Andrew Richards

The UK's leading contract suppliers of technical workwear, corporate clothing and PPE to large, blue-chip, multi-sited organisations. Direct Corporate Clothing, a division of the Workwear Uniform Group, is a fully integrated manufacturer, managing agent and supplier of bespoke uniforms, technical workwear and also provide a comprehensive range of PPE solutions.

Igne was formed from the integration of SafeLane's UK businesses with the five acquired businesses of the Raeburn Group companies to form an integrated pre-construction offering. Owned by the Solix Group in Denmark. With a workforce of over 350 people, operating from 10 strategic UK locations, it provided UXO, Testing, Site Investigation, Water Well, Geothermal and Geoenvironmental services. Primary customers included Renewables, Utility, Civil Engineering, Defence and Engineering companies. The role involved Improving Financial Performance, Business Development securing significant new projects, the launch of the new business and the restructuring of the business operations to launch Igne in October 2023

Employment continued into Igne as the SafeLane UK business was split off to form Igne in Oct 2023 SafeLane Global is a business owned by Solix a Danish-based Private Equity Company. SafeLane leads the way in countering explosive and hazardous material threats and security risks globally. The company has extensive experience of clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war – on land and in water. As Managing Director for SafeLane's UK Business, I was responsible for the UK P&L, Strategy Development and the Integration of the 5 Acquired businesses of the Raeburn Group. I developed and actioned a 100-day integration plan for the acquired businesses. The strategy led to the creation of different business units with leaders and a focus on proactive business development to develop the company's pipeline together with the introduction of KPI's Budgets, and Management reporting. The UK operations of SafeLane Global were split to form the Igne Group in Oct 2023.

Continuity of employment from 3SI, following the successful sale of the August Equity backed 3SI Group to Alliance Marine Group based in France. Operations in France, UK and USA, companies within the Safety Division include, Ocean Safety, Typhoon International Limited and Revere Survival. Operating in the Marine, Defence and Leisure sectors, the business manufactures lifesaving equipment as well as distribution, hire and service. Employing circa 300 People with a turnover in excess of €35m. Achievements • Completed the successful integration of 3SI into Alliance Marine Group • Increased sales and profitability of the UK and US Operations • Restructured UK Operations including rationalization of manufacturing sites and introduction of new Asian and European subcontractors. • Secured significant new long term defence contracts • Introduced a new strategic approach using the NOOS model to focus on investment and R&D into core product lines

CEO of Private Equity owned internationally located marine safety group. Operating in the Marine, Defence and Leisure sectors, the business manufactures lifesaving equipment as well as distribution, hire and service. Employing circa 300 People Achievements • Increased sales by 14% in first year, and increased profitability. • Instituted integration and strategic plan for business within first three month. Agreeing strategic direction and timescales with PE Owners, and their Investment Committee. • Recruited new financial team including CFO • Managed the business banking relationship leading to a re-financing package to support growth and stability. • Restructured senior management team • Secured the sale of the business for August Equity to Alliance Marine Group

CEO of a family owned business seeking to introduce more developed systems and to grow the size and footprint of the business. Trimline is a leading global marine engineering company refurbishing and maintaining vessels in the Cruise, Defence and Ferry Sectors operating globally. Full P&L responsibility. Key Achievements • Developed and Implemented Strategy for significant business growth growing sales from £18m to £38m in two years increasing business profitability. • Awarded South Coast Business of the year 2016. • Introduced a new business controls environment, new finance team and processes including ERP relaunch, and the introduction of a board of directors including high profile non-executives. • Lead and managed a KAM programme focussing on 40 key customers globally personally owning key customer contacts • Secured and successfully delivered a complex £14m Ferry refurbishment contract in Australia. • Secured multiple high value contracts with key customers including Carnival Group, Royal Caribbean, Thomson, The World, Windstar, DFDS, Red Funnel, Wightlink, Condor and UK MOD.

Responsible for the structure and management of the Group Marine and Offshore Key accounts involving over 50 field sales personnel through a matrix relationship. Establishment of robust account management processes throughout global businesses.

Travelling worldwide a matrix role involving marketing liaison, budgeting, account allocation, strategy and dealing with Key Accounts including Distributors, Agents, Cruise lines, Ship Managers and Ferry operators.

Full P&L responsibility for the Marine division, turnover £65m, employing 450 people in six countries. Key activities of the business included manufacture, sales and service of critical safety and protective equipment for the Commercial Marine, Leisure Marine, Offshore and Industrial Sectors.