Steven was not looking for a job in the leather industry but, when the finance department of the multinational PLC that he was working for was relocated, he took the opportunity to take a role in a small local company. He had no idea about the industry when he joined but, having been with the company for 6 years, he has no plans to move in the foreseeable future.

With a background in accountancy, his role is Financial Director for NCT Leather Company and also company secretary for WJ & W Lang Ltd, a sister tannery in the Scottish Leather Group. This is a wide commercial and accounting role and he has responsibility for the financial function of both tanneries, partnering the managing directors of both companies in developing the strategies dictated by the parent company, the Scottish Leather Group.

This is a wider and more diverse role than his previous employment and this was part of the appeal when he joined the company. Steven says this is a challenging role  as leather is a very old form of manufacturing but needs to be dynamic and progressive to stay competitive; there is continual change taking place as new techniques and principals are adopted. The job is not without its pressures but Steven enjoys the challenge and is proud of what he does.

He joined the company as accountant and has, with support from the company, achieved chartered status. He believes that the industry offers the option of a career for life with development into a number of roles for those that want it. And as he says, ‘It’s not dull, that’s for sure’.