Ones to Watch: Anton Roe
Anton Roe, MHR International.
As part of Family Business Week 2024 we are profiling a series of future family business leaders who are ‘Ones to Watch’.
Anton Roe
CEO, MHR International
From apprentice to Non-Family CEO, Anton Roe is as about as close to family as you can get. Hired by the founder of MHR International, John Mills, more than 30 years ago on the Youth Training Scheme (YTS), Anton Roe has risen through the ranks and was appointed CEO in 2017.
“From an early age I wanted to get into computing,” says Anton. “Sitting here today is partly down to my determination but it’s also because I was fortunate to land in a family business that was prepared to invest in and support me.”
MHR was founded by John Mills in 1984 as Midland Software Limited, providing HR and payroll technology. Based in Nottingham, the company now employs over 900 people, has more than 1,400 customers and provides payroll services to over 3 million people throughout the UK and Ireland.
Jessica Mills, John’s daughter, was appointed Chairman in 2021 ensuring the company’s future as an independent, multi-generation family business.
The company has a rich history and proactive programme to find, recruit, develop and retain talent. Amongst peers in the tech sector MHR’s family ownership sets it apart in its commitment to people. This year alone it has welcomed 208 new hires and promoted 120 employees.
Outreach programmes with local schools and colleges means MHR offers practical careers advice to students in Year 11 and above, including interview training and offering tips on writing CVs. The business commits to lifelong learning and skills development as a way of ensuring the business will thrive in years to come.
Given Anton’s background as an apprentice with MHR, and the family ownership of the company, this is something of real importance. “There are plenty of studies to show that if you invest in people and develop their skills, they stay with you for longer,” says Anton.
75% of MHR’s staff live locally and the company’s commitment to people is reflected in the fact that over 20% of employees have been with the company for more than 10 years. Longevity in the workplace is recognised and celebrated every year with an annual Long Service lunch.
“There’s something special about working in a family business,” says Anton. “The family are invested in driving it forwards and are absolutely committed to its future. People are at the heart of that future and that’s something that can easily be taken for granted. You only see that when you go somewhere else and suddenly you haven’t got that same commitment.”
Being a family business is important at MHR. Both John and Jessica Mills are actively involved in the company. They go out of their way to meet employees conveying the importance of MHR being a family business. They are genuinely interested in people and supporting the development of their careers.
Anton Roe says “when we’re interviewing people and even when we’re selling to prospects, we make a big thing about the family history. And it’s really powerful. People both inside and outside the business feel reassured knowing that we are here for the long term.”
Read more from about our ‘Ones to Watch’ here.