Meet the Team
Alex Mamas Dip GAI, MGAI, RegAI
Managing Director & Sustainability Director
Upon leaving school in 1984 I commenced work with Poole Waite and Co Ltd. I was initially responsible for goods inwards and dispatch before becoming involved with the sales department.
In 1987 I started studying for the highly regarded Guild of Architectural Ironmongery exams which I subsequently passed with distinction in 1990.
My hobbies include restoring classic motor cars and bikes with the main marque being Jaguar (E type and XK 120). I have been extremely fortunate to have worked on original C and D types. Keeping fit has played a large part of my life since my teenage years and I still try to get into the gym three or four times a week.
Any other spare time is usually spent with the family.
Email: alex@poolewaite.co.uk
Maxine Mamas
Finance Director
I joined Poole Waite in 1993 following 12 years within the finance industry during which time I obtained my ACIB qualification. My roles included lending decisions for a wide variety of businesses and delivering Sales and Service training courses.
My role within Poole Waite is very varied and includes overviewing the sales and purchase ledgers, all staff and personnel matters, marketing, website and brochure development and on occasions, act as PA to Alex.
Outside of work I enjoy walking my two German Shepherd dogs, spending time with family or friends and sharing the company of my grown up sons. The latter can include watching F1, obscure documentaries about conflicts and political issues, past and present in various countries around the world or just chilling in the garden.
Since the shutdown ended I have pursued my passion for travel and recent visits include Marrakesh, Fez, Almaty and Istanbul. Hoping to do Hong Kong next year.
Favourite takeaway has to be a good Indian.
Email: maxine@poolewaite.co.uk
Claire Osmon DipFD, CiAH
Head of Client Relations & Sustainability Executive
I joined Poole Waite in 2019 as National Business Development Manager, prior to which I worked sales management in the automated garage door industry. My earlier background is in accounts and book-keeping.
Architectural Ironmongery is a new and exciting industry to me so I'm currently studying for the Certificate in Architectural Hardware, following on to the Diploma in the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery.
Part of my role as Business Development Manager at Poole Waite is to continue building on our excellent customer service. Alongside this, developing new customer relations whilst ensuring our existing customers' needs are met. I work closely with a number of fire door companies which really piques my interest. I have also played a significant role in the continued development, and launch, of our Antimicrobial Ironmongery.
One of my passions is cooking, especially spicy food! I turned this hobby into a successful mobile catering business for a few years and catered at events including the Ideal Home Show, British Formula 1 and music festivals. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially if that involves holidays. One of my children lives in sunny Dubai so I'm fortunate to spend time there a few times a year.
Email: claire@poolewaite.co.uk Mobile no: 07734 898948
John Hutson Dip GAI
General Manager
Having moved from the builders merchants to ironmongery, I obtained my Diploma in the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery whilst employed with Comyn Ching. I was made redundant from there after eight years, and I joined Poole Waite a year later in 1998. I became general manager a year or so later. I have certainly seen a lot of change in this time. My role as general manager covers a wide range, including transport, warehouse, trade counter, sales and helping the day to day running of the business.
My weekends normally start with an early Saturday 6-8km jog, including a workout on the local outside gym. Then it's time for gardening/ decorating etc. Quality time with family, friends and my church is always a priority.
A good Italian meal has to be top of my list.
Email: john@poolewaite.co.uk
nick Eve Dip GAI, MGAI
Business Development Manager
I have worked in the ironmongery trade for many years after starting at a builder’s merchant at 18, in that time I have worked in many different roles and seen much change in the industry. In any role I have worked in, I have always done my best to help customers with advice or any problems they may have. There's no better feeling at the end fo the day than a customer saying thank you.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and our rescue staffie who is 15 years young and still thinks she’s a puppy. I can also never resist a good takeaway every once in a while. My other passion is looking after and driving my classic mini cooper, especially to many different car events country-wide like the London to Brighton run.
Email: nickeve@poolewaite.co.uk
Chris Mamas
Account Manager
At Poole Waite I primarily deal with sales, scheduling and estimating. I also undertake site visits when required to do so in and around London.
Outside of work I enjoy classic car restoration, having a pint with a cigar and travelling in the UK and worldwide.
Email: chris@poolewaite.co.uk
Nik Byrne Dip GAI, MGAI, DipFD
Account Manager
I joined Poole Waite and the Industry over 18 years ago.
My role includes technical consultations with clients and specification sales.
Outside of work I have a keen eye for architecture and regularly enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of London's iconic buildings and points of interest during the weekends. When not in London, I can often be found high in the skies of Kent training for my gyroplane pilot licence.
Email: nikb@poolewaite.co.uk
Matt Stokes
Account Manager
I have been with Poole Waite and Co Ltd for over 16 years now and have a varied role. This includes all aspect of sales including quotations, scheduling, site visits, serving at our busy trade counter and processing customer orders.
When not at work I enjoy spending my time with my young son.
Email: matt@poolewaite.co.uk
Sheila Fearey
Senior Accounts Administrator
I have worked in the Ironmongery industry with Poole Waite now for 20 years. Prior to that I held positions with a couple of airline companies.
Whilst being able to deal with all aspects of accounts for the business I now deal mainly with the Purchase ledger but also overview and provide support to the Sales ledger if required. My role is extremely varied and at times pressurised, but I thoroughly enjoy all the challenges it throws at me. Since Covid I now work part of the week from home, going into the office once or twice as needed.
My hobbies include gardening, decorating, and crafting. Like many others I also really enjoy going on holidays and can't wait to be able to start travelling again.
Email: sheila@poolewaite.co.uk
Leigh-Ann Harris-Seaton
Accounts Officer
Hi, my name is Leigh-Ann Harris-Seaton. I have been at this position for about 4 years now and I'm really enjoying my time working with the team here.
From invoicing to credit control, filing to contacting customers, there is always something to do, and I find every task a great way to really build my experience in the field.
So, a bit about me, myself, and I... I am the second eldest child out of six and the mother of an 8-year-old boy. I can honestly say that becoming a mother has been the best experience of my life thus far and don't think there is much that is more rewarding. I gained a real true love in parenting and enjoy every single part of it.
I see myself as a responsible adult with a real passion for life and everything that comes with it. I like to set myself challenges and will always do my best to achieve them. The accomplishments can really be so rewarding when you put your mind and dedication to something so that is what I try to do in most aspects of my life!
So that's just a little about me. Thank you for taking the time to read.
Email: leigh-ann@poolewaite.co.uk
Mark Spruhan
Deliveries
The job title says it all… whether it's joining the traffic queues delivering to the City and West End or longer journeys out and about I look to ensure you have your goods in a timely fashion.
When not behind the wheel I like to spend time with my family and friends or chill out with the family dog. I also enjoy watching a good game of football.
Email: sales@poolewaite.co.uk
Nikitah Patel
E-commerce & Social Media Coordinator
My role at Poole Waite involves creating content for social media platforms, managing product inventory across the website and sales channels, designing marketing materials and assisting with admin when required.
Prior to joining Poole Waite in 2019 I studied Fine Art at university, so I enjoy the creative aspects of my role here.
Outside of work I like visiting botanical gardens in different cities across the UK and overseas.
Email: nikitah@poolewaite.co.uk
Nicky Klein
Business Development & Sustainability Executive
I joined the team at Poole Waite in November 2022, working within the business development team. My role is to engage with new and existing customers.
I recently returned to the UK after living for 15 years in New Zealand, where I worked in tourism.
Email: nicky@poolewaite.co.uk
Mark Martin (ALIAS Ginge)
Fabrication & Workshop Manager
I have been with the company for many years now and have responsibility in ensuring all our fabrication and special finish orders are dealt with correctly and in a timely fashion.
When not at work, given the opportunity, I will go for a weekend away with my partner or else catch up with one of my daughters and sometimes a grandchild or two.
Email: sales@poolewaite.co.uk
