Darren Huggins

Accomplished and results-driven senior leader with extensive experience in operational strategy, finance, and multi-site management. Proven ability to drive business transformation, optimise performance, and lead high-performing, diverse teams. Commercially astute with a customer-first mindset, delivering sustained growth in sales and profitability. Strong track record in systems and process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and cultural change. Passionate about people development, innovation, and creating inclusive, values-led working environments. Recognised for integrity, resilience, and the ability to lead with empathy and impact.

Dormeo - COO, CFO, MD and Head of HR

Multiple leadership roles at Dormeo UK and Studio Moderna between 2014 and 2023. Initially appointed as Finance Director, promoted to CFO, COO, Head of HR, and Managing Director, overseeing all operational aspects of the business including finance, logistics, operations, IT, legal, HR, and quality control. Reported directly to the CEO and Chairman, with full P&L responsibility for the UK and international markets, shaping and executing business strategy while driving significant commercial growth.

Instrumental in turning around a loss-making operation, increasing turnover by 46% and profits by 63% in the first year. Successfully scaled the business from €5m in net sales in 2014 to €70m by 2021. Led the optimisation of all business functions, rebuilding key relationships with retailers and manufacturers, and significantly improving margins across all channels. Oversaw the acquisition and integration of multiple businesses, managing due diligence, negotiations, and purchase agreements.

As Finance Director, built and led finance teams across multiple international locations, developed and implemented robust financial processes and internal controls aligned with group policies and global tax structures. Designed and implemented detailed financial models and reporting frameworks, improving business forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management.

Delivered a strategic transformation plan that turned the company profitable within six months and laid the foundation for long-term success. Achieved operational savings exceeding £2.4 million annually through comprehensive reviews and efficiency improvements, demonstrating a consistent ability to drive financial performance, streamline operations, and deliver sustained commercial results.

Oregon Scientific - UK & EU Financial Controller, UK Country Leader and Company Secretary

Progressing from Accountant Assistant in 1999 to EU & UK Financial Controller and UK Country Leader. Held full P&L responsibility for the UK business, overseeing finance, sales, logistics, operations, IT, legal, and HR functions. Managed and developed both UK and EU teams, including a 12-person European finance team and a 17-member EU staff, while delivering financial control across operations with a £42m turnover. Successfully led strategic growth initiatives, improving distribution and targeting an increase in net sales from £5m to £12m over three years.

Directed sales and business development, managed the UK office’s financial and logistical functions, and ensured compliance with statutory, audit, and tax requirements. Acted as the Pan-European E-Commerce Financial Controller, overseeing NL third-party logistics, and managed the EU Technical Help Call Centre. Reported directly to the Hong Kong-based parent company, presenting monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and operational results to the Chairman and Board.

Instrumental in turning the company around from consistent losses to sustained profitability for the last six years whilst at the company. Delivered the company’s largest consumer electronics deal.  Consistently exceeded head office performance targets for five consecutive years. Led the successful UK implementation of SAP (SD, MM, FI & CO modules) within 10 months, making the UK the first global go-live. Spearheaded the launch and management of a high-performing E-Commerce platform, generating a 70% gross profit and 24% net contribution margin. Established a multilingual EU Technical Help Call Centre in under three months, delivering strong service coverage across five key languages.

Just Mats Limited - Accountant/Fleet Controller/Office Manager/ISO Internal Auditor

Responsible for producing month-end accounts to audit-ready standards and delivering both financial and non-financial reports to the Managing Director and CFO. Successfully implemented BS EN ISO9002 and conducted the associated auditing.  Managed IT operations across all depots, including maintenance and upgrades of the Delivery Management System (DMS). Company buyer, overseeing procurement activities, and served as fleet controller for a mixed fleet of over 55 vehicles, handling contract hire negotiations, insurance, and day-to-day operations. Managed the Head Office, ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety requirements. Oversaw credit control for a customer base of more than 600 accounts, implementing effective processes to improve collection times and reduce past dues. Maintained strict operational expenditure control, ensuring all departmental costs remained within budget.

UK Business and Finance Qualifications – Levels 1, 2, and 3

Completed UK-recognised Business and Finance qualifications across Levels 1, 2, and 3, building a solid foundation in core business principles, financial management, and professional practices. At Level 1, developed essential skills in business communication, basic financial concepts, and administrative functions within a commercial environment. Progressing to Level 2, gained deeper knowledge in areas such as bookkeeping, business operations, customer service, and financial documentation, with a focus on practical application in real-world business scenarios.

Level 3 provided an advanced understanding of business strategy, financial planning, and decision-making, including areas such as budgeting, financial forecasting, and the legal and economic framework of UK businesses. These qualifications have equipped me with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute effectively to finance and operational roles, while also preparing me for further professional development or higher-level study within the field.

ISO9000 Auditor - Course

Completed formal training in ISO 9000 auditing, gaining a comprehensive understanding of quality management systems, audit principles, and compliance requirements in line with international standards. Training covered internal and external auditing processes, audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up procedures, with a focus on continuous improvement and risk-based thinking.  Following certification, applied this knowledge by conducting regular internal audits across multiple company sites, assessing operational processes against ISO 9001 standards. Responsible for identifying and issuing both compliances and non-compliances, producing detailed audit reports, and working collaboratively with site managers to implement corrective actions. Ensured ongoing adherence to quality management standards, supported successful external audit outcomes, and helped foster a culture of quality and accountability across all audited locations.

This experience has strengthened my attention to detail, cross-functional communication, and ability to drive process improvements in line with recognised quality frameworks.

Cressex

Maths, English, English Lit, Science, Business Studies, Business Information, European Studies, French and Social Studies GCSE.