IP SURFACES - Key Persons
Alex Warren - COO, Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Operations Director
- New Managing Director of the Hardscape Group
As Operations Director Alex is responsible for making sure that everything works as it should do. With an overview of production, design, procurement, logistics and research and development, Alex ensures that IP Surfaces continues to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to applying state-of-the-art production processes onto a wide range of materials.
In September 2022 Alex was appointed as the new Managing Director of the Hardscape Group. Having served as Operations Director for 20 years, his involvement throughout the business and broad skill set, makes him the perfect choice to lead the Group into a new era, while continuing to embody the energy and passion Mathew instilled in every aspect of the business for decades.
As well as being a family man, outside of IP Surfaces, Alex is still a keen footballer, playing socially though these days. He also tries to pass on some of his football knowledge by volunteering with a local community youth club, actively involved in coaching their junior football teams.
Heather joined IP Surfaces in September 2019 as Sales Co-ordinator and gained valuable experience that led to a move to the challenging role of Project Co-ordinator in September 2020. Whilst developing her career within the engineering industry, both in Europe as a Process Improvement Manager and in the UK with roles in civil & structural, electrical and process automation, Heather also gained a 1st class honours degree in Business Management in 2011 at Chester University.
In her spare time Heather loves family walks with her Dachshund finding new places to visit, preferably sunny ones, and is a keen DIY enthusiast who just loves finding things for upcycling projects which ties in perfectly with her home improvement plans for the family bungalow.
Lee joined IP Surfaces in April 2021 as an Estimator. Lee's main duties consists of Overseeing New Enquiries, Providing detailed estimates for client Projects. He works closely alongside Northern Project Advisor, Luke Haslam and Production Co-ordinator, Heather Dean, at the Logistics North depot, Bolton.
Outside of work he enjoys European city breaks, Following his football team Wigan Athletic around the country. Lee also enjoys hiking alongside his Patterdale Terrier ‘Rex'.
Following graduation from Hull University in American History, Luke began his IPS journey in 2016 as a Graduate Intern. He was based in the original production facility based in Long Marston, where he worked alongside Vit and Pedro. After a short 6 months he took a 15-month hiatus before returning in 2018 as Production Co-ordinator and Estimator.
After 2+ years in the role Luke was promoted in 2021 to Northern Project Advisor. In his new role he helps guide artists, architects and designers through their bespoke schemes and projects. Based in the brand-new facility at Logistics North in Bolton, he covers Northern England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and North Wales.
Outside of work Luke enjoys playing and watching sports, including rugby for Bury RUFC. He also loves travelling and cooking (best Lamb Madras between here and India!).
Mathew has always looked for the materials to use in the 'macro' and advising the optimum material choice to suit function at every scale. This has been underpinned by a thorough understanding of the materials' technical properties that can fulfil their use and performance for any given project. Within the 'macro' there also has to be the 'micro' to create an artistic attraction by everyone involved. Mathew also encourages innovation, in both concept design and production, sanctioning the investment in incredible craftsmen and women and unique state-of-the-art machinery that can produce 'unseen before' treatments, embellishments and results.
In January 2019 Murielle joined IP Surfaces Ltd (part of the Hardscape Group) as Southern Project Advisor to collaborate with artists, designers, architects, interior designers, graphic designers and art commissioners in all aspects of their bespoke projects.
In her spare time Murielle loves to spend time on her allotment growing her own vegetables and is a passionate follower of Reading Football Club and loves the cinema, especially French movies! She also organises events for the LGBT+ group in Reading, which she founded, with now over a thousand members.
Job Titles:
- Design and Manufacturing Programmer
Nathan joined IP Surfaces in July 2017 as a Design Co-ordinator. Nathan's main duties consists of producing programs for the various manufacturing machines and producing design drawings for customers. He works closely alongside Production Manager, Pedro Leal and Production Co-ordinator, Heather Dean at the Logistics North depot, near Bolton.
Outside of work he enjoys the occasional city break and visiting English heritage sites. Nathan also enjoys hiking around his local area and going to the gym.
Pedro joined the IP Surfaces team in March 2017 as a CNC Production Programmer. With over 13 years in the masonry industry, he has developed a true passion for the trade as well as great experience as a CNC programmer and team leader. This commitment and passion has led his responsibilities to fulfil his current role as Production Manager at our depot and production facilities at Logistics North near Bolton.
In his spare time Pedro likes to let his inner child out and has many competitive gaming sessions with his friends! He also loves all good food and ventures often into the world of fine cuisine and cooking.
Sam joined IP Surfaces in December 2020 as Creative Co-ordinator after previously working for a car care company within the marketing department for 7 years. Sam collaborates closely with the team at Logistics North developing our 3D modelling capabilities and recreating designs on surfaces of all types of material shapes and sizes.
He enjoys spending time with his family, especially going for walks in the countryside, mountain biking, the odd round of golf whilst endeavouring to watch every type of sport possible including supporting his favourite football team, Manchester United.
Vit joined IP Surfaces in 2005 working at our original Long Marston site near Stratford-upon Avon. Vit is our General Manager and oversees all operations and staff through IP Surfaces Logistics North depot near Bolton.