Responsibilities
David is responsible for the overall strategic direction of S&C Slatter and White Horse Contractors. By working closely with every member of the team he is able to ensure that works are delivered in an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly manner and that we act with the integrity that we pride ourselves on.
Background
Having worked in the family business since 2003 David has worked in all areas giving him an ‘all-round’ understanding of the company’s operation.
Personal
As a father of a young family, David spends a good deal of his time with his three sons.
Responsibilities
David is responsible for the successful running of White Horse Contractors. Overseeing all aspects of the business, David can often be found anywhere between the estimating or accounts office, in the workshop, or on-site with the project teams.
This variety of specialisms has enabled him to head up the White Horse Contractors team with a passion for problem-solving and a strong work ethic. He can regularly be seen ‘leading from the front’ by jumping on an excavator or tractor given half a chance and a sunny afternoon.
David is keen to ensure that WHC is at the forefront of technology and is a keen adopter of GPS technology on the company’s wide range of specialist plant.
Background
With an extensive background in water and soil engineering and over 17 years of experience working for the UK’s leading water engineering and sports construction companies, his love of the industry is clear in his work. Joining The Slatter Group in 2010, David has led many flagship projects, culminating in the successful delivery of numerous multimillion-pound sports hub projects.
Following the acquisition of White Horse Contractors in 2019, David moved across to head up the new addition to The Slatter Group portfolio which continues to see the company on an inclined of planned growth.
Personal
David was a keen rugby player and now enjoys watching and coaching his son at Newbury RFC. You would be hard-pressed to know whether he is happier on the shooting field or up a mountain attached to a snowboard (or possibly in the après bar afterwards). He enjoys playing cricket, fishing, watching his daughter learn to horse ride as well as being a “keen foodie “.
Responsibilities
James is principally responsible for developing and maintaining the Company’s commercial and technical capability for construction and remediation projects in the sports turf, amenity grassland, and agriculture sectors. This includes all aspects of earthworks, pitch construction, and drainage design.
James also provides support to the contracts management team to help resolve any technical difficulties should they arise during the construction phase and to ensure the completed projects are completed to the high standards that we demand. Read James' Q&A here.
Background
With an active interest in applied biology, James completed a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Botany at the University of Reading. Following an early career in agricultural research where he was involved in projects in both organic and integrated farming systems, James joined TurfTrax Ground Management Systems Ltd (now TGMS Ltd) to work with his former colleagues from Cranfield University at Silsoe in this newly formed sports turf consultancy practice.
During the next decade time, James was involved with numerous projects, notable mentions include Wembley National Stadium, Chelsea Football Club, and a variety of county cricket grounds (Edgbaston, The Swalec Stadium, and Nevil Road). With an interest in the practical side of construction, James moved to White Horse Contractors in 2012, initially to assist with D&B projects and then to become a Director in 2015.
Personal
James is a keen road cyclist (living in Bedfordshire, mountain biking was never an option!) and enjoys watching his daughters compete at Gymnastics at various competitions around the country.
Responsibilities
Tom joined the Group in 2023 and is responsible for overseeing the Finance teams of S&C Slatter and White Horse Contractors supporting them in providing accurate and timely financial reporting, planning and analysis. This is converted into concise and meaningful information for the Board of Directors and wider business to keep them up to speed with the financial performance of each entity and the Group. The role also involves supporting the Group with various investment appraisals and key strategic decisions through providing reliable financial information, details of risks and opportunities and making recommendations to enable the Group to make informed decisions.
Background
Tom qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant in 2014 and brings a wealth of experience having worked in both practice as an external auditor and more recently in the construction and logistics industries.
Personal
Tom is a loyal supporter of Torquay United and big Formula 1 fan, but most of his time these days are spent with his young family and 2 dogs.
Responsibilities
As Commercial Director, Toms’ role will be to manage, build and develop relationships with new and existing clients including clubs, school, main contractors, local authorities, private clients, and industry consultants. Additional to the role Tom is responsible for researching potential markets, industry trends and other opportunities. He’ll work closely with Managing Director, David Smith, and Technical Director Dr James Welsh along with our group partners at The Slatter Group.
Background
Tom graduated from Keele University in 2009 with a Degree in History & Politics. He moved into the Sports-Turf industry using contacts from playing sport, having been involved at his local club. He was extensively involved in high profile projects and built relationships across the globe. Having spent seven years within the elite sports turf industry, Tom is well placed to bring his experience to a forward-thinking company, such as White Horse Contractors.
Personal
Outside of work Tom and his partner have two young daughters, Edith, and Maggie, which are more than enough to keep him busy! Tom is a big sports fan. He played cricket every Saturday for years in the Warwickshire Cricket League. Tom also enjoys football and is a Coventry City FC supporter.
Responsibilities
Day-to-day organising of materials, labour, and setting up site prior to launch is an integral part of Colin’s planning in the early stages of every project but liaising with clients he believes is key. The bespoke nature of the business creates a challenge in itself, Colin’s experience and passion for the job informs and guides him on a daily basis. Managing contracts and projects to an optimum standard is guaranteed by creating trust with clients, something that Colin believes to be integral in his work. Read Colin's Q&A here.
Background
Colin’s professional interest in the industry began in the early 1990s in the golfing industry. Working on some of the biggest projects across Europe for 8 years including St Andrews, Kingsbarns, Vilamoura (1&5), Woburn, and Aphrodite Hill. His love of golf subsequently sparked further interest in the sports industry, two years at the Cannington course involved obtaining his ND in Sports Turf Management. Further to this: a degree in Sports Turf Management and the rest is history. Colin has spent 14 years in his role at White Horse Contractors and relishes the fact that “not one job is the same as the next”.
Personal
Colin enjoys spending weekends (and some midweeks!) travelling to watch Glasgow Rangers games, other pleasures include golfing, gardening, fly fishing, and a glass of wine.
Responsibilities
As a Contract Manager, Juan enjoys the great mix of work that every working day brings at White Horse Contractors, a lover of the great outdoors, he is responsible for the design, documentation, and development at the very beginning of some of the projects he goes on to lead or distribute to relevant contract managers, meaning an in-depth knowledge from the early stages of most of the projects through the door, he then will supervise works on site effectively; developing the best service with the information he has.
Background
Juan joined White Horse Contractors 7 years ago, with experience in housing construction and design, Juan learned a new language and a new industry quickly, his hunger for progression is evident in his work here. He has a master’s degree in Project Management obtained in Spain and enjoys the variation of work between CAD design and contract management at the company.
Personal
A football fanatic, an injury halted his playing days, he now coaches an under 10 youth side for Oxford City FC which also involves a Sports Coaching course which he enjoys, although he hasn’t yet been to watch a match in the UK.
Responsibilities
Tom has overseen and lead various contracts across the business, predominantly agricultural and sports projects. Due to the diverse nature of the business, Tom has also delivered water engineering, polo, civil engineering, and golf projects. He enjoys the variety of work that comes with being a contracts manager, from guiding staff and allocating them to projects, as well as monitoring existing and new programs.
Background
A member of the White Horse Contractors team since 2007 after graduating from Hartpury (Bristol UWE) with a degree in Agriculture and Conservation, Tom has a keen interest in the industry, especially fine turf sports surfaces and spent time straight out of his time in education as a greenkeeper at a local golf course, whilst obtaining National Diploma in Sports Turf & Greenkeeping.
Personal
Tom loves spending time with his young family. In addition to this: a keen sportsman, he enjoys country sports, skiing, spending time at the gym, and watching his beloved Bath play rugby when possible.
Responsibilities
Richard joins White Horse Contractors as a Contracts manager. His responsibilities are to manage multiple contracts across the UK including the financial management of each project. Working closely with the Contracts Director to ensure completion of contracts are on time and on budget.
Background
Richard has over 20 years of experience working in the sports turf industry at the highest level. He has overseen sports surface construction, renovation & maintenance contracts for various sports including golf, football, rugby and cricket involving both natural turf and synthetic turf. He was responsible for both estimating and project delivery and management in his previous companies.
Personal
Richard is a very keen follower of both grass roots rugby union and cricket. Following a playing, coaching and refereeing career spanning 20 years in Rugby Union and 20 years playing cricket, now gets the pleasure of watching his 2 grown up sons play both sports at senior level.
Responsibilities
Mick oversees procurement and allocation of suitable plant and equipment, for all site staff. He distributes all materials with Contracts Managers efficiently and ensures the transport of plant and machinery to and from WHC sites. Mick’s vast knowledge of the industry helps to keep the company working as efficiently as possible on this side of the business, with no stone left unturned.
Background
Mick joined White Horse Contractors straight from school in August of 1991 as an apprentice within the workshop. Progression through the ranks has led him to management, but he will always confess he still loves to get his hands dirty on the tools when he can. Mick is known for his vast knowledge of machinery and the construction industry itself. An experienced head on his shoulders, Mick still enjoys new innovations, his ability to consistently modify and fabricate new machinery for the sports turf maintenance and drainage industry over the years is part of the reason he enjoys his role so much.
Personal
Mick can be found in the dugout of the sports pitches he helps to create. He is heavily involved in grassroots football and is an FA-qualified coach. He runs a local Saturday side; Letcombe FC Reserves in the North Berks League. Most weekends consist of watching and coaching both of his two sons, who play men’s and youth football respectively.
Responsibilities
With a keen eye for detail, Kevin’s passion lies within the golfing service offering of the business. Whilst he lends a hand in any jobs required, golf courses are where he spends most of his working day. His industry knowledge and experience are a huge benefit to the team when other members need to lean on him.
Background
Kevin joined the company in 1984, meaning he is one of White Horse Contractors' longest-serving employees.
Personal
During downtime, Kevin enjoys playing squash and plenty of walks along local trails.
Responsibilities
Alex is part of the estimating team alongside Carly Piper at White Horse Contractors tasked with providing accurate budget costs and tender packages for a multitude of clients and contractors across all areas of landscaping and construction. He is also responsible for forming strong professional relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring that White Horse Contractors can deliver projects to the highest industry standards.
Background
Having studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Gloucester and then worked in the landscape construction industry for 7 years, Alex moved to Berlin where he worked as a Landscape Architect and Estimator for a German landscape design company. Upon returning to the UK in 2024, Alex sought a new challenge using all his gained experience from his 16 years in the industry and joined White Horse Contractor’s Estimating Team.
Personal
Alex lives in Winchester with his wife and three children. When not constructing Lego, building dens or chauffeuring the kids around, Alex can be found on his paddle board heading downstream through water meadows on the River Itchen or (trying) to play the drums like he did when he was 21.
Responsibilities
In his role as Technical Manager, Chris will be working closely with David Smith, Managing Director and Dr James Welsh, Technical Director. He is responsible for developing White Horse Contractors stadium solutions, including both stitched and carpet hybrid systems, overseeing maintenance and technical support for clients and colleagues. Chris’ role will also involve peer to peer support and advice to clients where required, as well as overseeing pitch establishment following the construction phase.
Background
White Horse Contractors are delighted to announce that Chris Last has joined our team as Technical Manager. Chris has over 17 years in the Sports turf industry has most recently been Head Grounds person at Reading Football Club. He comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that the business will find invaluable.
Personal
When not working, Chris is a keen cricket enthusiast playing at a competitive level for over 20 years for Eversley Cricket Club. He can also be found playing with his young daughter Poppy.
Responsibilities
Clare manages the office at White Horse Contractors, covering human resources and HSEQ+T across the business. Ensuring consistent, company-wide compliance to internal and external standards, she manages budgets for these departments and works directly with and in support of our Contract Managers and our Managing Director. Clare is the first point of contact when clients, customers, or suppliers contact the office.
Background
Clare joined the team in 2014 as an administrative assistant, after successful development within the business she worked her way up to the Office Manager’s role; evidence of her extensive knowledge in all aspects of the company working alongside David and the team to ensure everyday life is running smoothly.
Personal
Clare enjoys spending time socialising with friends and family, going out for dinner, playing board games, and watching rugby whenever it’s on.
Responsibilities
Lizzy provides administrative support to the Contract Managers, including obtaining prices for materials, as well as preparing purchase orders. Her role also includes supporting the Contract Managers in setting up projects online. Lizzy helps to ensure our Contract Managers are working as efficiently as possible
Responsibilities
Managing the promotion and positioning of the company by leading the design and content creation across The Slatter Group, including graphic design, copywriting, videography and film production. Collaborating with media and advertising organisations, Simon is responsible for the visibility of the Brand, implementing marketing strategy, Events and Social Media management.
Background
After completing a Sports Science degree at the University of Brighton, Simon worked for one brand in the Sports product industry where he has 18 years experience working with key stake holders within marketing team in the EMEA region. A keen learner and highly motivated individual who enjoys challenges and working with others.
Personal
Simon is a keen footballer and cyclist. When he is not with his wife and 2 beautiful children (Molly and Wilfred) he can be found mountain biking or playing guitar.
