Newport-based outsourced services specialists, Smart Solutions, has appointed a former Welsh rugby international player to help support the business’s continued growth.
Renowned in the sporting world for his 15-year career as a prop forward, including playing for Ebbw Vale, the Scarlets and winning 33 caps for Wales and the Barbarians, Iestyn Thomas, 37, from Pontypool is now responsible for developing and maintaining robust relationships with Smart Solutions’ client base across the UK.
As key client manager, Mr Thomas will look after more than 40 client relationships, as well as identifying new business opportunities in sectors ranging from waste and recycling to food and manufacturing.
Prior to joining Smart Solutions, Mr Thomas was scrum coach at Newport Gwent Dragons following his retirement from professional rugby in 2012.
Consolidation and development of existing client relationships is a key part of Smart Solutions’ ambitious expansion strategy, which has seen the company undergo exceptional growth in the last year alone. The 2013-2014 financial year was its most successful to date, with the company announcing a record turnover of £56 million.
Mr Thomas said: “I am delighted to join such an exciting and growing company.
“While it may seem a very different work environment from my experiences gained on the rugby pitch, teamwork, trust and communication are all key to being both a great player and coach, as is building a good rapport with others. All of these are crucial skills to being an effective client manager at Smart Solutions.
“Working as a key client manager, I regularly visit clients to identify and resolve any challenges they may have on-site, highlight any gaps or opportunities to extend the services we currently provide and report to the wider Smart team about the trajectory of our relationship with the businesses we are working with. Above all, regardless of their size or sector, I am responsible for making sure that each and every client is pleased with the service Smart Solutions provides.”
Smart Solutions has secured a number of national contract wins this year, as well as continuing expansion of its core service offering. Already Wales’ largest independent recruitment company, it has this year built on its traditional focus on the waste and recycling sectors to introduce driving, construction and commercial divisions.
Nathan Bowles, chief executive officer of Smart Solutions, said: “Appointing an employee solely responsible for nurturing client relationships was an essential investment for the business.
“With Iestyn, our clients have regular, face-to-face contact with a Smart representative who knows and understands their business’s individual needs. Putting that effort and personal touch into our relationships with our clients is something that we feel sets Smart Solutions apart from other managed service providers.
“As the business continues to grow, maintaining good quality relationship with our existing clients is extremely important. In order to expand into new sectors and build our client base, it’s essential that we look after those companies already doing business with us, and that’s why Iestyn’s appointment is strategically important for us.
“Trust is an important part of any relationship, particularly in business. Through effective relationship management we can ensure that our clients have a dedicated member of staff who they can turn to with any problems or queries, and feel confident to resolve them as quickly as possible. I’m delighted to welcome such a well-known and highly regarded personality to the Smart Solutions team.”
Smart Solutions offers a range of managed services including recruitment, personnel development, training, waste management, managed services, consultancy and commodities trading.
Established in 2007, Smart Solutions has become one Wales’ most successful emerging brands, and is the only business in Wales to have received a Fast Growth 50 award four times. It recently ranked number 25 in Investec’s list of fastest-growing private firms in the UK, one of only two in Wales.