Alex — Director

Alex grew up on the mean streets of West Dartford and has never been afraid of hard work, responsibility, or a challenge—especially not the kind that involves building a business from scratch.

As a Director at Nitor, Alex is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s plans and objectives, overseeing day-to-day operations, and ensuring each department continues to move in the right direction. He also plays a key role in hiring new staff (office and site-based), supporting training and development, and maintaining compliance with both external regulations and internal policies.

Before the world of ventilation, Alex started his working life at 16 as an apprentice locksmith—doing everything from cutting keys to breaking into Mrs Jones’ house after she left the hob on. He describes it as a brilliant start to his career… but soon realised he needed something bigger to match his ambition.

Like most people, Alex didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in ventilation—but an opportunity came up through a friend, and he jumped at it. After a steep learning curve, he became fully immersed in mechanical services and built strong knowledge across estimating, design, and product expertise.

Years later, when that company was being sold, Alex and his mate Nathan decided to take the leap and start out on their own. In 2017, Nitor Ventilation was born—founded with a personal loan each and a tatty old Vauxhall estate… and somehow, against all odds, they went on to take on the world.

“The best part about working at Nitor is seeing it grow into what it is today—two lads from a comprehensive school, a leap of faith, and now a company of 35+ staff in under 8 years.”

Alex’s proudest professional accomplishment?

Nitor Ventilation. Enough said.

Favourite Football Team & Player ? West Ham Julian Dicks LEGEND

Favourite Album? Pearl Jam – TEN

Nathan — Director

Nathan Websdale grew up in Dartford and has spent his career firmly rooted in the ventilation industry. Starting work at Heartfield Ventilation & AC at just 16, Nathan built years of hands-on experience before deciding to take the leap into building something of his own.

That leap became Nitor Ventilation—sparked by what Nathan describes as “a crazy idea that running a company would be a good idea!” Luckily for all of us, it turned out to be a very good one.

As a Director at Nitor, Nathan is responsible for developing and implementing company plans and objectives, overseeing daily operations, and assessing progress across departments through regular internal meetings. He also plays a key role in recruiting new staff (both office and site based), supporting training and development through ongoing reviews, and ensuring the business remains compliant with external regulations and internal policies.

“ I love the team effort from everyone — a business doesn’t exist without its staff.”

Nathan is most proud of growing Nitor from scratch into a business of over 30 staff, achieving a turnover of more than £3.5 million—a huge achievement built on hard work, commitment, and a strong team around him.

Qualifications:

BTEC National Certification in Building Services

SVQ Level 6 in Heating & Ventilation

SMSTS

Claim to fame? – I was the first person in the UK to balance 10 mince pies on my head.

Favourite quote? – He who dares wins (Rodders!) 

Steve— Business Development Manager 

Steve is our Business Development Manager and is responsible for driving growth at Nitor by identifying new opportunities, building strong client relationships, and helping develop strategies that increase revenue. His role includes researching markets, generating leads, negotiating contracts, and working closely with internal teams to make sure our solutions meet client needs. In short, Steve helps keep Nitor moving forward, expanding our presence in the market, and securing long-term success.

Steve was born and bred in Hastings… (no one’s perfect) and has had what can only be described as a varied career journey. Before joining the ventilation industry, Steve worked as a butcher, a builder, and even a professional fundraiser (one of those really annoying people who catch you on the street)

For the last eight years, Steve has worked in the built environment ventilation services sector, always in sales-based roles. It’s through the industry that he came to know the Nitor team, having worked with us as a subcontractor for many years. After building a great working relationship, Nitor eventually made it official and offered Steve a role directly—on his youngest son’s birthday, no less. There was only one outcome for Steve… he had to go for it.

“The best part about working for Nitor is doing the right thing and our commitment to compliance.”

Steve’s proudest work achievements include still holding the record for the highest monthly sign-up total during his time fundraising with the RSPB, and more recently, securing a major contract for Nitor—proof that the gift of the gab can be used for good.

Steve holds a BSc (Hons) degree and is currently completing his damper design and selection qualification, adding even more technical strength to his sales expertise.

Favourite nickname - absolute shellhouse 

Claim to fame – Performed opera in front of the Queen

Rachel — Finance & Operations Manager

Rachael grew up in Kent and started her career working for a carpentry company supporting housebuilders—so she’s always been used to things needing to be done properly, on time, and without excuses.

She joined Nitor when she fancied a change from her previous role… and after Nathan asked her (several times) to come and work for him, until she finally gave in. Persistence works, apparently!

As Finance & Operations Manager, Rachael is the person making sure the numbers behave themselves (a mountain of a task in itself). She manages all finance-related matters, working closely with our external accountants to keep everything compliant with the latest regulations (including taxes—everyone’s favourite topic). Her role includes handling bills and invoices, monitoring cashflow, and helping keep the business running smoothly and sensibly. Alongside this, Rachael oversees the day-to-day running of the office and deals with whatever surprises crop up—often before anyone else has even had their first coffee.

“What I like most about working for Nitor is the people and being part of the company’s journey through periods of growth.”

Rachael is especially proud of completing her AAT and self-studying her CIMA qualifications up to Management level, all while balancing full-time work and family life—proving that organisation isn’t just part of her job title… it’s basically her superpower.

Favourite song? Bat Out of Hell by Meatloaf

The thing you most dislike? Disorganisation

Laura F — Accounts Assistant

Laura F grew up on a farm in Meopham, surrounded by fields, tractors, and horses. This varied and hands-on upbringing perhaps explains her adaptability and wide-ranging career path (and Laura's ability to make a cracking cuppa)

Before joining Nitor, Laura’s career covered just about everything. She worked with horses in Ireland and Australia, spent time in a children’s nursery (this helps with working at Nitor) worked as a PA and sales assistant for a fashion agency, took on EA roles, ran her own personal training business, and ultimately moved into finance as our Accounts Assistant.

Laura joined Nitor following redundancy and admits that timing worked perfectly on both sides. The role suited her location and fitted well around her PT clients, making it an ideal balance.

As Accounts Assistant, Laura supports the Finance Manager with day-to-day accounting tasks including processing invoices, managing purchase orders, reconciling bank statements, maintaining accurate financial records, and assisting with reporting and month-end processes.

“What I enjoy most about working at Nitor is the relaxed atmosphere, flexibility, and the fact that she successfully introduced the office dog” (A win by any standard)

Among her proudest achievements are running her own PT business alongside full-time work and, at Nitor, taking on the role of Head of Wellbeing—earning her the unofficial title of “most popular member of the team.” 

Favourite holiday destination? Fiji.

Greatest sporting moment? Not the greatest but have my 4th Hyrox doubles this year, aiming for a PB.. (better start training asap, Laura!)

Laura C — Admin Assistant / Operations Administrator

Laura C grew up in Bexley, Kent and brings a brilliant mix of experience and organisation to Nitor. Laura helps keep the business running smoothly behind the scenes, raising purchase orders, setting up quotations, and keeping on top of everything from staff training to fleet maintenance and insurance records (so the rest of us can sleep at night).

Before joining Nitor, Laura worked at Transco managing engineers, call-outs and rotas, before spending many years at Citibank as part of the Investment Banking Compliance Team. She also took on the role of Business Continuity Officer for Europe, the Middle East & Africa—and even won an award for it (not bad for a day’s work).

After taking time out to raise her children, Laura returned to roles involving customer support and engineer scheduling, making her a perfect fit when the opportunity at Nitor came up.

“What I value here at Nitor is the friendly, supportive atmosphere within the office and the feeling of being appreciated. I love that Nitor encourages both professional success and personal development.”

Laura is proud of the impact she’s made since joining and has become a key part of the Servicing & Maintenance Team—keeping things organised, on track, and running properly (even when it feels like everything’s happening at once!).

Claim to fame?  I once had a row Katie Price and made it into the Daily Star! True Story! (Laura didn’t think we would use this)

Greatest sporting moment? My sponsored swim for Macmillan at Brockwell Lido – its was freezing but worth it for the money we raised

Matt — Project Manager

Matt was born and raised in Essex, though he’s far from what most would call a “typical Essex boy.”

After studying Public Services at college, he quickly realised it wasn’t the path for him and turned his attention to the building industry. While on holiday, he happened to cross paths with a seasoned “tin basher,” as they’re known in the trade — and from that moment, he never looked back.

More than 15 years later, Matt had built a strong career on the tools, but he knew he wanted more. He set his sights on management, and with the support and guidance of Alex and Nathan, he learned the ropes and stepped confidently into a new chapter.

Today, he’s one of our much‑loved Project Managers, making waves across the company and proving exactly why that chance encounter all those years ago was meant to be.

“The best part of working at Nitor is feeling like part of a family rather than just another number”

One of his proudest achievements is successfully running Nitor’s largest project to date — and doing it with the kind of ease that comes from real expertise.

Over the years, Matt has built an impressive list of qualifications, including Fire Damper Level 5, an NVQ Level 6 in Heating and Ventilation, SSSTS, and most recently, his SMSTS.

Nickname: Matty 2 Pie

Pet peeve: People who lack common sense

Dave — Project Manager

Dave grew up in East Tilbury and is one of Nitor’s Project Managers—meaning he spends his days keeping jobs on track, on budget, and (most importantly) making sure nothing descends into chaos.

Dave is responsible for managing projects from start to finish, ensuring the deliverables stay within the scope and budget agreed at the start. He also works closely with site teams to keep health and safety front and centre, handling RAMS, toolbox talks, and general site compliance. On top of that, he deals directly with clients throughout the job to ensure everything is delivered to the standard expected—without any nasty surprises.

Before joining Nitor, Dave spent 14 years at DCUK, gaining the experience that makes him the calm, capable presence you want running a project when the pressure’s on.

Dave joined Nitor because he wanted to be part of a company with genuine ambition to grow, innovate, and improve. What he enjoys most is the strong support from colleagues and leadership—helping everyone move forward together… plus the free coffee, which Dave would probably rank as “essential to business continuity.”

“What I love most about Nitor is the competent support from colleagues and leadership that enables continuous improvement and progress, and the free coffee.”

One of Dave’s proudest accomplishments is helping Nitor grow from around 10 employees to over 30—proving that as the business expands, Dave can still keep things running smoothly… and keep the caffeine levels topped up.

What are you most afraid of? The missus

Favourite nickname? Dave The Rave

Brian— Warehouse Manager

Brian Websdale keeps our warehouse running like clockwork, making sure everything is stored safely, handled properly, and sent out on time (and in one piece). From stock control to coordinating deliveries and maintaining health & safety standards, 

Brian is the calm in the chaos—and the reason things don’t mysteriously “go missing.”

Brian began his career in 1971 with a five-year apprenticeship as a Boilermaker at Babcock Engineering, before going on to build an impressive career in the gas industry. He later became the Southeast Regional Gas Auditor for Dixons International, where he carried out assessments, organised training and qualifications, and dealt with everything from installation issues to disciplinary matters.

After retiring, Brian was convinced to “help out for a few hours” by his son… which, as it turns out, was a classic trap.

“What I like most about working at Nitor is working alongside family and the friendly, supportive atmosphere within the company.”

Despite leaving school at sixteen with no qualifications, Brian is proud of everything he’s achieved—earning multiple City & Guilds qualifications and assessor awards along the way.

His greatest fear - failure 

The one thing he dislikes most - people who waffle

Jordan- Project Manager

Jordan grew up in Dartford and plays a key role at Nitor as Project Manager, responsible for managing jobs from start to finish—making sure every project stays within scope, on budget, and delivered to the standard expected. He works closely with site staff to ensure health and safety is always a priority, including RAMS, toolbox talks, and general compliance on site. 

Jordan also deals directly with clients throughout the process, ensuring they’re kept informed and satisfied with the completed works.

Before joining Nitor, Jordan worked in office stationery sales—proving he’s always had a talent for keeping things organised… even if it used to involve more paper and fewer dampers.

Jordan’s route into the company was simple: his brother. (Some people apply through job sites… Jordan took the family shortcut!)

“What I enjoy most about working at Nitor is the variety. No two days are the same, and each project brings a new set of challenges keeping the role fast-paced and interesting”

Jordan is particularly proud of his fire safety achievements, including identifying and resolving an unreported fire safety risk in a high-risk sleeping accommodation building. He also led the full delivery of a fire safety system upgrade at a private boarding school, securing third-party certification and Building Control approval—an excellent example of the high standards he brings to every job.

Qualifications:

Level 2 – GT1F 04 (SCQF Level 5): Fire and Smoke Damper Certificate

Claim to fame? Worked with Jack Fincham (one for you love island fans) 

Favourite quote? “Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.”

Marley - Director of Morale

Marley grew up in Ebbsfleet, Kent, and has dedicated his entire professional career to Nitor—where he proudly holds the highly prestigious position of Director of Morale (and takes the job extremely seriously).

Marley joined the team after noticing staff looked like they needed cheering up, and he’s been raising spirits ever since—mainly through expert-level attention seeking, strategic heater positioning, and the occasional office patrol to ensure everyone is working hard (or at least looks busy).

When asked what he enjoys most about working at Nitor, Marley didn’t hesitate:

• Attention on tap

• Laying by the heater like it’s her full-time role

• Raiding  bins for leftover Pot Noodles (purely for quality control purposes, of course)

Marley’s proudest professional accomplishment is learning to bark at Matt if he doesn’t provide the required level of attention—an important skill for keeping standards high across the business.

As for qualifications, Marley claims to hold a Therapy Dog PhD. It’s not technically recognised… but we all agree it should be.

Favourite Pot Noodle Flavour? Beef

The thing you most dislike? Rain