Our People

A little more about our team....

We have always known that a successful business is built around the quality, experience and skills of our people.

The importance of a working environment that promotes professionalism is recognised. Investment in industry training for all of its professional staff and site operatives ensures that the knowledge base and areas of expertise continue to broaden.

Our company strongly believes that constructing a new building or sports facility is a team effort where communication between its members is paramount, from the first customer enquiry, through all disciplines, to the finished project and ongoing customer service. A real pride in the job is evident throughout the whole of our workforce.

Key contacts:

Ken Smith

Managing Director

In a construction career spanning more than 30 years, Ken Smith has led the company since 1979. He has overseen the construction of many prestigious sports and civil engineering projects throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Ken’s experience encompasses sports, education and commercial sector work. The company’s expansion has been driven and directed with a “can-do attitude” which has resulted in diversity in its building and civil engineering capabilities above its competitors.

Under his leadership the construction teams are currently working on a range of innovative projects which incorporate proven methods of land stabilisation and save environmental impact.

Ken is an active member of Britpave (association for improvement in concrete – Paving/Soil Stabilisation processes)

Tim Phipps

Managing Engineer

Tim Phipps has worked for Smith Construction for 19 years, joining as a trainee site manager. His engineering design knowledge combined with technical skills has led to Smith Construction becoming one of the most reputable companies in the UK working on complex sports projects.

Robert Swatton

Project Manager

Robert Swatton joined Smith Construction in 2001. He has worked in the sports surfacing industry since graduating with an honours degree in quantity surveying in 1996. Successfully working on projects of all sizes with clients to deliver notable sports facility projects, Robert focuses mainly on BSF, PFI and partnering projects in both public and private sectors. He has extensive knowledge of synthetic grass products and polymeric play surfaces.

Jeanette Munton

Project Development Manager

Jeanette Munton began working as Personal Assistant to Ken Smith more than 14 years ago. An integral member of the companies development team for sports projects, having responsibility for new business from initial customer enquiries. Jeanette has close involvement with customers when developing their design brief for planning . She also oversees the after-care and maintenance services.

Georgina Clingan

Project Coordinator

Georgina Clingan has been with the company since 2001 leading a team on tender bids for sports and play surface projects. The efficient programming of resources along with co-ordination of fencing, floodlighting and synthetic turf installation for all UK projects is her responsibility.

Russell Smith

Plant and Equipment Manager

Russell Smith has been with the company for 20 years. He is in charge of all procurement, maintenance and transportation of plant and equipment. He manages the plant hire division’s extensive fleet and organises transport movements for specialist sports plant to working sites around the country.

Mark Brown

Surfacing Manager

Mark Brown was appointed by Smith Construction 12 years ago to manage the growing surfacing division. He is responsible for the macadam surfacing teams operating throughout the UK on both sports projects and civil engineering contracts. Operating within exacting tolerances has led to an enviable reputation for excellence.

Neal Wheatley

Quantity Surveyor

Neal Wheatley joined smiths in 2001 to become a surveyor. The preparation of estimates, tenders and plans for new build and civil engineering projects is his main focus. Neal has moved on to manage all aspects of the CAD Department in recent months.

Paul Mabbutt

Health and Safety Manager/Quality Systems Manager

Paul Mabbutt has been in charge of company health a safety matters since 2002. His experience and qualifications in construction have been gained over 15 years. Paul has developed quality control systems for continual improvement in customer service.

Construction Site Managers

The construction site managers have a wealth of knowledge and more than 110 years experience of sports surface construction between them. Each one qualified to lead a site team to deliver excellent sports facilities effectively and safely time after time (more than 600 times actually!).