Newport-based outsourced services specialist, Smart Solutions, has expanded its team with two newly created roles that will support the company’s growth.
Chris Edwards, 51, from Swansea joins Smart Solutions as UK operations director and Helen Way, 41, from Newport as regional business development manager. The positions have been created to support the business’s expansion into new sectors and drive Smart Solutions’ growth strategy.
With more than 15 years’ experience working in the recruitment sector, Mr Edwards has worked for Adecco UK, Assist Recruitment and Blue Arrow in roles including operations director and account director as well as holding a number of consultancy positions. He has overseen recruitment operations for international brands including Amazon, Argos and Sodexo and has also led start-ups with companies in Ireland and Brazil.
As UK operations director at Smart Solutions, Mr Edwards will oversee operations across the business’s 33 locations throughout Wales and England and work closely with Smart Solution’s newly-established divisions – permanent recruitment and driving services. Mr Edwards is also responsible for strengthening the business’s relationships with new and existing clients and increasing revenue through its recruitment branches.
Ms Way joins Smart Solutions as regional business development manager, bringing with her with 12 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, having previously worked for Acorn Recruitment, Thomas Recruitment and Serco.
The newly created position sees Ms Way fostering client’s relationships across the South Wales region from Pontypool to Swansea, as well as driving Smart Solution’s presence in both commercial and industrial sectors.
Mr Edwards said: “Smart Solutions is a well-established organisation that is growing year-on-year, making it an exciting time to join the team. With a foothold in an ever-growing number of sectors, it’s important that the business can cater to a range of different organisation needs. Smart Solutions has its roots in the waste and recycling sector but it has diversified in the last seven years and now provides a range of services to clients in construction, manufacturing and logistics to name just a few. Making sure that Smart’s services are of maximum value to a variety of different sectors is a challenge that I’m delighted to be a part of.”
Ms Way added: “I am extremely impressed with the setup and quality systems at Smart and to take on responsibility for business development in the South Wales region is an exciting next step in my career. Not only will I be helping branches to increase sales activity but also making sure there is a pipeline of new business targets identified.”
Nathan Bowles, chief executive officer of Smart Solutions, said: “Smart has already come a long way since its establishment in 2007 and Chris and Helen’s appointments will undoubtedly further the company’s development, helping us to move into new, strategic markets.
“Our team is a reflection of the high-quality service that we offer, and demonstrates our expertise in the sectors we work within. Both Chris and Helen are talented individuals who have a wealth of experience that gives added value to our services as a company.
“We are building a workforce of experienced, talented and highly respected staff to help drive our name and our business credentials across sectors and I’m confident both Mr Edwards and Ms Way’s appointments help us achieve our goals.”