They are the top of the shop for Severn Trent Services, the big cheeses, the ones that make the decisions (well at least they think they do). But how well do we really know the Managing and Finance Directors? Let’s find out by meeting Mike and Paul…
Paul Swinburne – Account and Finance Director
Paul Swinburne – Account and Finance Director
Paul grew up in the West Midlands and now lives in Hagley, Worcestershire. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales but wasn’t cut out for life as an auditor and so a couple of years after qualifying left Deloitte to join Mitchells & Butlers. Having done various commercial finance roles at M&B, and spent much time with operational management, Paul is clear as to the importance of great customer service, not just for external customers but also for internal stakeholders.
Further roles within the leisure retail sector followed at Halfords and Initial Facilities before moving across to the world of regulated utilities with National Grid. STS then provided the perfect opportunity to come back to a commercial environment with an organisation renowned for its customer focus.
“It’s a real pleasure to work for an organisation that has so much pride in both its customers and work force. The variety of work and opportunities that exist for STS over the next few years make it a really special and exciting place to be,” he says.
Paul is married to Liz, the head of science at a local grammar school, but in his mind, he’s actually married to the golf course where he spends much of his spare time! His eldest daughter has just gone off to university, while his younger one is starting her A-Levels. So, with three in the house dealing with significant examinations during lockdown you can imagine Paul’s relief when the office opened back up! A return to foreign travel will also be welcomed by the whole family, with the lure of a nice beach holiday somewhere perhaps the only way to entice two teenage daughters to spend time with their parents!
Mike Williamson – Managing Director
Mike also lives in Warwickshire, slightly to the north of Paul, having moved there from London six years ago. His children are a little younger than Paul’s but seem to be growing up fast! Mike is married to Ange and together they spend most of their time in the garden growing vegetables, building fishponds, walking the new puppy and weeding. If they do get a spare moment, both enjoy a run, although Mike is now in third place, behind Ange and their son Arthur. No doubt his daughter Connie (and Herbie the dog) will relegate him to last place soon.
Aside from running Mike likes to watch Liverpool FC and does get to the odd music gig (Abba avatars next year anyone?) and festival. He combined all three a few years ago at RunFest, where the family camped, ran several races, saw Olly Murs and Faithless, as well as watching Liverpool win the Champions’ League. Quite a weekend, but it’s unlikely Mike will run and camp again though!
Mike believes he is well qualified to lead the diverse nature of the STS business portfolio because of his eclectic career history. This includes selling to shopping channel QVC, being a dustman in Slough, teaching English to students in Hong Kong, 17 years in the British Army, coaching football in the US, and working on the till in both Wickes and Waitrose.
“I love my job. I want everyone to feel the same about working here,” says Mike.
“It’s a pleasure and an honour to be part of such an engaged team, full of driven, professional, empowered and good-natured people who want to serve our customers with distinction, improve collectively and grow every day.”
