Commhoist strengthens management team with new Financial Director
Sean Taylor joins the team and brings 20 years’ worth of experience to the Commhoist Group. Sean will be primarily responsible for the financial governance, compliance and reporting of the groups activities.
We sat down (virtually) with Sean to learn a little more about the skills he brings to the team, and what he likes to do outside of work – including a appearance on Countdown.
What do you bring to the Commhoist team?
I bring a wealth of private equity experience, and a track record of improving processes to enable a growth environment.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
I get the most out of making a measurable difference to productivity, job satisfaction and hence profitability, and I’m looking forward to bringing these skills to the Commhoist Group.
Do you have a favourite quote?
In business, that’s easy: “Will it make the boat go faster?”
In other walks of life, the one that resonates most at the moment is from Andy Dufresne in the Shawshank Redemption, the essence of which is “Get busy living”
Who inspires you?
Lots of different people, at different times throughout my life. From Primary School teachers who manage to get kids to love school and learning, through to the unbelievable dedication of people like Roger Federer to continually to be not only the best, but better than he was yesterday.
What motivates you? What are you most passionate about?
That’s easy – My two daughters.
What’s your key to success?
Leadership & Teamwork.
Tell us a little more about you:
I’m married to Jane for 26 years (so far!), and we have 2 daughters, Olivia (21) & Emily (17)
I’ve lived in Tarporley, Cheshire for nearly 20 years, and it’s the best village on the planet bar none. But, I guess my home town will always be Bracknell, Berkshire. That’s less brilliant, but it’s home.
Do you have a Special talent?
I’m sort of a fountain of useless general knowledge, so I can be really handy in pub quizzes.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’ve always been a football fanatic, and at 53 I am just about managing to play 6-a-side twice a week against similarly immobile pentagenarians. Nowadays, Golf is definitely the way forward!
What’s your favourite band/song/music genre?
I’m not massive on music, but I’m enjoying Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott’s new album.
Best concert you’ve ever attended?
It’s got to be Madness in Delamere Forest.
What’s your favourite film?
That ones easy – It’s a Wonderful Life.
Top 3 favourite podcasts/books?
I’m a big Podcast fan, and I’m really in to ‘Top Flight Time Machine’, ‘Athletico Mince’ & ‘Adam Buxton’
Tell us something about you that would surprise people?
I used to be a golf caddy (aged 16), and caddied for Nick Faldo once. As well as Sean Connery, Bruce Forsyth, Eric Sykes and others.
Also in 2016, I appeared on Countdown, and got absolutely walloped by one of the best players to ever appear on the programme. I loved every minute of it and would highly recommend it to anyone!
Where is the best place you’ve been on holiday and why?
Cala Bona, Majorca. It holds really special memories for me and my family. It’s the place my kids will always have in the memory banks for the rest of their lives, when they think of their childhood.
Do you do any volunteer/charity work?
I’m a past Chairman of the Tarporley Round table, and I also used to run a Charity Golf day with some friends that raised over £200k in about 15 years for Tarporley Schools and a local Hospice.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Accountants don’t do crazy!
What’s your burning desire?
To help Commhoist fulfil its huge potential and build on the incredible success so far.
Connect with Sean on LinkedIn.
