Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Mark Smith

Egremont,Cumbria

Summary

A highly motivated and autonomous professional with a deep understanding of orthotic appliances, their use, and fit, gained over 30 years of experience in the orthotic industry. Known for establishing strong interpersonal relationships and the need for orthoses in health care, emphasising the need for patient compliance. Demonstrates business intelligence while being resourceful and creative with meticulous attention to detail, Organised and hardworking with a reputation as an independent yet collaborative team player. Adaptable and resilient under pressure, reliable and punctual in all endeavours. Articulate, attentive, empathetic, and well-regarded within the industry.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education

Work history

Director, R & D, Clinic & Production Manager

Lakeland Orthotics Ltd
Hull, East Yorkshire
02.2015 - Current
  • Established and managed extensive B2B Orthotics Manufacturing and Supplier client base throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe
  • Supplied custom-made and stock products to the NHS
  • Provided orthotic product demonstrations to B2B clients and at trade stands
  • Created and managed an e-commerce store, dealing effectively and efficiently with mostly B2C customer inquiries and after-sales support
  • Overseen a successful private patient and NHS referral orthotics clinic and supported the orthotist with fit and modification of devices where needed
  • Achieved customer satisfaction with regular feedback and improvement sessions
  • Attended industry conferences for new product knowledge, networking and client acquisition
  • Designed custom orthotic devices to improve patient mobility and alleviate discomfort for private clients, NHS clinic referrals and B2B clients.
  • Modified existing orthotic devices to meet patient requirements and improve functionality
  • Manufactured custom-fit orthotic devices such as spring and elastic hernia supports, AFO’s, KAFO’s, insoles, and a wide range of custom-fit and off-the-shelf soft fabric products to support the body from head to foot
  • Streamlined workshop processes, reducing device production times while maintaining quality ( 5 S system )
  • Implemented quality control measures to verify that all orthotic devices met stringent standards
  • Custom-fitted orthopaedic devices, such as braces and supports, ensure optimal patient comfort, functionality and satisfaction
  • Led a team of up to 11 employees across 5 departments
  • Trained new staff, including junior technicians, sharing expertise and promoting best practices
  • Managed inventory of materials and equipment, conducting regular audits to prevent shortages and address customers' needs
  • Implemented quality control measures to verify that all orthotic devices met stringent standards
  • Produced spreadsheets for the managing director to aid business planning and productivity
  • Consistently delivered results under pressure to meet tight deadlines and the demands of a small but diverse business
  • Participated in orthotic research projects, collecting data and contributing to improved patient outcomes, while staying abreast of orthotic innovations and advancements in technology and materials for optimum patient compliance

Managing Director | Orthotics Technician

E. Smith & Co (Surgical)
Hull, East Yorkshire
01.1991 - 02.2015
  • Acquired expertise in manufacturing orthoses from age 16 under family mentorship.
  • Assumed leadership of the business, established in 1945 at age 25, expanding into rehabilitation and fabric orthoses.
  • Established manufacturing partnerships with large orthotic suppliers, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and occupational therapists.
  • Contributed insights during multidisciplinary team meetings to enhance patient care.
  • Pursued continuous professional development through workshops and seminars to deepen orthotic knowledge.
  • Managed inventory of materials and components to ensure consistent service delivery.

Education

NVQ Level 2 - Team Leading

Highfield
01.2018 - 01.2019

NVQ Level 2 - Limited Orthotics fitter

University of Salford
Manchester
/2002 - /2003

BA Hons - Museum and Spatial Design

University of Lincoln
Kingston upon hull
/1990 - /1992

BTEC - Museum and Spatial Design

Hull College
Kingston Upon Hull
/1988 - /1990

GCSEs -

South Hunsley School
Welton, East Yorkshire

Skills

  • Establishing interpersonal relationships
  • Deep understanding of orthotic appliances, their use and fit
  • Discernment of the industry and the need for patient compliance
  • Business intelligence, operations, markets, customers and value
  • Highly motivated and autonomous
  • Resourceful and creative with attention to detail
  • Organised and proactive contributor
  • Loyal, honest and hardworking
  • Independent and collaborative team player
  • Adaptable and resilient under pressure
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Articulate, attentive and empathetic
  • Well-known and liked in the industry

Affiliations

  • Director of Holistic Reflections CIC, a non-profit organisation
  • Enjoy fell walking, swimming, snorkelling, travelling and being in nature
  • Loves animals and helps care for family pets including 3 horses, cats and a dog
  • Happily married for 20 years and no dependents

Timeline

NVQ Level 2 - Team Leading

Highfield
01.2018 - 01.2019

Director, R & D, Clinic & Production Manager

Lakeland Orthotics Ltd
02.2015 - Current

Managing Director | Orthotics Technician

E. Smith & Co (Surgical)
01.1991 - 02.2015

NVQ Level 2 - Limited Orthotics fitter

University of Salford
/2002 - /2003

BA Hons - Museum and Spatial Design

University of Lincoln
/1990 - /1992

BTEC - Museum and Spatial Design

Hull College
/1988 - /1990

GCSEs -

South Hunsley School
Mark Smith