MY EQUINITI: KELLY MILLAR
Kelly Millar looks surprisingly energetic when we meet – considering she has just run her first marathon. “I wasn’t a very happy individual between 22 and 24 miles,” she says. “It was so hilly and that really drags when you have 26 miles to get through. But once I got to the last two miles, I was fine.” Kelly brings the same drive and determination to her role as Director at David Venus & Co as she demonstrated pounding the country lanes in the Halstead & Essex Marathon. “I work with our clients on a day-to-day basis, and every day is different,” she says. “My portfolio ranges from FTSE100 companies to smaller private firms; one day I could be doing technical work or business development, the next working on publications or attending a seminar. I love the variety.” Kelly began her training at Matheson Ormsby Prentice, a law firm in Dublin. After a move to the UK, she took up a post with Clyde and Co, where she managed its company secretarial services. She then joined David Venus & Co four years ago as a senior manager and is now a Director. 20 > Equiniti Magazine | summer 2012
“It’s fantastic working in such an experienced team where, for instance, you have directors who write books and are recognised industry experts.”
Established in 1980, David Venus, which is part of the Equiniti Group, is a firm of chartered secretaries providing company law advice and corporate guidance to private and public companies. “We provide a full company secretarial service for clients or, if they already have an inhouse CoSec team, we can carry out additional projects for them, freeing up their time to concentrate on other priorities. We’re also currently rolling out Co-efficient, which provides a board evaluation service – something that is increasingly in demand due to changes in corporate governance guidance.” Kelly adds: “It’s fantastic working in such an experienced team
where, for instance, you have directors who write books and are recognised industry experts. That’s a very positive influence for new members of the team coming in – everyone here is constantly exposed to work of very high quality. We have a strong track record of delivering results and clients stay with us. That’s the best recommendation of all. Joining Equiniti has had mutual benefits for David Venus & Co and Equiniti clients. “We've had lots of interaction with Equiniti
clients,” says Kelly. “Our work has developed to quite large undertakings.” The David Venus & Co HQ is in Esher, Surrey – a short hop from Sandown Racecourse. “It’s a great business environment but in a country-type setting,” says Kelly. “It reflects the culture of the company.” As the owner of three horses, it’s also an apt location for Kelly.
Three quick questions What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
If you didn’t work for David Venus & Co, what would you do?
It’s important to be honest at all times, particularly if you think something is wrong.
I sang at the National Concert Hall in Dublin as part of the National Children’s Choir.
I would like to work with horses – I already have three!
PORTRAIT BY ANT UPTON
A passion for horses, the determination to complete a marathon and a love for working with her clients are three of Kelly Millar’s most striking traits