As part of our People of Andron series, we are interviewing our Regional Manager for Retail in Scotland, Martin McAtee, who is celebrating his ten-year anniversary with us this year.
Joining in 2015 through a TUPE transfer on our JLL contract, which we continue to retain today, Martin has grown from Site Manager to Account Manager, and now to Regional Manager for Retail, leading our cleaning operations for some of Scotland’s busiest retail and leisure destinations.
Looking back, Martin says the Leadership Academy helped him take that final step, but it’s his commitment to clients, the trust he puts in his team, and his deep understanding of the retail environment that have truly shaped his career.
Just as important to him has been Andron’s family-owned side, which creates the kind of culture where you can simply pick up the phone, get a decision quickly, and keep things moving. It’s that approach, he believes, that’s helped us build the long-term relationships and high client retention rates we’re known for
Ten years, three roles, and countless contributions later, Martin is still proud to call Andron home, and we’re just as proud to celebrate him.
Read on to hear from Martin himself: what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and the highlights from a decade with Andron.️
What brought you to Andron, and what do you remember about your first day?
I TUPE transferred to Andron after they were successful with the national JLL contract back in 2015, a contract Andron still retains. I worked at the Thistles shopping centre. My first day employed by Andron was business as usual, because all the work setting up the contract was done prior to day one, as I soon came to realise was the Andron way! Go live is never day one; if done right, it should be seamless.
What was your role when you joined, and how has it changed over time?
I joined Andron as a Site Manager at the Thistles Shopping Centre. After some time, I applied for — and was successful in securing — a move to the Account Manager position, overseeing the JLL contract and multiple shopping centres. Over the years, I have specialised in retail environments, particularly shopping centres, and I’m pleased to share that I’ve now progressed to the role of Regional Manager for Retail. This journey highlights Andron’s strong commitment to promoting from within whenever possible.
What’s changed most in the company since you started?
The company has grown a lot since I joined. I’ve watched the team and the structure of Andron change and grow in line with that, and I’ve watched the systems we use evolve over the years. When I started, electric cars were a vision of a distant future; now our fleet is 100% electric. Who could have seen that happen back then?
Is there anything that’s stayed consistent – something you’ve always valued here?
I’ve always enjoyed the family-owned element of Andron and how they have managed to retain that feeling whilst growing, I’ve worked for a huge corporation previously and I would say I much prefer Andron’s approach, I know I can get decisions I need with a phone call or a quick email which is likely why we have such a high retention rate with clients.
Are there any moments that stand out – good memories, proud achievements, or tough challenges?
I have always felt valued by Andron, which I guess is a big contributing factor to having a ten-year anniversary. As with any business, there are some days that are more challenging than others, but having the team around you with many years’ experience to share, and a manager you can trust to support you when you need it the most, makes all the difference.
What are you most proud of in your time at Andron?
I am proud of how I have grown over the years with Andron. Last year, the company started a new training programme called the Leadership Academy, which I was privileged to be invited to participate in. As a result, I believe this training has really helped me take the next step in my career.
What does this milestone mean to you, personally?
It means I’m getting old or let’s just call it wiser! To stay this long, and for as long as I have with Andron, I guess, means I must be happy to be here.