Premier Retail

SMC project Services

SMC
Written by Roma Publications

SMC – Success built an consistent excellence

SMC

Building lasting working relationships with an impressive portfolio of prestigious clients within the retail sector is key to the ongoing success and continued growth of SMC project Services.

From its base in Somerset, SMC Project Services was set up in 2002 when Managing Director Simon Cornelius saw a gap in the market to work with retailers to provide them with quality end to end shop fitting and refurbishment services.

SMC’s experienced team operates nationally and specialises in managing and delivering retail shop fitting, as well as supporting clients with maintenance following the build of the project. The key team members have a unique business proposition in that they have a thorough understanding of working in retail, as well as how to build a project.

SMC has worked with many big retail names including, Moss Bros, Cook Foods, Reebok, Clarks, Kurt Geiger, The Tower of London, Fortnum and Mason, The Donkey Sanctuary and Heidi Klein.

The company recently worked with Mint Velvet on the development of their first UK stand-alone store in a non high-street location at Bluewater. SMC Projects were responsible for project management and all of the fit out elements.

Commenting on working with Mint Velvet, Nickie Cornelius Commercial Director at SMC Projects said: “We have worked with Mint Velvet from the beginning of their start-up and we are proud to have been part of this key project, which is their first UK shopping centre boutique.”

A project involving the creation of a new visitor shop within the iconic Grade I listed Tower of London’s White Tower was recently completed by SMC Projects, working with architects Kinnersley Kent Design and Hartwood Joinery, who supplied all the merchandise display units.

The challenging scheme involved the implementation of a purpose-fit retail design into the building, while maintaining the historic architecture as a main feature.

SMC

Nickie Cornelius said: “The shop is in a high profile location opposite the Crown Jewels and the works involved the complete strip out of the old shop interior, together with re-fitting and re-painting of the space. It was important to carry out the works with careful consideration of the historic building fabric.

“As we have carried out three previous projects at the Tower of London and have built up a working relationship with this client, we were aware of the special requirements of the project and felt very privileged to be carrying out another scheme in this historic location.

“The project went well with everything running smoothly.”

Another recent scheme carried out by SMC Project Services involved the creation of a new store concept at the flagship Chelsea store of luxury swimwear and holiday wear retailer Heidi Klein, to serve as a launchpad for the business’s next phase of international expansion.

The store layout is divided into key domestic zones such as living room, bedroom and veranda, creating a ‘lifestyle’ environment for the range which includes après-beachwear, menswear, children’s wear and accessories.

The walls, flooring and ceiling are white, with an accent colour of soft gold, plus occasional green palms to add freshness.

Nickie Cornelius said: “Again we worked with Kinnersley Kent Design on this project, which was the first we had carried out for Heidi Klein.

“Here the critical vision was to create a relaxing ‘holiday’ type ambience for this high end luxury brand. The fit out included lots of bespoke woodwork including skirtings, to help achieve the designers’ vision of creating an informal atmosphere in a luxury environment.

“The project was very much a success.”

Based on their performance on their first project for new client Moss Bros., SMC Project Services were invited to carry out two further schemes for the company.

Drawing upon 165 years of expertise in suits and tailoring, Moss Bros. provide a versatile range of menswear geared to inspire and guide men to finding the perfect outfit for every occasion

SMC Projects’ first project for the client involved the creation of a new store in Telford.

Nicky Cornelius said: “The project involved stripping out the original space and the creation of a complete new store, including all the fitting out and painting works. This was an important scheme for us as it is the first menswear client we have worked for and added a new dimension to our extensive portfolio, demonstrating versatility.

“The project went very well and was handed back on time and on budget.

“Since then we have carried out two further projects for Moss Bros. in Belfast and Newbury, reflecting our ethos of building long lasting relationships with our clients.”

SMC’s diligence with every project ensures clarity at instruction, professional and efficient conduct on site and quality of finish with the final product. The team at SMC are focused on building trust and a strong relationship with the client to really understand their final vision.

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Roma Publications