September 1, 2026
in
Apex Team News
News by Rachael McKenzie
At Apex, our values are more than words on a wall. They shape how we support our customers, work together as a team and continue to grow as a business. Each year, our Living the Values Awards recognise the individuals who consistently demonstrate those values through their actions, attitude and commitment to others.
This year, our Head of Finance, Nicola Aldred, was recognised as our Act with Integrity Values Winner, reflecting the honesty, professionalism and accountability she brings to her role every day. Respected by colleagues across the business and trusted to do the right thing, even when faced with difficult decisions, Nicola plays an important role in helping Apex remain true to the standards and culture that define us. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey, what the award means to her, and the lessons she's learned along the way.
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How did it feel when your name was announced at the Act with Integrity winner?
I felt very proud when my name was announced. It is always lovely to be recognised by others, especially for a value that means so much to me professionally. Winning the Act with Integrity award felt like a real acknowledgement of the way I try to approach my role every day, with honesty, fairness and a focus on doing the right thing for the business and the people within it.
What does acting with integrity mean to you in your day-to-day work?
Acting with integrity means being honest, consistent and transparent in everything I do. In finance and administration, decisions often affect different areas of the business, so it is important to make sure things are done correctly and fairly. For me, it means taking ownership, communicating clearly and being able to explain decisions with confidence, knowing they have been made in the best interests of Apex.
A recent example would be the work I have been doing to improve processes across the business. It has taken time, consistency and some challenging conversations, but acting with integrity means being open about what needs to improve and making changes in the right way. I have always tried to ensure departments feel listened to, while also keeping the business moving towards better controls, clearer processes and stronger decision-making.
What's been your proudest moment at Apex so far?
My proudest moment has been seeing the progress made within the finance team over the last three years. With the support, time and guidance that the Directors have given, we have been able to shape the team and create a stronger foundation for the business. It has been three years in the making, but we are now making genuine progress and are in a much better position to help move Apex to the next level.
From left to right: Daniel Shone (Managing Director), Nicola Aldred (Head of Finance) and Chris Gorman (CEO)
What keeps you motivated to do your best work?
I am motivated by seeing improvements make a real difference to the business and to the people I work with. I enjoy being able to take something that may not be working as well as it could and help turn it into a clearer, more effective process. Knowing that the work we are doing is helping Apex become stronger, more strategic and better prepared for growth keeps me focused and motivated.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Apex team?
What I enjoy most about being part of the Apex team is how approachable people are across the whole business. Communication is key for me, and I really value that employees from different departments are willing to listen, learn and take on improvements. There is a genuine sense that people want to do the right thing and work together to make Apex better, which makes a big difference.
How do you feel the team at Apex live the Values daily?
I think the team at Apex live the values daily by being open, supportive and willing to work together. People are approachable and will take the time to listen, even when conversations involve change or improvements to existing ways of working. That willingness to learn and adapt shows integrity, accountability and teamwork, because everyone is contributing to building a better and stronger business.
What's one thing you've learnt at Apex that has stuck with you?
One thing I have learnt at Apex is the importance of communication across every department. Finance does not work in isolation, and the best results come when people understand the reasons behind processes and decisions. Clear communication helps build trust, reduce confusion and make improvements easier to implement. It has shown me that progress comes from consistency, collaboration and taking people on the journey with you.
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From left to right: Daniel Shone (Managing Director), Chris Gorman (CEO) and Nicola Aldred (Head of Finance)
What advice would you give to someone looking to embody Act with Integrity more strongly?
My advice would be to stay true to what you believe is the right thing to do, even when it is not always the easiest option. Acting with integrity is about being fair, honest and consistent, but also being prepared to have open conversations when something needs to change. If you communicate clearly, listen to others and make decisions with the right intentions, integrity naturally becomes part of how you work.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit and I attend the gym regularly. It gives me time to switch off, clear my head and focus on my wellbeing. I have also recently purchased a static caravan, so I enjoy spending time there to rest and relax when I can. When time permits around my current role, I also really enjoy travelling and making the most of time away.
If you had a completely free weekend, how would you spend it?
If I had a completely free weekend, I would probably spend it at the caravan, taking the opportunity to properly rest and recharge slow down and spend quality time away from the usual day-to-day routine. A weekend like that is a great way to reset. Sun, Sea & Sand is the best therapy.
How did you get into working in finance?
I fell into finance in my younger years after a manager spotted something in me and asked whether I had ever considered a career in finance. That encouragement gave me the confidence to explore it further, so I found myself a beginners’ course in bookkeeping and accounts. Several years later, I am now working for Apex as Head of Finance & Administration, which shows how one conversation and the right support can really help shape your career path.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received (personally or professionally)?
The best piece of advice I have ever received is to know your worth. For me, that means recognising the value you bring, having confidence in your experience and not being afraid to use your voice when it matters. It is advice that has stayed with me both personally and professionally, especially as I have grown within my role. Knowing your worth is not about arrogance; it is about self-belief, understanding your strengths and having the confidence to contribute in a meaningful way.
What's one goal you'd like to achieve professionally over the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months, I would like to continue building on the progress we have made within finance and administration and become more strategic in how I support the business. We have worked hard over the last three years to create stronger foundations, and my goal is to help move Apex to the next level by improving reporting, communication, processes and the overall value that finance can bring to decision-making.
