Deep-Dive: Oyedokun Oluwaseyi Lou Taylor (Lou Taylor)

Based on public records, including Abri Group's official announcements, Annual Returns (AR30) filed with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), governance documents, and cross-referenced sources, here's a comprehensive profile of Oyedokun Oluwaseyi Lou Taylor (commonly known as Lou Taylor). I'll cover his background, professional roles, appointment to Abri Group, and specifically address the indirect connections to Thames Valley Police (TVP) as requested. All information is drawn from verifiable public sources, treating the referenced Abri announcement as a matter of public record (published 11 October 2020). No private or confidential data is included.

1. Personal and Professional Background

• Full Name: Oyedokun Oluwaseyi Lou Taylor (born May 1959, based on AR30 filings).
• Bio Summary: Lou Taylor is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with over 20 years of experience in media, advertising, and community-based enterprises in southern England. He has held roles as an owner, entrepreneur, director, and board member across various sectors. His work emphasizes community engagement, diversity, and building trust-based relationships. He is particularly active in cultural initiatives, such as founding and directing Black History Month events, and has a strong focus on social impact through non-executive directorships (NEDs) in housing, healthcare, education, and public sector organizations.
• Key Expertise: Media and advertising (e.g., radio and events); community enterprises; governance in housing associations and public bodies; diversity and inclusion. He is described in Abri's announcement as bringing "valuable skills and experience" to support community-building efforts.
• Education and Early Career: Limited public details, but his career trajectory suggests a foundation in media and entrepreneurship. He has been involved in community radio and cultural programming since at least 2015.

2. Appointment to Abri Group Board

• Announcement Details: From the public record on abri.co.uk/media-hub/lou-taylor-co-opted-abri-group-board (published 11 October 2020):
  • Lou Taylor was co-opted to the Abri Group Board effective 18 November 2020.
  • The announcement highlights his extensive experience in media, advertising, and community enterprises.
  • Quote from Lou Taylor: “I’m delighted to be joining the Abri Group Board. It has never been so important for organisations like Abri to build strong relationships with communities based on trust and mutual respect.”
  • Quote from Abri's then-Chair, Simon Porter: “Lou’s appointment will further strengthen our Board and bring additional diversity of thought and experience.”
• Formal Confirmation: In Abri's AR30 filings (e.g., FYE 31/03/2025, as provided in your attachment and confirmed via FCA Mutuals Public Register):
  • Listed as a director with birth month/year: May 1959.
  • Appointed formally on 4 August 2021 (post-co-opting).
  • Compensation: £16,238 in fees (non-executive role).
• Role at Abri: As a board member of Abri Group Limited (Registered Society No. 8537, a Community Benefit Society and Registered Provider RSH No. L4172), he contributes to governance, strategy, and community-focused decisions. Abri emphasized diversity improvements with his (and others') appointment in May 2021 announcements.
• Related Documents: Your attached Exhibit WM-2 (Abri Group Corporate Structure & Entity Analysis, dated March 2023) and AR30 screenshot align with this—directors are listed starting with Jane Alderman, but full AR30 includes Lou Taylor further down (as per public filings).

3. Other Professional Roles and Affiliations

From AR30 disclosures and public profiles (e.g., LinkedIn links if available, but none directly from Abri site; general search points to profiles under "Lou Taylor Southampton"):

• Publication Dates/Updates: Abri appointment announced 2020; AR30 filings annual (latest 2025). Police NED roles disclosed in AR30 as ongoing.

4. Indirect Connections to Thames Valley Police (TVP)