WSH's Marc Bradley named Young Finance Director of the Year

Marc Bradley, the chief financial officer of BaxterStorey's parent company, Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), has been named Young Finance Director of the Year at FDs' Excellence Awards.

Bradley, who saw off competition from five other finance directors, including Brian Mullens from McDonald's Restaurants, received his award at a ceremony held at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square, on 12 May.

One member of the FDs' judging academy said: "Marc's strategic thinking is very impressive. He clearly thinks outside the box, as demonstrated by the way he has handled and implemented the acquisitions undertaken at WSH, and it is clear that he is a much-respected individual within the board there."

Bradley joined WSH in 2007, as the business was finalising the acquisitions of café-to-restaurant operator Benugo and independent education caterer Holroyd Howe, at which point he assumed responsibility for the integration of the operations. Turnover at WSH has increased by 72% since 2007, as of December 2009.

Commenting on his win, Bradley said: "Across all of our operations we want to be the best in class in all that we do, and I've simply applied the same approach to our business's financial management. When I joined WSH it was clear that the new businesses and our plans for future growth would inevitably put the finance function under some strain.

"With adoption of best practice, process improvements and strong teamwork we have been able to fully support the operating companies in achieving their potential in what has been an extremely challenging economic climate. I'm really proud of how brilliantly my team has worked to deliver our promise to the business and it goes without saying that it's wonderful to be recognised by such an esteemed award."

The awards recognise the best-performing finance directors from public and privately owned companies in the UK and are held in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and supported by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Real Business magazine.

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By Janie Stamford

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