At SMART Balustrades, we provide expertly designed and installed balustrade systems that combine safety, style, and long-lasting quality. From staircases and balconies to Juliette balconies and platforms, our solutions are tailored to meet the demands of each project while ensuring full compliance with building regulations. Backed by over 133 years of combined team experience, we take pride in delivering installations that are both practical and visually striking.
Whether you are planning a new build, a refurbishment, or a bespoke installation, SMART Balustrades can help bring your ideas to life. Our team collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and homeowners to design solutions that are cost-effective, durable, and easy to install. From concept through to completion, we’ll make sure your project runs smoothly and achieves the flawless finish you’re looking for.
Choosing SMART means choosing peace of mind. Every project is managed by an experienced team that ensures precision, quality, and compliance at every stage, so you can trust that your balustrade is built to last.
Our balustrades are meticulously crafted for lasting quality and safety.
Elevate your space with our cutting-edge, stylish balustrades.
Tailored to your unique vision, ensuring a perfect fit for your project.
Trust our experts with years of industry knowledge and precision.
We prioritise safety without compromising aesthetics.
We’re here to guide you through the process with top-notch customer care.
We’re committed to eco-friendly practices and responsible materials.
Explore our portfolio for transformations that speak for themselves.
Our success comes from the expertise and commitment of the people behind SMART Balustrades. With decades of shared experience, our team takes pride in delivering projects with precision and care, always focused on achieving the best results for our clients.
Managing Director / Co-Founder
Contracts Director / Co-Founder
Head of Sales/Estimating
Head of Project Operations
Production Manager
Senior Project Manager
Managing Director / Co-Founder
David Hough, Managing Director and Co-Founder of SMART Balustrades began his journey in the balustrade industry at 16 as a Trainee Estimator. Progressing swiftly through roles including CAD Draughtsman, Surveyor, and Contracts Manager, he honed his expertise at Laidlaw Balustrades for over a decade. With a passion for innovation, David returned to Laidlaw as a Director before co-founding SMART Balustrades. Specialising in handrails, balustrades, contracts, and sales, David leverages his extensive experience to drive SMART Balustrades forward. As the youngest-ever Director at Laidlaw Interiors Group, his dedication and leadership are evident. Outside of work, David is dedicated to health and discipline, starting his days at the gym at 5 am. Family time, cars, motorcycles, and good food round out his leisure pursuits. His mantra: “Work hard over the things you can control and don’t lose sleep over the rest of it,” reflects his approach to both business and personal success.
Contracts Director / Co-Founder
Jonathan Hough, Co-Founder and Contracts Director at SMART Balustrades, brings over a decade of experience in the handrails industry. Starting as a trainee Draughtsman, he evolved into roles such as Estimator, Product Manager, and Technical Sales Manager, mastering skills from drawing to contract management. As Contracts Director, Jonathan ensures flawless execution of projects, from program management to quality assurance. His adept problem-solving and communication skills shine in high-pressure situations, delivering exceptional results, including prestigious projects like the Fairmont Windsor Park countryside hotel and spa. Outside of work, Jonathan prioritises family, fitness, and adventure. Whether competing in bodybuilding or exploring the cosmos as an amateur astronomer, he approaches life with curiosity and determination, embodying Albert Einstein’s words: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Head of Sales/Estimating
Josie Oliveri, Head of Sales & Estimating at SMART Balustrades, boasts an impressive 22-year career in the handrail and balustrade industry. With expertise in estimating, customer service, and contract negotiation, Josie consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. In her three years with SMART Balustrades, Josie has played a pivotal role in securing large contracts, driving the company’s success forward. Guided by the belief in collective success, Josie is dedicated to propelling SMART Balustrades to new heights, one contract at a time. Beyond work, Josie finds joy in the simple pleasures of life and embraces her half-Italian heritage with fluency in the language. She embraces the rich cultural tapestry that shapes who she is.
Head of Project Operations
Lee Thompson, Head of Project Operations at SMART Balustrades, brings over two decades of construction industry experience and a passion for excellence to his role. His journey has evolved from an AutoCAD Designer to roles such as Project Manager and Sales Representative, with expertise honed at companies like Laidlaw Interiors Group and Komfort Partitioning Ltd. Lee manages a diverse portfolio of projects, overseeing every detail from order placement to completion. His skills in site surveys, design drawings, and procurement processes ensure the successful delivery of each project. With proficiency in sales, design, estimating, and management, Lee excels as a versatile handrail and balustrade specialist. Noteworthy projects like the F1 Arcade, St Paul’s, and the RSPCA Animal Centre showcase his dedication and expertise. Lee is committed to fostering a supportive team environment, mentoring younger colleagues, and contributing to collective success. In his downtime, Lee enjoys running, movies, mountaineering, and hosting barbecues with loved ones.
Production Manager
Tom Dopierala, Production Manager at SMART Balustrades, brings over 18 years of welding and fabrication expertise, with the last 8.5 years focused on balustrades. In his role, Tom oversees the meticulous fabrication of balustrade components and coordinates all factory activities to optimise workflow and efficiency. Specialising in TIG welding stainless steel, Tom ensures superior craftsmanship and quality. His journey from welder/fabricator to Production Manager highlights his dedication and leadership, inspiring his team to achieve excellence. Outside of work, Tom enjoys mountaineering, finding both challenge and solace in the great outdoors. He also indulges in building Lego structures at home, appreciating the creativity and relaxation it brings.
Senior Project Manager
Nigel Higgins, Senior Project Manager at SMART Balustrades, brings over three decades of mechanical engineering and project management expertise to his role. With a foundation in HNC Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience at Laidlaw Ltd and SMART Balustrades, Nigel excels in overseeing projects from inception to completion. His meticulous approach ensures perfection in every detail, from site meetings to material ordering, while overcoming installation challenges and adhering to regulations and standards. Nigel’s contributions span notable projects like the Mander Centre and Silverstone Race Track, and he’s dedicated to nurturing talent within the organisation. Outside of work, Nigel finds joy in family life and supporting Walsall Football Club. Guided by the mantra, “This is the beginning of the rest of your life!” he approaches each day with enthusiasm and determination, aiming for positive impacts personally and professionally.
Ready to get started? Submit your enquiry and our team will be in touch to discuss your project requirements.
At SMART Balustrades, everything we do is guided by positivity, collaboration, and excellence. These values shape the way we work with our clients and with each other.
To be the trusted name in precision-engineered balustrades — delivering innovation, compliance, and craftsmanship that define the future of safe, high-performance construction.
We’re committed to delivering excellence in every project. By the end of the year, we’ll achieve 100% customer retention, secure 50 new clients, and maintain a 98% happiness score — because when clients think balustrades, they think SMART.
We stay positive under pressure, work together with our clients and colleagues, and deliver excellence through safe, timely, and flawless installations.
Explore our gallery of recent installations to see how we’ve transformed projects with precision-engineered balustrades and seamless finishes.
SMART Balustrades was chosen to support the restoration of Reynard House, supplying balustrades and handrails that balanced modern safety with the building’s historic character.
The Broadleaves Extra Care facility aimed to create a welcoming and secure environment for its residents. This project emphasised the importance of safety and aesthetics throughout the facility.
SMART Balustrades transformed the rooftop terrace at Derry Farm House with a secure structural glass balustrade that ensured safety without compromising the view.
SMART Balustrades enhanced Autocab’s new Manchester offices with sleek, secure balustrades that complemented the industrial-meets-modern design.