Matthew is an innovative problem solver with a proven track record of working in complex and fast moving businesses to deliver technology based improvements. Matthew has spent a great deal of his career working with Executives and Board Members to identify and prioritise the problem areas of their business, then formulate and effectively communicate a resultant strategy to provide a roadmap of continuous improvement. His strength is in analysing current business challenges and working with operational and technical teams to devise solutions that are effective and achievable.
Mark’s business career spans 4 decades: initially with corporate giants GPT & Siemens and then as co-founder & owner of SMS Electronics – a successful, Nottinghamshire-based company & winner of the prestigious Queens Awards For Enterprise.
Mark chairs the East Midlands Manufacturing Networks, which are business-led, peer to peer groups and sits on the Regional Advisory Board for the largest manufacturing trade body in the UK (Make UK)
On 4 May 2023 Andy Abrahams was elected as Mansfield's Executive Mayor.
Andy grew up on Mansfield's Ladybrook Estate with his dad, who was a miner, and his mum, who was a cleaner.
Andy has enjoyed a varied career in both the construction industry and education.
He worked as a chartered civil engineer in local government and industry for 25 years where he was involved in major construction projects including the Channel Tunnel rail link, Manchester Airport runway and the New Imperial War Museum.
His determination to improve opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds led to him changing career and going back to university to retrain as a maths teacher. He has taught for ten years in socially deprived areas with historically low attainment to try to make a positive difference, and for the past five years has worked for REAL Education, an alternative education provider. Andy passionately believes that education should enable every child to reach their potential.
He has travelled extensively throughout the world, including working with street children in Ecuador and volunteering on an environmental project in Tanzania.
Andy is married to Lynne, who is a retired midwife, and the couple have four grown up children.
He is a keen sportsman who plays many sports including football, racket sports and golf. He has run marathons, parachuted for charity and has obtained a PADI scuba diving qualification.
