Welcome to the new Nonwovenn ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we sit down with different members of the team, reflect on their career to date, gain insight into where they see the business and industry going over the coming months and into them as a person outside their role.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started over 30 years ago, I completed my bio-mechanical engineering degree while working at Biomet, then one of the largest US orthopaedic companies. This early experience immersed me in the heart of medical device innovation and gave me a deep appreciation for the intersection of engineering and healthcare. Following my time at Biomet, I transitioned into the supply chain sector working for another privately owned US company then called Symmetry Medical, where I gained a robust understanding of operations and logistics within the industry and even experienced taking them through IPO on the NYSE. Ultimately, my journey led me to the world of textiles, and I started my career in the medical textiles sector over two decades ago, drawn by the opportunity to work on products that had the same business model but in a new to me anyway sector. My background in commercial strategy and product development gave me a strong foundation, and I’ve always been passionate about translating technical innovation into real-world healthcare solutions.
What originally attracted you to Nonwovenn?
It was the commitment to innovation and the collaborative culture that I saw there at the time. The business was in a very similar stage in the development as my previous role and had a very similarbusiness model. Translating from the orthopaedic sector into advanced wound care and textiles was new, but the business being privately owned and experiencing dynamic growth was a parallel that really struck me. It was very fresh and exciting to work on a new product group, and the company’s focus on advanced wound care, haemostats and other products aligned perfectly with my experience and interests. I knew I’d have the opportunity to build on experience there, and when David Lamb made me an offer, I simply couldn’t turn it down.
What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?
There’s no such thing as a standard day here! No two days are the same, and it’s a mix of juggling strategic planning, consumer engagements, and coordination across both our Bridgwater and Bolton sites. It could be reviewing product pipelines, troubleshooting product challenges or preparing for meetings and trade fairs, it’s a very dynamic role that gives you the opportunity to wear multiple hats.
Have you learnt anything new since being at Nonwovenn?
I’m still learning and developing every day, but I’ve really deepened my understanding of the fibre chemistries and bonding technologies, and some valuable insights on top of what I already had coming from a technical medical background. I’ve also been working closely with the R&D and quality teams, which has broadened my perspective on how innovation and governance intersect, especially in the medical sector and manufacturing.
What do you enjoy most about working for Nonwovenn?
I know it’s always the cliché, but I think the best thing is the people you interact with. We’ve built a strong team here, not only people who are technically skilled and driven, but also incredibly supportive and collaborative. I genuinely value the opportunity to learn from both my peers and mentors alike, and that’s across the whole workforce really. There’s a lot of day-to-day problem solving, strategic decisions and just knowledge sharing. There’s a very strong culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement here, which is great to grow both professionally and personally.
Where do you see Nonwovenn going in the future, and the overall industry?
I think Nonwovenn is really well positioned to continue to lead in bespoke nonwoven materials, especially in high performance technical fabrics for the MediTech sector. Our newly comissionedmedical manufacturing facility has allowed us to create controlled environments that are purpose-built for precision manufacturing and includes a ‘Class 8’ standard performing cleanroom which is designed to meet even the most stringent of medical industry standards.
The research and development team have also delivered several high-impact innovations launched over the last year. These include x-ray detectable materials to enhance safety and traceability in surgical applications, and reinforced CMC hydrofibre for improved durability and absorption in wound care. The team have also developed a translucent nonwoven solution for use as a surgical site dressing scaffold to allow for visual inspection of incision sites without the need to remove the dressing. All three product innovations come as a direct result of world class research and development programmes to support client needs.
I think the wider industry is moving towards more sustainable and patient centric products, and we are able to support that shift from our UK based manufacturing and global network of partnerships.
What do you consider your biggest career achievement or standout moment to date?
I think just the longevity of my time here, and in the wider industry. I’m on my ninth year here which in itself is an achievement, as we’ve been dynamically changing year on year.
But I think one big standout for me was when I proactively flew out to meet a major fibre supplier over in Turkey who was planning to discontinue a niche fibre category that was critical to several of our MediTech devices. We had recognised that potential impact immediately, so I arranged a visit on short notice and successfully negotiated continued supply. This not only safeguarded the products integrity but also secured the customers business. If we had not achieved that we would have had to go through extensive regulatory hurdles and costly change control processes. So that moment underscored the value of swift action, product knowledge and building on strong supplier relationships.
Aside from Nonwovenn and the industry, what else interests you?
I’m a father of four, so that keeps me pretty busy! Outside of that I’m also a keen traveller, particularly by motorcycle. I find it incredibly rewarding to explore new places on two wheels, embracing the freedom and spontaneity that comes with that. I’ve been inspired by the round the world journeys by the likes of Ewan McGregor and similar, so I enjoy creating my own mini adventures. It’s a great way to recharge, stay curious and connect with the world in a more personal and immersive way.