Suffolk manufacturer builds capacity to prepare for next stage of growth

 Thurston-based SMART Garden Rooms, Offices & Studios, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of quality outside buildings, has announced a major boost to its senior management team.

 After an unprecedented four-year period since the management buyout of 2019, which has seen SMART boost its headcount, product range and national market reach, the company has restructured its top tiers to prepare it for the next stage of growth.

 Owner and managing director, Matt Moss becomes chief executive, with co-owner Paul Sheppard, previously SMART’s operations director stepping up as managing director. Longstanding senior employee, Darren Norton has been promoted to head of operations, as a result.

 Fellow owner Sue Phillips has been confirmed as sales & customer communications director, driving our exceptional customer service goal, whilst digital expert, Dan Bowler formally takes on the role of marketing & brand director (previously digital director). Jo Pinkney continues as the company’s head of finance.

 “This is a great team, one of the very best in Suffolk and in the manufacturing sector, with well over a century of senior executive experience between us!” explained Matt Moss. “Our skills and knowledge are now perfectly aligned to our business future ambitions.”

 “Becoming chief executive allows me to spend more time on fronting up the company’s strategic communications, stakeholder management and longer-term direction and planning, both within the company and through third-party organisations.”

 Matt is a board director of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and has recently been appointed as the chair of its new economy group, focusing on delivering changes to fiscal and monetary policy.

 Paul Sheppard added: “I’m very honoured and excited to be taking on the role of managing director. The SMART brand is well-known and well-regarded because of our emphasis on quality, service and net zero sustainability. We have some exciting plans to deliver throughout this year, including an utterly innovative new product launch.”

 The company has also confirmed a number of additional internal promotions: Wayne Richardson as production manager and Emma Mitchell as trainee sales manager.