Wolf Welcomes Laura Bawden as Finance Director

At Wolf Safety, we’re incredibly proud of the people who help shape the future of our business. Following our recent announcement welcoming Laura Bawden, FCMA, as our new Finance Director, we wanted to share more about the person behind the role. Laura brings extensive financial leadership experience, a thoughtful and considered approach, and a genuine passion for supporting teams across the organisation.

In this Q&A, Laura talks about her career journey, what motivates her, and the values she brings to Wolf as part of our senior leadership team.

• Can you tell us a little about your career before joining Wolf?

I’ve always loved numbers! I completed a Maths degree in Sheffield and became a CIMA-qualified accountant in 2006. I’ve been a Finance Director for the last 12 years.

I’ve worked in SME manufacturing businesses for over 20 years and have always enjoyed the variety that comes with SME life. I’ve supported businesses through periods of growth and expansion, as well as more challenging times such as Covid-19.

• What attracted you to the Finance Director role at Wolf, and what stood out to you about the business?

I was looking for a role where I would be an integral part of the leadership team—somewhere Finance truly had a “seat at the table”—and where I could make a genuine contribution. As soon as I saw the role, I knew it ticked all the boxes!

The business has an incredible history, having operated in Sheffield for more than 110 years. It was a great opportunity to join a world leader in Hazardous Area lighting that supplies every corner of the globe—and it’s less than three miles from where I live!

• How do you like to work with other departments across the business?

I’ve always enjoyed working closely with other departments. In finance, you need to understand what sits behind the data, and for me that understanding comes from knowing how the whole business operates.

The more I understand each department, the more informed my decision‑making becomes, allowing me to better support them and the wider business.

• What experience from your previous roles do you think will be particularly valuable at Wolf?

I bring a range of skills—from hands-on accounting to strategic decision-making—and that balance is vital. In Finance, you often need to switch between detailed operational work one day and a strategic, helicopter-view perspective the next.

In previous roles, my responsibilities also extended to HR, IT and Supply Chain. I hope to draw on that experience to add value across the business. I’ve always enjoyed having a busy and varied role, and it’s great to have that again in this new position at Wolf.

• What do you value most in the people you work with?

Honesty and integrity. They’re fundamental to building strong working relationships where people trust and respect each other

• What advice would you give to someone starting out in finance today?

To understand the numbers, you need to understand the whole business and what sits behind the data. Be curious, ask questions, and get involved in projects or activities outside your department—be more than “just an accountant”!

Businesses really value finance professionals with commercial and operational insight. And yes, professional qualifications are hard work, but the reward is absolutely worth it!

• What motivates you most in your work?

Knowing that I’ve added value and improved something or helped someone—whether that’s through data analysis to support decision-making or simply by offering an objective opinion.

It’s especially rewarding when you’re working with people who share your commitment to doing what’s best for the company and its employees

• What are your favourite books/films/TV series/ podcasts?

I love thrillers and police and crime dramas, and I’m really enjoying the new series of The Traitors. But my favourite show is Gone Fishing with Mortimer and Whitehouse—I must have watched every episode of every series at least three times! It’s such an easy, feel‑good watch, and Bob Mortimer always makes me laugh.

• What might surprise people to learn about you?

It took me seven attempts to pass my driving test! It taught me a lot about perseverance and determination!

• Do you have a favourite place you like to visit or return to when you get the chance?

We have a VW campervan, so we enjoy getting away for the weekend, especially to the East Coast — Robin Hood’s Bay or Sandsend in particular.

I’m originally from Cumbria, so if we’re not away in the campervan we’re often heading back up to the Lakes to spend time with family.