Writes David Ison, CEO & Deputy Chairman
As we come to the end of an eventful year, it is with a heavy heart that I begin this message by reflecting on the passing of Bryan Mills, our esteemed Director Emeritus. Bryan’s funeral on 22nd November was a poignant reminder of his remarkable contributions to our organisation, and the profound impact he had on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him. Bryan’s wisdom and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone here, and his guidance shaped our company into what it is today. One of his many sayings, “Never ever give up!” continues to resonate as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. Our thoughts remain with his wife Jenny and Bryan’s family during this time of loss.
Turning to the present, I’m pleased to share that this financial year is off to a strong start. After four months, we are close to budget for revenue and ahead of target for operating profit. We’re in a strong position heading into the new year, with plenty of exciting opportunities to look forward to. Your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in this success, and I thank each of you for your contributions.
This year has also seen enhancements to the Group Board, aimed at ensuring the Group remains as strong and resilient as ever. In September, Richard Moody was appointed as Group Director while continuing his role as Executive Vice President – EMEA. Lynne Harrison was promoted to Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer in addition to her role as Group Chief Financial Officer, and I took on the role of Deputy Chairman while remaining our Group Chief Executive Officer.
One of the highlights of the year was our participation at ACI’s Annual Conference & Exhibition, this year held in Grand Rapids, MI. The conference was a fantastic chance to catch up with friends and colleagues in the industry and share some of our recent successes! Lynne will provide more details in her article. En route to the event, we visited John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where we had productive discussions with our customer and enjoyed a memorable meal with the team. We always value these moments, and they underscore our commitment to maintaining strong relationships with our clients and with our teams too.
Another significant event this year was the relocation of our UK headquarters, just 7 miles down the road, from The Spirella Building in Letchworth (where we have been since January 2008), to Meadway Court in Stevenage.
For the most longstanding colleagues amongst us this move has a nostalgic undertone, as Meadway Court was the location of our first office as ‘ServiceTec Airport Services International’ back in the early 2000s.
In Charlotte, North Carolina (NC), we held the annual North America Update Meeting, which provided valuable insights into the activities and opportunities at all our airports in the region. The energy and creativity shared during these sessions highlight the dedication and talent that define our teams worldwide. I’ve included some pictures from the meeting below.
As we close the chapter on 2024 and look ahead to the new year, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone in the ServiceTec family. It’s because of your hard work and dedication that we’ve achieved so much this year. Thank you for everything you do and I am excited for what we will accomplish in 2025.
Wishing you and your families Happy Holidays and a happy, healthy New Year!
David J Ison
CEO & Deputy Chairman
