JAMES PHIPSON

James set up his first successful business at the age of 14, buying and selling old red telephone kiosks. This early venture ignited a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship, commercial strategy and building ventures from the ground up.

Since founding Dragon Argent in 2004, James has led the firm’s evolution into a trusted partner for more than 400 SMEs across eight countries. He continues to advise boards on corporate governance, finance, strategic growth and international expansion, ensuring founders and stakeholders can make informed, compliant and commercially astute decisions.

In 2019, James was appointed Interim Chairman and Chief Executive of Helperby Therapeutics, a British pharmaceutical company tackling antimicrobial resistance. Initially engaged to advise on debt financing with the European Investment Bank, James later assumed strategic responsibility for the company’s operations and governance.

Alongside his executive roles, James specialises in guiding businesses through the complexities of corporate structures and governance. His expertise helps balance the interests of shareholders, management, and customers while aligning decision-making with long-term commercial objectives.

James also serves as a Commander in the City of London Police, where he is responsible for overseeing volunteer services, and regularly speaks at national and international forums on corporate governance and organisational structures.

Over his career, James has held senior roles across a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, including C6 Intelligence (a leading provider of AML intelligence information, successfully sold to Mergermarket Group in 2015), SnowChateaux (catered ski chalets in France), and Floripa (a London-based hospitality group). He has also led property development initiatives in Lisbon through Clink Renaissance Property Lda.