I’m a little late, but I've been heads-down delivering on key search projects and working my way through lots of follow-ups from Intercharge Network Conference in Berlin the week before last.

In what I think was my 4th time attending, the message for me was loud and clear, the EV industry's focus is shifting (for the better).

I came away with the word maturity etched in my mind. This links to how the market is moving forward with a real focus on utilisation, optimisation and shaping the customer journey in such a way that makes driving electric the obvious choice for individuals and businesses. Long gone are the days of the "land grab", the new focus is on building charging infrastructure that optimises energy use and hones in on the customer experience in order to drive customer loyalty and confidence. 

The industry is moving beyond technical deployment to make charging seamless, reliable, and user-friendly. Think Plug&Charge and simplified roaming. But what really stood out was AI. It was on EVERYONE's lips and it was fascinating for me to see the real use cases of AI and its positive impact on uptime and charger success which is helping to improve utilisation and help drive revenues. Looking forward to seeing how AI can support CPO's to optimise their networks with the likes of dynamic pricing becoming more commonplace in certain markets.

Trucks and heavy-duty transportation was also a very hot topic. The three days emphasised how the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles is no longer an ambition, but the next challenge we need to tackle. There were lots of MCS units on display and many panel discussions dived into the complexities of truck electrification - namely the space and power demands. We haven't scratched the surface yet, but it was superb to see the work going on around Europe.

My final takeaway was collaboration over competition. I sensed this more than ever this year. Over a few beers, it was great to dive in and unravel the complex layers of the sector and better understand the strategic partnerships and integrations between CPOs, eMSP’s and other solutions providers.

And finally, let's not forget, as much as this is a technology shift, it’s a people and talent challenge too. Without people, the strive for a cleaner future simply isn't possible. That's where we at Hyperion Search come in.

All in all, a fantastic event to meet so many industry friends, both old and new, and to explore exciting new partnership opportunities. Looking forward to the next one already. 

Stephen Robinson

Having supported a number of start-ups in hiring Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) over the last few years, I've witnessed first-hand the invaluable contributions they can make to a company's growth and success. The right NED brings a unique blend of experience, expertise, and objectivity to the boardroom, providing invaluable guidance and support to the executive team.

When considering hiring a NED, it's essential to align their skills and experience with the specific needs of your start-up. Look for individuals who have a rich and fruitful network they can leverage, a track record ‘operating’ within successful organisations, someone who offers strategic insights, challenges assumptions, and provides valuable mentorship to you and your founding team without stepping on anybody's toes. 

An effective NED has the ability to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and accountability, will ask the right questions, provide invaluable mentorship to your leadership team and help guide your growth strategy rather than dictate it.

Throughout my experience, I've found that NEDs who are passionate about the mission of a start-up and its vision tend to be the most effective. They are more likely to be engaged, proactive, and committed to long-term success. Building a strong rapport and trust between the NED and the executive team is also crucial for effective collaboration. The NED should compliment your team, bringing fresh ideas to the table, acting as a sounding board, a source of inspiration, motivation and belief in realising your company goals.

In my role at Hyperion, I've had the pleasure of working with directly a couple of NED's who have helped support our own growth. I've also worked with several cleantech and EV start-ups to appoint NED's at crucial stages of their growth, from pre-investment to post-investment scale-up phase. 

If you are considering hiring a NED, carefully evaluate their expertise, experience, and alignment with your company goals. Ask yourself, what support does your business need and what value will hiring a NED bring. And of course, if you need help finding one, consider myself and Hyperion Search - we've been doing this for years.