FreeAgent bolsters sales focus with appointment of Nick Longden

Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) accounting software provider FreeAgent Holdings announced the appointment of Nick Longden as vice-president of sales on Monday, to help spearhead its growth strategy within its accounting practice division.

The AIM-traded firm said Longden, formerly vice-president of fintech, mobile and connected devices at Mobica, would be responsible for maximising growth and further boosting FreeAgent's reputation in the accountancy practice sector as it seeked to maintain and build its market presence in what it saw as an important market.

His appointment at FreeAgent came after a 20-year career in the accounting software industry, where he previously worked for major companies including Sage, Xero, CCH and Pegasus.

FreeAgent’s board also said the announcement highlighted the company's continued focus and investment to scale-up customer acquisition, with a particular emphasis on accountancy practice customers, which was outlined as a key part of the group's growth strategy at the time of admission to AIM.

“We are delighted to welcome Nick as our new VP of Sales,” said FreeAgent founder and CEO Ed Molyneux.

“A veteran of the accounting software industry, Nick was involved at the very start of the cloud and SaaS revolution and has worked with some of the leading names in the industry.

“With over 25 years' industry experience his credentials speak for themselves and his experience will be invaluable as we execute on our growth plans.”

Molyneux said that, with the imminent arrival of the ‘Making Tax Digital’ initiative from HMRC, accountancy practices were increasingly important partners for FreeAgent, and its ongoing partnership with NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland had cemented its position as “the best solution” for small and micro-businesses.

“With Nick at the forefront of our sales team, alongside Kevin McCallum who steps into the new role of chief commercial officer to lead our efforts in the open banking and wider fintech space, we are doubling down on our support for these important channels to introduce even more business owners and their accountants to the benefits of FreeAgent in the coming years.”