Lanes Group’s David Nutton named as finalist in Finance Director Awards

Lanes Group Finance Director David Nutton has been named as a finalist in the Yorkshire Finance Director Awards 2015.

The awards, run in partnership with the Yorkshire Post, recognise and celebrate outstanding financial talent across the region.

David was among more than 150 finance directors originally nominated, and has now been chosen as one of 24 finalists in the prestigious awards, now in their 13^th year.

He said: “I don’t know who put my name forward, but it was a very pleasant surprise to be named as a finalist.

“I see it as an example of how Lanes Group is getting some positive recognition for our business success and expansion, which has to be a good thing.”

David joined Lanes for Drains as finance director in 1995 when the business consisted of four depots, in Leeds, Manchester, Chester, and Rotherham.

Lanes Group is now the UK’s largest independent drainage specialist, with 23 depots and operational hubs, and separate divisions for sewer rehabilitation, utilities, and rail maintenance.

In 2012, the company won a major contract to provide wastewater network maintenance services for Thames Water – and, in 2014, became the utility company’s sole wastewater maintenance partner.

Lanes Group now has 1,900 employees and operates more than 1,000 specialist drainage vehicles. Its annual turnover has risen from £2m in 1995 to over £130m in 2015.

David said: “Although we’re now a national business, we’re still very proud to be a Yorkshire company. I take a straight forward approach to being an FD, getting the basics right, so we have a steady ship and money to invest in growth when the opportunity arises.

“The last two years have been exciting because we have been busy developing the accounting structures around the Thames Water contract, as well as managing other business development plans.

“One of Lanes Group’s strengths is that we have a strong structure and a lot of loyal and talented staff, at all levels, who know our business inside out. It means I am confident my job will be just as exciting 2016.”

The Finance Director Awards are sponsored by four companies – BDO, Lockton, Sewell Business Group, and Squire Patton Boggs. The judging panel is made up of senior managers from each company.

David has been interviewed as part of the judging process, and will find out if he has won one of the seven award categories in an awards night at Aspire in Leeds on Thursday 12^th November.