Built for growth: How Carhartt partners with Kreston Global across Europe

Carhartt has been the gold standard for durable workwear since 1889.

From dungarees to overalls, tough trousers to high performance t-shirts, and its iconic jackets that protect everyone from plumbers to fire crews, the Carhartt brand remains the ‘go to’ for blue collar workers looking for durability and practicality.

Our clothing, says Ming Yang, the Finance Manager for Carhartt in Europe, is “Workwear that exists to serve and protect hardworking people, while also offering a high level of comfort and a rugged, authentic look.”

Based in Amsterdam, the company relies on high-performing accountants. That role is fulfilled by Kreston Lentink in the Netherlands and Kreston Reeves in the UK, both part of the Kreston Global network.

Their way of working fits us well, says Yang. “Less formal, more aligned with our culture, and built on shared values.”

Yang is closely involved in Carhartt’s growth in Europe. “It isn’t a typical finance job description,” he says.

Alongside the day-to-day finance operations for Carhartt across Europe and the UK, Yang works closely with the sales teams across the region and is closely involved in product pricing, highlighting the strong commercial dimension of his role.

He is supported by a “very good team” across accounts payable, accounts receivable and the wider reporting and financial control. Kreston Reeves and Kreston Lentink are very much seen as part of that team.

Yang joined Carhartt just over three years ago. The company has been working with Kreston Lentink in the Netherlands for more than 14 years, providing tax, financial reporting and audit support.

The UK’s decision to leave the EU meant that Carhartt had to create a UK entity, turning to Kreston Global member firm Kreston Reeves. In the UK, Kreston Reeves provides audit, payroll and VAT support, and are on-hand to address any questions that might arise.

Yang is a big fan of the Kreston Global model of like-minded, independent accountancy firms, praising the more personal, informal approach, and the speed at which firms answer complex and technical questions.

“I can email a question and will get a clear answer within 48 hours… I really appreciate that,” he says. “The Kreston Global model will serve us well… you are never a number.”

As Carhartt continues its growth journey, Yang believes the Kreston Global network model will become more important, tapping into trusted firms to open doors, navigate regulation and provide specialist advice. For a business built on reliability, durability and long-term relationships, having advisers who share those same qualities remains an important part of the journey.

Whether you’re establishing a UK presence, expanding overseas or managing operations across multiple countries, having advisers who understand your business makes all the difference. Through Kreston Global, we provide coordinated international support backed by local expertise. Get in touch to find out how we can help.