Experience

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  Unilever

  Jun 1987 - Sept 1988

  Trainee accountant

  Under-Graduate Placement at Elida Gibb subsidiary. Established a completely new, detailed and effective overhead cost apportionment methodology for a large range of branded toiletries being manufactured at a new factory site. Later used as a basis for pricing decisions.

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  British steel

  Sept 1989 - Jul 1991

  Cost accountant (steelmaking)

  Joined the Scunthorpe works as a new Graduate on the British Steel Management Training Scheme. Held several training positions within the Cost Office prior to appointment as Cost Accountant.

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  Bridon-bekaert the ropes group

  Jul 1991 - Sept 1996

  Assistant group management accountant

  Responsible for consolidating monthly management accounts and annual budgets of around 50 operating subsidiaries worldwide. Seconded to oversee the closure of a wire-drawing site in Ambergate, Derbyshire (1995-96)

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  Stelrad ltd

  Sept 1996 - Jan 1999

  Factory accountant

  Based at the Stelrad manufacturing site, Ian was responsible for monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.Worked closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to develop a cost consciousness and improve financial understanding of non-financial managersWorked with senior managers to provide detailed costings concerning a site consolidation projectWas part of the SAP development and testing team involved in a major project to introduce SAP across the business in all functions Show less

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  Black & decker

  Jan 1999 - Jun 2002

  Site financial manager

  As sole finance representative on site this role covered all aspects of management and financial accounting using SAP and Hyperion systemsResponsible for product cost maintenance; worked closely with product engineers to provide accurate product costs for new product developmentsSolely responsible for annual standard costing and budgeting operations over 18,000+ product linesEmbedded a cost awareness culture within the senior management team and on the shop floor

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  Readmans

  Jun 2002 - Nov 2003

  Financial controller

  Responsible for finance, payroll and Health & Safety Management in a £20m turnover group. Developed and implemented H&S policies and procedures.Reviewed overhead costs and re-negotiated key contracts to ensure better value for money.Introduced cash flow monitoring and control proceduresReplaced in-house financial system with Great Plains package

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  Safestyle uk

  Nov 2003 - Jan 2008

  Group financial controller

  I was central to two successful refinancing exercises in 2005 & 2007; I prepared detailed 5 year forecasts and developed scenario modelling methodologies; I was closely involved with the bank during their due diligence exercise. I then developed new internal and external financial reports and covenant testing routines to meet the bank's monthly reporting requirements.I also undertook a major process review of financial systems and procedures; re-designing and implementing streamlined processes to reduce back office cost.I was responsible for developing and embedding non-financial KPI monitoring at the factory, including building relationships with key shop floor staff.I also successfully applied for £400k grant funding from Yorkshire Forward to support factory developments. Show less

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  Hoerbiger (uk) ltd

  Feb 2008 - Nov 2008

  Uk finance director

  Although a brief tenure due to world events, I carried out a thorough and highly detailed review of the UK 3 and 5 year business plans and built a structure to deliver financial and back office streamlining to eliminate duplication and cost across two operational sites.I developed and implemented a strategic turn-around plan for the UK business involving site re-location, merger of operations and integration of financial and other back office systems and functions.I created and implemented a wide range of financial and non-financial corporate policies to improve governance and financial control and assessed and strengthened the Finance Team with key appointments in order to facilitate the turnaround of a number of pressing legacy issues.I then built effective bridges between the finance team, sales and operations staff across the business. Show less

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  Business link

  Apr 2009 - Apr 2012

  Head of finance - business link yorkshire

  A Private sector company, Y&H IDB Ltd delivered business advisory and export support services to new and established businesses throughout Yorkshire under the government's Business Link brand. This experience included leading and motivating a team of 12 through a challenging and uncertain time; one of constant change and upheaval since 2009. This role tested my people management skills to the full.

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  Siddall & hilton

  Jun 2012 - May 2023

  The UK's largest manufacturer of welded steel wire mesh - fencing and industrial products - based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire with c 65 employees.During my time as Chief Executive I :Developed People & Culture:• Built a strong leadership team • Shifted the culture towards Empowered & Co-operative• Introduced a values-based ethos • Improved Employee Engagement - Achieved the Best Companies One Star Rating (Good to work for) 2022• Significantly improved Health & Safety awareness and established a “Safety First” culture.Managed through the Pandemic:I ensured all employees received full pay during furlough period (2020) and all suppliers were paid on time and in full. Stringent safety measures were put in place and the factory was re-opened in just 4 weeks. Less than 20% of the workforce tested positive during 2020-22 and there were no serious illnesses recorded. Staff were kept fully informed as the situation developed.Investment & Financing• Invested in a new welding machine and robot stacker• Began the roll-out of a World Class vision (invested in painted floors, new lighting, heating and roof-lights, rapid rise roller shutter doors, new leak-proof, insulated roof, improved staff facilities)• Developed vacant derelict land on the site.• Completed a site redevelopment plan and attained full planning permissionRaised the Profile of the business:• Hosted visits from leading local politicians• Established links with several local charities• Won Kirklees & Calderdale Business Awards “SME of the Year” and “Business of the Year” 2022Strategic Development:• Created a new 3-year strategy for growth• Established a new, more pro-active sales approachOperational Improvements:• Introduced a weekly scorecard to monitor key business metrics• Introduced a weekly management meeting to discuss metrics and catch issues early• Instigated one-to-one meetings with my direct reportsThrough these and other activities, EBITDA improved four-fold. Show less Since joining the company I was responsible for an extensive overhaul and development of internal reporting and monitoring procedures and the introduction of detailed product costing methodologies to better support senior colleagues in sales and production roles. In November 2015 I was integral to a management buy-out and became joint owner of the business, having successfully raised external finance in support of an MBO. I followed this up with a second round of re-financing to support a second MBO completed in 2019. Show less

  • Chief Executive & Co-Owner

    Aug 2019 - May 2023

  • Finance Director & Co-Owner

    Jun 2012 - Aug 2019