Top Finance Manager Drawn to Prosperous School Playground Equipment Company Playforce
A top finance manager has joined the team of Playforce, Wiltshire Business of the Year, drawn by the company’s quality service and rapid growth.
Stephen Grist, a certified accountant with an impressive background in financial and accounting services, said he joined the company, which provides innovative school playground equipment, because he wanted to be a part of its success story and felt he could drive it to even greater heights.
“I have always been part of growing businesses but was looking for a new challenge,” he said. “Playforce has grown so much in a short space of time and still has so much potential, I want to be a part of that success, and I know I can make a valuable contribution. If Playforce didn’t have so much scope I wouldn’t be here!”
Stephen’s plans for Playforce involve building on the company’s firm financial background. The company was founded eight years ago with a £5,000 loan from the Prince’s Trust – current turnover is more than £5m.
Stephen plans to streamline the company and make it more efficient - without compromising the high quality of product and service that Playforce has become famous for.
Playforce playground equipment products are aimed at the education sector and although the company is already recognised as a key player in the industry the ultimate goal is to become the undisputed market leader.
Stephen’s earlier career gave him experience in a wide range of businesses although this is his first experience with the education sector.
His former positions include Financial Controller of Pioneer Friendly Society Ltd, Trowbridge and Senior Corporate Manager of Robson Taylor Chartered Accountants, Bath.
Stephen has a keen interest in the stock market and financial press. He also enjoys a number of sports, listening to music and tracing his family tree.
