A lot of what makes a board effective is the chemistry involved.

On what makes some companies successful.

Few companies are looking for just a big name, they are looking for somebody who is going to make a decent contribution.

On what companies are seeking from members of their boards.

I am constantly surprised at the maturity of small companies. So many of them are confident and very ambitious.

On his contacts with emerging companies.

I don't think non-executive directors are over paid, they get the money they deserve. I don't expect anyone to undersell themselves.

On the remuneration of non-executive directors.

The biggest obstacle for non-executive directors occurs when they are not given the information needed to address an issue properly.

On the potential problems faced by directors.

It is a very serious issue when a board chooses to ignore the view of their own non-executive directors.

On boardroom tensions.

Why should everyone know what directors earn?

On the issue of disclosing directors' remuneration.