He’s a former apprentice who worked his way to the top – now he has a master’s degree in psychology and is managing director of Aycliffe Company of the Year, Senstronics.
Andy Reed embodies the philosophy of steady growth, relentless self-improvement and genuine care for people.
Balancing his professional achievements with a vibrant personal life, the 49-year-old’s journey is as inspiring as the company he leads.
A proud resident of Cramlington, Andy shares his home with wife Kerry and cherishes family moments with their 19-year-old daughter, Ellise.
Currently settling into university life in Newcastle, Ellise is testing her wings while staying within reach of home – a dynamic Andy fully supports.
Andy is the kind of person who thrives on structure and discipline. He starts his day at 6am with a vigorous gym session, a routine he’s maintained for years.
“It sets you up for the day,” he remarks, emphasising how these early starts, combined with a smooth commute, prepare him for the day ahead.
Outside work, Andy loves the simple joys of life – cinema outings, quality time with family and a penchant for South Australian Shiraz, a vice he humorously admits to indulging in a little too often.
Andy’s career trajectory is a testament to perseverance and lifelong learning.
Beginning as an electrical mechanical apprentice at Nestlé, he climbed the ladder with determination, taking every opportunity to upskill.
“I started as an apprentice, right at the bottom, with my foot on the ladder,” he recalls.
“Over the years, I progressed to team leader, then engineer, while attending college throughout my apprenticeship.
“After completing my bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering, I moved into maintenance management, which marked the start of my leadership journey.”
From there, Andy’s career flourished. He held roles as operations manager, CI and quality manager and plant manager, eventually stepping into operations and supply chain director.
His journey included stints in diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to oil and gas, and a 12-year tenure with Avery Dennison, where he honed his expertise in global supply chains.
A four-year chapter in continuous improvement, business transformation and leadership consulting allowed Andy to see the broader picture of industry demands while completing a master’s degree in business psychology.
“I’m really interested in developing people,” he says, a passion that now fuels his leadership at Senstronics.
Andy’s decision to join Senstronics was deeply personal.
“After years of travelling around the world, I sat down with a piece of paper and asked myself: What do I want out of life?” he shares.
“The answer was clear – returning to his roots in the North-East and contributing to a business where people are the priority.
Senstronics, a cutting-edge sensor technology company, aligned perfectly with Andy’s values and vision.
Under his leadership, the company has cultivated a people-first culture, earning recognition not only for its technological innovations but also for its commitment to employee development and workplace excellence.
Senstronics’ recent participation in the Make Your Mark Awards has further cemented its reputation as a standout employer and innovator.
While Andy initially entered the awards to benchmark the company’s progress, the results exceeded expectations, winning Company of the Year, and Andy personally winning Businessperson of the Year.
“We didn’t even consider we’d win,” Andy admits candidly.
“It was a shock – especially for someone like me, who’s not often lost for words.
“Winning the Business of the Year award was a significant moment, not just for me but for the entire team. It validated our efforts to live our values and create a great place to work.”
The recognition has had a profound impact, both internally and externally. Within the company, it reinforced a shared sense of pride and accomplishment.
Externally, it elevated Senstronics’ profile in the business community, particularly in attracting new talent.
Building on that success, Senstronics has taken a bold step forward as the headline sponsor of the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards.
For Andy, the decision reflects the company’s commitment to celebrating business excellence across the region.
“We believe in supporting initiatives that foster growth and collaboration,” he explains.
“The awards are a platform for businesses to showcase their achievements and inspire others.
“Being a headline sponsor allows us to give back to the community that has supported us.”
Andy’s enthusiasm for the awards also stems from his belief in transparency and meritocracy.
“Winning two awards last year proved to me that the process is fair and unbiased. It’s a genuine opportunity for businesses to shine,” he says, encouraging others to throw their hats in the ring.
Andy’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering people and fostering innovation.
At Senstronics, this means creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
“Our vision is to make Senstronics a great place to work,” he says.
“It’s about living our values, looking after our people and continuously striving to improve.
“The awards we’ve won are just a cherry on top – they’re a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team.”
Looking ahead, Andy sees the company playing an even greater role in the North-East business community.
“Our doors are always open,” he says.
“We welcome anyone who wants to see what we’re doing and how we’re building a culture of excellence.”
Despite his impressive career, Andy remains grounded. He attributes his success to the support of his family, the teams he’s worked with and his unwavering commitment to personal growth.
“I’m not someone who seeks out personal accolades,” he says.
“For me, it’s about doing a good job and knowing that I’ve made a difference.”
This humility, combined with his passion for people, sets Andy apart as a leader who truly walks the walk.
Whether mentoring young professionals, driving innovation at Senstronics or supporting initiatives like the Make Your Mark Awards, Andy Reed is a force for good in the Aycliffe and North-East business landscape.
As Senstronics gears up for another year of growth and recognition, one thing is clear: the company is poised to continue making its mark – on industry, the community and the lives of its employees.
Find out more about the Make Your Mark Awards at aycliffebusinesspark.co.uk/awards
