The region’s biggest bus company, Go North East has welcomed Paul Edwards as its new finance director, where he will help to shape the strategic direction of the business and oversee the company’s substantial ongoing investment programme.
Paul, who hails from Ryton, joins Go North East following the retirement of Colin McPherson, who had the role for almost two decades before stepping down last month (April).
Since 2008, Paul has held numerous senior posts at Go North East’s parent company, The Go-Ahead Group plc. Most recently he was Group Finance Director, a role involving the financial oversight of all of Go-Ahead’s operating companies across bus and rail in the UK. As such, he brings an unrivalled financial understanding of the transport sector to his new position.
Now at the helm of financial operations for one of the region’s major employers, Paul said: “Go North East is one of the largest employers in the region, a progressive company with an investment programme that reflects this, from multi-million spend on new vehicles and refurbishing buses to enhancing the customer experience with better on board facilities such as USB chargers and Wi-Fi. The industry is evolving and Go North East and its hardworking teams are dedicated to maintaining a customer focus and competitive edge, by continually improving its already excellent services and playing a major role in the local community.”
Managing director of Go North East, Kevin Carr, said: “Having worked with Paul for several years, it is great to welcome him to our senior management team where he will use his invaluable experience to play a crucial role within our business.
“As well as his financial finesse, Paul has excellent standing in the North East -working with and supporting our key partners and local communities. It’s great to have him on board.”
Prior to his eight-year stint at Go Ahead, Paul has forged an impressive career in the financial industry.
The former Ryton Comprehensive School pupil began his career with a Jesmond-based practice as a trainee chartered accountant before securing audit, accountancy and senior management roles with big financial institutions including Grant Thornton, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte.
But it was joining forces with one of television’s most famous and successful entrepreneurs that set the foundations for Paul’s commercial career. While working alongside Dragon’s Den multi-millionaire Duncan Bannatyne at Bannatyne Group, based in Darlington, Paul developed a solid grounding in strategy and finance.
From there, Paul spent a year working with Sir Peter Vardy, supporting his property, motor retail and venture capital businesses before moving on to Newcastle-based Go Ahead Group.