UNTHA UK’s newly-appointed managing director Marcus Brew has enjoyed a 25 year career working with technically complex capital equipment. Having been involved in multi-million pound blue-chip engineering projects around the world, his knowledge of the production environment spans everything from waste management, to the automotive industry and the fascinating world of aerospace.

Mr Brew's expertise now sits within Boroughbridge-based UNTHA, a £10 million turnover company specialising in the supply of industrial shredders and spare parts, plus associated shredder servicing and maintenance expertise.

The 19-strong team relies wholly on its own business-to-business sales, engineering, after sales and customer service expertise. It forms part of the Austrian-owned UNTHA brand, which has sold more than 9,000 shredders worldwide.

Mr Brew joined UNTHA UK seven years ago as a sales manager, before becoming sales director in 2014. Having proved his commercial acumen and vision to the senior management team, he was promoted to the helm of the company on February 1, 2016.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"This isn’t something I’ve thought about for a very long time, but when I was young I always wanted to be a doctor. The science of the human body fascinated me, and what better way to help people than to keep them fit and healthy.

"However, in my teens I soon realised that I didn’t want to work in the same hospital or office every day – I’m much better suited to a role where I continually find myself in a different environment."

Greatest achievement?

"It may sound clichéd as it’s such a recent achievement, but I’d have to say it is becoming the MD of a nationally renowned technology firm, at the age of 45.

"I’m so committed to helping clients develop more profitable and environmentally sound waste and recycling operations, which means I’ve really put my heart and soul into the business. I’m delighted this dedication has benefitted my own professional development, as well as the progress of UNTHA UK."

What makes you most angry?

"Procrastination is a pet hate of mine, especially when people stall to avoid undertaking the more difficult tasks in business.

"In our industry specifically, I also find it frustrating that there isn’t a unified voice that projects our hard work to the wider business environment. Without this, I think too many people will always consider recycling and waste management as ‘someone else’s problem’."

Biggest mistake?

"Years ago I set up a business importing clothing but my heart wasn’t in it. I soon learned to focus on my core skill-set and I haven’t looked back since. I don’t consider it a particularly negative experience though – it taught me a lot. Even the Dragon’s Den gurus have made mistakes – as long as you learn from them and come out stronger, they’re worth the short-lived frustrations."

What do you need to make life complete?

"In a work capacity, I like to be able to reflect on the achievements of the day, however seemingly small. I find it helps maintain focus on the bigger picture.

"For me, at the moment, I’m looking at the incremental steps we can keep taking to build an even stronger organisation over the next five years."

Why do you make a difference?

"My drive and determination gives me the energy to lead by example on a daily basis. I’d be nothing without the team around me so I work hard to keep them motivated and give them the space to thrive."

Epitaph

"He came, he saw, he conquered!"