Meet The Team

Lisa Thomson

Managing Director

Lisa was a co-founder of Simplex at its’ incorporation in 1998 and her dedication to the success of the business meant that she undertook a variety of roles and responsibilities that led to her appointment as Managing Director in 2007.

Lisa has worked in the decorative lighting industry since 1988 and greatly values the mentoring programme provided by her two senior colleagues. That experience included working through all levels of the business from starting as a temp in the sales office, managing the warehouse, heading the design team and product managing the lighting ranges for several major retailer customers.

‘We are proud to work with some of the biggest manufacturers in the leisure homes industry as our Trade customers and we also supply decorative domestic lighting to the main online platform retailers. As a Company we are fortunate to have a loyal and committed team and that assists us greatly in giving our customers great quality products and unrivalled service levels.’

David Tattersall

Sales Director

Dave joined the company in 2004 as Sales Director with responsibility for sourcing, buying and selling the products. Having worked in the lighting industry since 1988 in a number of roles, dealing with everyone from corner shops to the major supermarket chains, the knowledge and experience gained has been invaluable in helping Simplex grow to where they are today.

After studying Accountancy at North Staffordshire University he started his working life training to be an accountant but after only a couple of years made the move to selling lights and hasn’t looked back since, that is apart from a brief, but enlightening, spell selling Ironing Boards and Dishcloths to the major DIY chains.

Being born and bred in Accrington, Dave is proud to have spent several seasons playing semi-professional football for Accrington Stanley, amongst others, in a long playing career but old age and injuries caught up with him some time ago so his hobbies are now resigned to watching sport whilst boring his kids with stories about ‘what it was like when I was a lad’.

Anthony Sweeney

Operations Director

Tony joined the company in 2001 to manage the production and warehouse facility, bringing with him years of technical knowledge and experience in a manufacturing environment within the lighting industry.

Before joining the team at Simplex he gained a wide range of experience working in warehousing, production and Quality Control where he developed an appreciation of good Health and Safety practices, British and European standards, and manufacturing procedures, which he was able to pass on to his staff and colleagues to ensure the continuing improvements in the way the company operates.

A proud Yorkshireman, Tony has navigated the Pennines daily for many years come rain or shine; bringing with him the wit and wisdom that comes from a lifetime of working in a manufacturing environment. In his spare time he enjoys a round of golf to ease the frustrations of his busy schedule but that feeling usually only lasts about 5 holes!

JULIE WARD

Finance Manager

Julie joined as Finance Manager in April 2017, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in finance. She started her career in accountancy practice, specialising in the audit of small and medium sized companies, and after 18 years, made the switch into commerce and industry. Prior to joining Simplex, she spent 8 years as Finance Director at an independent wholesale and distribution company in North Manchester.

During her first year with Simplex, Julie headed up the company’s transition to a new ERP system and has played a key part in the improvement of systems and streamlining the business processes. “I enjoy working on projects and love seeing a long term plan come to fruition as a result of a great team effort”

The majority of her spare time is spent at her holiday home in the Ribble Valley and she is currently learning to speak Spanish!

MARK PATTISON

Product Manager

Mark has been with Simplex since its’ incorporation in 1998 and his integral position as Product Manager means that he ensures the business has the stock required by our customers. Mark is tasked with the purchasing and import of stock from our worldwide supply base.

Prior to working in the Lighting Industry, Mark has experience of working in an FMCG environment and in Licensed Sportswear distribution, where he dealt with Blue Chip companies delivering results on time, every time.

At work, Mark likes to eat pies. When not at work, Mark enjoys playing golf, watching sport and spending time with his family.

Anthony Travis

Quality Assurance Lead

Anthony started at Simplex in May 2021 as the Quality Assurance Lead, He has been working in the lighting industry since 1990 where he started at ACDC lighting where he worked for 31 years, which included working in Production and Installation. He worked his way up to Production Manager and has worked in Quality Assurance since 2012, gaining vast knowledge along the way.

His out of work interests are running and the occasional bike ride, but you will mainly find him trail running over the moors which is his happy place.

DANIELLE HEY

Senior Office Administrator

Danielle joined Simplex in July of 2014 as an Administration Assistant bringing 5 years’ experience with her. She has progressed to become Senior Office Administrator and now also assists in the finance department.

This role involves the running of the administration in the sales office and ensuring the warehouse have everything they need to fulfil customer orders promptly.

Danielle studied IT at Nelson & Colne College alongside Mathematics & English passing all 3 courses. After completing IT Danielle worked in various roles and found Administration/Accounting suits her best. In 2022 Danielle completed an AAT level 2 Accounting qualification course.

In her spare time Danielle is a keen gym goer and enjoys long walks in the countryside, alongside spending time with her family.

‘I enjoy working at Simplex, communicating with colleagues and customers and being part of an excellent team!’