THE Marshall Group in Cambridge is “on the acquisition trail” and ready to expand, according to its company secretary Sarah Moynihan.

Ms Moynihan, who was named Ernst & Young’s FD of the Future at the FDs’ Excellence Awards last year, has outlined the £1.1billion company’s plans for the next year.

She said: “We’re confident about the year ahead at Marshall. We’ve had a strong January and we’re exploring new products and new markets.

“We work with very long lead times in our aerospace and defence business so we’re currently looking at ways to fill the order book in 2014, 2015 and beyond.

“We’re on the acquisition trail in our motor retail business as we know some businesses will continue to struggle in 2013 and we have the scale and geography that could turn a failing company into a success.

“One project I’m currently working on, as FD of the property company, is the transformation of 125 acres of land in Cambridge that Marshall has owned since the 1930s.

“We believe now is the right time to develop this land and redevelop our existing facilities as part of the same programme.

“We are working closely with local communities and the councils to identify how we can achieve a high quality, sustainable development while meeting the needs of our businesses and a growing city.

“Cambridge has been Marshall’s home for over 100 years and we’re passionate about supporting the city and its people, so we are determined to ensure that the development will benefit as many people as possible in the local area.”

Moynihan won the FD of the Future accolade in recognition of her potential to become an influential CFO due to her commercial acumen, drive, technical excellence and ability to deliver results.

Kathryn Barrow, Ernst & Young partner and sponsor for the Ernst & Young Future Finance, said: “Sarah Moynihan was a perfect candidate to win last year’s FD of the Future award.

“She demonstrates passion, commitment and expertise, and her enthusiasm for promoting women in business is a worthy cause.”