Being shortlisted for the Finance Director Awards 2014, which celebrates the achievements of leading individuals and businesses within the Chester, Liverpool City, North Wales & Warrington regions, could not be more befitting for Tratos’ Group Finance Director Kevin Martin. Born and bred in Merseyside, Kevin has worked in the region for over 30 years helping businesses and not-for-profit organisations thrive through good financial management. At Tratos, Kevin has been instrumental in helping deliver the company’s expansion plans in the North of England and worldwide. Here he talks about how Tratos’ culture of team work and sound financial performance is helping secure and create jobs in the region.
“A good Finance Director is always able to discuss solutions, rather than present problems. At Tratos, as a result of excellent team work, this is exactly what we do”, says Kevin, who views his nomination as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of the whole Tratos team.
A trained accountant, Kevin has always worked In the Merseyside area and is passionate about delivering value for the local region. “Throughout my career I have worked for different kinds of organisations, from large international companies through to a local housing association. However, I have always managed to balance an international outlook with a strong local ethos.”
The opportunity to work internationally but contribute locally was part of the attraction to join Tratos at time when the company was actively seeking to expand its UK presence through the development of its manufacturing site in Knowsley, Merseyside.
“Being part of the team who helped secure a substantial grant from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for the development of the manufacturing site in Knowsley, as well as the additional funds to expand this manufacturing capability are among the greatest achievements of my career. It has helped the company strengthen its business performance, whilst also protecting and creating jobs in the area – one of the most deprived local authorities in the whole of the United Kingdom.”
Asked about what lays ahead, Kevin remarks that this is a prime time to be at Tratos with expansion works currently taking place. “My aim is to ensure that the financial strategies support the broader corporate aims of the business. This can only be achieved through good communication and excellent interaction”.
