Chris is a qualified chartered accountant who has held senior financial posts in the automotive manufacturing and engineering industries.
“I was raised and educated in Grimsby before moving to Brighton where I completed my education and gained a degree in Accountancy and Finance from the then Brighton Polytechnic. I qualified as a chartered accountant in the Brighton office of a southern based firm of accountants, where I gained an excellent broad base of experience and knowledge whilst auditing and working with a range of clients and organisations.
“I then moved into the world of commerce and industry: first as group financial controller of Mayflower (£600m turnover), an automotive manufacturing, engineering and design group listed on the stock exchange; then as head of finance at Dennis in Guildford, a manufacturing company making bus and fire engine chassis. Dennis was a £55m turnover division of a Scottish-based company, itself turning over £155m. Reporting to the managing directory and leading the finance team, I had full responsibility for the division’s financial controls and performance.
“During that time I also provided accountancy services in my spare time to a small charity in Hove that works with older people and other community projects, which inspired my interest in the voluntary sector.
“I joined CRI in 2006. As director of finance, IT and resources I lead a team of 33 staff who provide both central and organisational support as well as support to our regional operations across England and Wales. My role is wide-ranging and no day is the same, regardless of plans, and covers matters including daily financial issues and planning, procurement, new tender progress, health and safety, IT and facilities.
“CRI us a fast-moving environment with opportunities and challenges every day. I knew engineers at Dennis who were passionate about their chassis designs but employees at CRI are on a different level when it comes to dedication to their work! I am always impressed by their drive and commitment to succeed. The fact that we are working directly to help people improve their own lives, and the lives of those around them, is always something to think about when dealing with day to day challenges. I am also proud to work for a successful organisation which is highly regarded in its field.”
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