Finance Director at Valley Grown Salads & Valley Grown Nurseries Ltd (2006-01 – Present)
joined as a Financial controller
- Delivered continuous commercial growth, scaling revenue from £23m to £42m and headcount from 80 to 200 across two entities through multiple business cycles and expansion phases
- Secured £1.3m in R&D funding (working with Leyton) and continue to manage ongoing claims, strengthening cash flow and enabling continued innovation
- Led multiple ERP implementations (Microsoft Dynamics NAV and QuickBooks), transforming financial visibility, reporting accuracy and operational efficiency
- Built and reshaped the finance function from scratch, evolving it into a full strategic FD role while streamlining the internal team into a lean 5-person unit that supported rapid business doubling
- Established invoice discounting and working capital facilities, improving liquidity and reducing reliance on shareholder funding
- Developed and implemented FX hedging strategies, protecting margins from currency volatility
- Supported ongoing business sale process, working with corporate finance advisors (FRP) on data room preparation and transaction activity
- Full ownership of the finance function across both entities, ensuring accurate reporting, strong financial control, and compliance
- Lead monthly management accounts, board packs, and KPI reporting, providing clear financial insight to shareholders and senior leadership
- Partner with business owners on strategic decision-making, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Manage and develop a finance team of 5, driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Oversee treasury management, including cash flow forecasting, working capital optimisation, and banking relationships
- Manage FX exposure through engagement with brokers, implementing hedging strategies to mitigate risk
- Lead the annual audit process, acting as key contact for external auditors and ensuring timely and accurate year-end reporting
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including financial reporting and tax obligations
- Oversee HR and IT functions, ensuring alignment with financial and operational objectives
- Act as a key strategic partner to shareholders, supporting wider business and investment decisions
Finance Manager at A&K Karner "Tyco Group" (2003-01 – 2006-12)
- Managed the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate reporting and strong financial control
- Produced monthly P&L reporting and delivered results to the European finance team
- Operated within a US GAAP reporting framework, aligning local reporting with group requirements
- Led the year-end audit process and managed external auditor relationships
- Managed cash flow forecasting and supported working capital management
- Strengthened financial controls and improved processes to enhance efficiency and governance
- Supervised and developed junior finance staff
Various financial roles at OCS (1998-01 – 2003-12)
Various financial roles from 1998 to 2003 starting from an apprenticeship at OCS in 1998
