Steven, could you tell us about your professional background and how it led you to TFRGtoup?

I began my career as a Chartered Accountant, which laid the groundwork for over three decades of experience in financial leadership roles across various sectors, including environmental services and sustainable industries. My previous positions have always involved a strong focus on operational efficiency, business transformation, and sustainability. Joining The Furniture Recycling Group was a natural progression—a chance to bring my financial expertise to a company that’s making a real difference in how we manage waste and resources.

What attracted you to join The Furniture Recycling Group?

What stood out to me about TFRG was its mission. The company isn’t just reducing landfill waste—it’s actively changing the way the industry thinks about end-of-life mattresses. From recycling materials like foam and textiles to rejuvenating mattresses, TFRG is pioneering smarter, greener solutions. The chance to be part of a team that’s innovating in both recycling and product rejuvenation – while scaling that impact nationally – was incredibly appealing.

Since joining TFRG, what initiatives have you been most passionate about?

I’ve been particularly focused on strengthening our performance framework to support long-term growth and investment in sustainable technology. TFRG has an ambitious vision for scaling up mattress recycling and rejuvenation, and ensuring we have the right tools in place is critical to making that happen. I’m passionate about building a business model that not only supports day-to-day operations but also drives innovation and measurable environmental impact.

What’s it like working alongside Nick Oettinger, TFRG’s CEO?

Working with Nick has been a real highlight. His passion for sustainability and vision for a circular economy are truly inspiring. Nick has an entrepreneurial mindset but combines that with a practical, problem-solving approach that drives the business forward. We work very collaboratively, aligning the financial strategy with the wider business objectives. It’s great to be part of a leadership team that’s not only forward-thinking but also deeply committed to doing the right thing for the planet.

How do you see the role of finance in advancing TFRG’s sustainability goals?

Finance plays a strategic role in everything we do – from evaluating new recycling technologies to optimizing logistics and expanding our rejuvenation capabilities. At TFRG, sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand. By closely aligning our financial strategies with our environmental objectives, we can continue to reinvest in infrastructure, reduce costs, and deliver value to our clients while staying true to our mission of reducing waste and promoting circularity.

What makes TFRGroup’s recycling and rejuvenation services unique in the industry?

Our end-to-end process is what sets us apart. We don’t just break down mattresses – we find ways to give products a second life wherever possible. Whether it’s dismantling mattresses to recover high-quality materials or using our rejuvenation services to return items to a usable state, we’re committed to maximising reuse. This reduces landfill impact, lowers carbon emissions, and helps clients meet their sustainability goals. We’re also continuously innovating – finding new methods and machinery to improve recovery rates and reduce environmental impact.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, family is everything to me. I’m married with four children and two wonderful grandchildren, and we have two dogs who keep us on our toes. I love to travel whenever possible – it’s a great way to recharge and gain perspective. I also enjoy playing golf, both for the challenge and the chance to spend time outdoors.

What are your aspirations for TFRGroup’s future?

My goal is to help position TFRGroup as the market leader in sustainability and circular economy. That means expanding our capacity, strengthening our partnerships with mattress retailers and manufacturers and waste companies and local authorities, and continuing to invest in technology and people. I’d like to see our recycling and rejuvenation services become the standard, not the exception, across the UK. It’s about creating a future where no mattress ends up in landfill unnecessarily.