MARTIN ELLISON Business development director at Elanders UK
What is your role at Elanders UK?
As business development director, I am responsible for all of the commercial aspects of business in the UK and have 16 people within my team. Elanders UK is part of Elanders Group, a global partner for integrated supply chain solutions with over 90 operations across four continents. It provides flexible and agile solutions for complex supply chains, providing customers with value-added services such as print and packaging resources which are integrated into its core business model.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It is diverse. We have four locations within the UK, our headquarters in North Tyneside, Bellshill, Scotland, our dedicated packaging site, swing tag and fulfilment business based in Nottingham and our automotive supply chain site in Birmingham. I enjoy travelling across the four sites and meeting the wider team. Elanders UK has a unique offering with the ability to provide customers a fully integrated solution, from printing and packaging to storage, pick and pack, kitting, shipping and last-mile delivery. Elanders’ Global presence makes us the ideal partner for importing and exporting worldwide. As you can imagine we work within a fast-paced environment so there is never a dull moment. What’s your proudest business achievement?
In a former role, I met the Queen when representing Motability. As a national charity, enhancing the lives of disabled people, her majesty was chief patron. I have also felt extremely proud when watching team members who I have recruited in the past, go on to achieve great things in their careers.
What challenges have you encountered?
Finding the right people is a challenge. Expectations between customer and client can also be challenged. This runs both ways in what we and they expect.
How has the industry changed?
In many ways. Expectations are now more demanding. Electronic changes have had a significant impact on the way we all operate. Timelines are much shorter and actions are more immediate. This brings both positives and negatives.
What would you like to achieve moving forward with Elanders? To continue our progression routes within the company so that we can continue to attract and retain our people. If someone asked me why you would want to work with Elanders, my answer would be why wouldn’t you.
What mantra do you aspire to do business by?
I think people who know me well and work with me would know that I very much have the mindset of ‘can do will do.’
How do you like to unwind away from work?
I am a big fan of motorsport and football and my two spaniels also help to keep me fit.