The new Finance Director of Reading Buses has enjoyed an interest in transport from a young age.
Laurence Jenkins, 36, recalls his father buying him a model bus when he was three and he built up a collection as a child which spurred his interest in the bus industry.
Whilst studying for his A levels in Birmingham he was fortunate to be given a work placement with National Express with whom he continued to work part time when he was at the University of Leeds where he graduated with a BA in management studies and transport studies.
During his education he spent a total of seven and a half years in various part time roles with National Express in Leeds and Bradford and on graduating he became a team leader for a further two years.
He then moved in 2006 to Transport for London where his career in finance took off with a three year placement on their finance graduate scheme which developed his experience working in different financial teams.
At the same time he was studying for his Chartered Institute of Management Accountants exams qualifying as an Associate Member 10 years ago.
He fulfilled a number of roles in his eleven and a half years with Transport for London, including contract accounting and financial management, culminating in becoming a principal finance business partner.
Laurence had a break from transport at the end of 2017 when he joined J. Murphy & Sons, construction contractors in North London, where he was senior financial business partner for infrastructure and property.
But his enthusiasm for transport and particularly public transport which he says can unlock opportunities for people as well as for the environment and air quality, has drawn him back.
“It is what I know and what I am passionate about,” said Laurence. “I find it a fascinating industry to work in and I am extremely pleased to be joining Reading Buses at an interesting and exciting time for the organisation having acquired some new business and is expanding.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the continued development and expansion of Reading Buses through further acquisitions and organic growth as well as making sure we are progressing in a sustainable way.”
Laurence, who is single and originally from Birmingham though has spent the past 13 years in London where he still lives, leads a finance team of 10 at Reading Buses Great Knollys Street depot.
He regards his current daily commute as ‘well worth it for the role.’