet-based sign manufacture and installation business. Whilst at Blaze, as well as leading the finance function and being the finance representative on the Main Board, Jo liaised extensively with external parties such as banks, auditors, and VC investors. During my time at Blaze managed a secondary buyout including complete refinancing of the business followed by an acquisition of a sign maintenance company, Cygnia Maintenance Limited. Over the last couple of years, Jo has been involved in the marketing and eventual sale of the company last summer, including being the main lead on the due diligence process. Jo left Blaze at the end of 2020, so now exploring new opportunities. The plan is to embark on a portfolio career, looking for a combination of Non-Exec and part-time consultancy Finance Director roles.

Jo has previously held charity committees and trustee posts. Originally joined L’Arche Kent as Honorary Treasurer on the Local Committee in the early 2000s, then became Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of The Scrine Foundation, a charity assisting street homeless in Canterbury, and later Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of KCA, where worked previously with Anthony Crocker. Jo also chaired the Finance and Estates Committee at KCA, only resigning when the charity was taken over by Addaction.

Outside work life, Jo is a keen horse rider. Jo loves to explore the countryside on her horse and she also competes at Trec, a sport that is similar to orienteering but on horseback. Living in the country near Canterbury Jo enjoys the great outdoors, whether walking, cycling or pottering around her garden and fields, Jo also loves traveling.