COMPANY NEWS
“Our mission has remained unchanged: to provide a welcoming environment for everyone, from DIY enthusiasts to trade professionals.”
improvement are essential for providing the right solutions to our customers as they navigate new legislative requirements and changes in building regulations. In the current economic landscape, we continue to strive for competitive pricing and best value for our valued customer base. Additionally, we recognise the growing demand for sustainable building practices and compliance with environmental regulations, which is a key focus for our business. Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, investment in training and technology, and a flexible approach to changing market conditions.
successfully integrated four acquisitions, and we aim to continue our growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Hobbies: Outside of work, I engage in restful activities to clear my mind, with walking being a particularly effective way to escape daily pressures. I also enjoy watching football, although my team hasn’t been bringing much joy lately! KELLY GARDINER FINANCE DIRECTOR Background: My career began in October 2007 as a graduate in the assurance department at PwC. I qualified as a chartered accountant in 2009 and spent nearly six years there, advancing to the role of assistant manager. In August 2013, I joined Macnaughton Blair as a financial accountant. Over the past 11 years, I’ve steadily progressed through the finance department, becoming head of financial management and risk in November 2022, head of finance in October 2023, and finance director in July 2024. Current role: As finance director, I oversee all financial aspects of the business, including financial planning, reporting, budgeting, and the development of financial policies and procedures. I lead and mentor the finance team, collaborating closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that all decisions align with our company objectives. Vision: In the face of challenging market conditions, our business has adapted while staying true to our core values. Looking ahead, I am confident that Macnaughton Blair is well positioned to seize future opportunities for growth within our industry. Hobbies: I cherish spending time with my two young children, aged six and nine, who keep me busy. In my spare
time, I enjoy reading and going for runs to recharge and stay active.
ALAN WRIGHT COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Background: With 30 years in the
industry, I’ve gained valuable insights from both selling to and working for merchants. Before joining Macnaughton Blair in June, I served as managing director at Bassetts and held sales director roles for Kingspan and A&G in both Ireland and the UK. Current role: I am responsible for driving sales performance across all our brands and ensuring we meet our sales targets. In addition, I oversee procurement and marketing operations, managing the MacBlair business, which includes 19 branches, as well as six Watershed bathroom showrooms, Wood Floor Warehouse and Doorways. Vision: We have embraced e-commerce and are committed to its continued development. I am currently focused on digitisation systems and processes to simplify the customer experience, whether online or in our branches. I believe that people are the most important part of our business, and my vision is to empower our team to enhance our service and value proposition for customers. Our mission has remained unchanged: to provide a welcoming environment for everyone, from DIY enthusiasts to trade professionals. Hobbies: I have a long-standing passion for playing and watching sports, but in recent years, I’ve been spending more time on the North Coast, where I enjoy taking my dog for walks along the beach. I also appreciate a good cup of coffee during the day and love to unwind in the evenings
PATRICK CARROLL SYSTEMS, RISK & PROJECTS DIRECTOR
Background: Early in my career as a qualified accountant I acquired diverse experience across various sectors and in my 17 years with Macnaughton Blair have advanced through multiple finance roles, eventually serving as finance director from 2018 until last year when I moved to my current position. With nearly 30 years of experience in finance and a strong IT background, the implementation of financial systems to support our business activities has been an integral part of my career. Recently, I achieved another professional milestone by becoming a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Current role: I moved into the position of systems, risk & projects director last year to support our evolving and growing business. Throughout my time at Macnaughton Blair, I have focused on enhancing our business systems and processes alongside Kelly and the finance team. Vision: My primary goal moving forward is to enhance operational and business efficiencies through system development and automation while effectively executing key projects. In the past three years, we’ve
with great food and a glass of wine. 10 Falcon Road, Belfast BT12 6RD
T: +44 (0)808 281 3255 E: info@macblair.com www.macblair.com
www.nibuilder.co.uk
FOLLOW US ON:
NI BUILDER | 99
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online