Meet The Team
Nigel Johnson – Managing Director
From spotty youth in shorts and sandals to Works Manager’ was one of the tongue in cheek phrases we used to describe Nigel. Since joining the company in 1980 he has gained a wealth of experience in all fields of Precision Engineering. His ability to understand and provide engineering solutions doesn’t come from a technical manual or a business diploma (although he has these as well!); it comes from a natural understanding of methods and materials. Nigel has the respect of both customers and employees alike and is renowned for his calm and practical approach to the stresses and strains of a sub-contract production schedule.
Christian Olejnik – Operations Director
Christian began his career with Sweetnam & Bradley Limited in 1991. Like Nigel, Christian has ‘learned the business’, building great customer and supplier contacts and gaining an absolute understanding of the precision engineering market in the U.K. Also like Nigel, Christian understands the need to understand both theory and practice and has a wealth of experience in both areas. Christian accommodated the unofficial role of ‘S&B Chief Blame Officer’ for many years and has without doubt the widest and strongest shoulders of any Operations Director known to man!
Richard Wiltshire – Financial Director
I liked the company so much I bought it’ were the immortal words of Mr Remmington, or was that Mr Wiltshire? No it couldn’t have been Richard, not with stubble like that anyway!! Richard is now on his second Directorship with Sweetnam & Bradley Limited, having undertaken an MBO in 1989, selling the company in 2008 and then being re-employed as Financial Director by Nigel and Christian – phew…I’m getting tired out even thinking about how busy he’s been! Richard is the ‘Money Man’ who ensures we continue our reputation of absolute financial stability and transparency.
Douglas Matthews – Quality Assurance Engineer
Douglas joined Sweetnam & Bradley Limited in 1988. Douglas is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has become the backbone of our Quality Management System. He is our ‘Man in white’, with his white overcoat being seen throughout the facility as he pursues the endless path to quality. Along with Christian and Richard he is a member of the S&B Quality Team, who conduct a rigorous schedule of Internal Quality audits, ensuring we’re one step ahead of the competition.
Kayleigh Hardy – Administration Assistant
Kayleigh joined S&B at the beginning of 2007 having previously worked in the administration department of the local veterinary practice. Her calm stress free approach to customers and suppliers has made her a firm favourite. Although initially employed by Richard on the basis that we can have ‘Lauren & Hardy’ at the controls! Kayleigh has grown with the job and the two run a seamless operation.
Kim Preece - Administration Assistant
Kim joined S&B at the beginning of June, primarily to cover Lauren's maternity leave. Kim brings a wealth of administration experience to S&B, having worked in similar environments for many years. In order to make sure she didn't feel homesick we also employed her husband (Wayne), who is our new Storeman - Like we've said before, we like to keep it in the family!! Kim's happy go lucky approach and pragmatic outlook has certainly helped her cope with the stresses and strains of a busy production office!!
Lauren Evans – Administration Assistant
Lauren is the head honcho of the Administration Department – and if there’s anything she doesn’t know about the processing of customer and supplier paperwork, it’s not worth knowing! Lauren possesses the unique talent of being able to multi task even during the most pressured situations. Lauren is testament to the family ethos of S&B. Soon to be husband Chris is a sheet metalworker on the shop floor, whilst her dad is the Leading Hand Sprayer. Lauren will be leaving for maternity leave in June and Christian already has the application form for the new arrival at the ready!
David Eatock – Works Supervisor
Daves career in Engineering spans over forty years and he’s the man that makes things happen on the shopfloor. Dave is responsible for managing the Sweetnam & Bradley Limited production schedule and ensuring that the employees and machines alike are working the ‘S&B way’. Dave effectiveness comes from his ability to make what the customer wants happen. He doesn’t mince his words, a refreshing change in this world of acronym and hyperbole!
Andrew Boulton – Production Supervisor
Andrew began his engineering career with Sweetnam & Bradley Limited. From the beginning it was obvious that he was a natural engineer. Andrew is the man to turn to when you’re not sure of the ‘best way to do something’. The Board of Directors recognised his talents and he is now responsible for supervising production and ensuring we’re working to our optimum efficiency. He has built a broad base of customers who rely on his natural flair to offer the best possible engineering solutions.
Paul Morter – Production Supervisor
Paul also began his career with Sweetnam & Bradley Limited. Paul is the other hand of the dynamic duo. His calm and friendly approach wins over employees and customers alike. Paul is also a natural engineer and when not working from dawn to dusk ensuring the success of S&B, he can be found under the bonnets of numerous vintage vehicles. The Board of Directors recognised the need for both Paul and Andrew to gain official management accreditation and as a result both now possess a NEBS Management Certificate.