At SMART Balustrades, we provide expertly designed and installed balustrade systems that combine safety, style, and long-lasting quality. From staircases and balconies to Juliette balconies and platforms, our solutions are tailored to meet the demands of each project while ensuring full compliance with building regulations. Backed by over 133 years of combined team experience, we take pride in delivering installations that are both practical and visually striking.
Whether you are planning a new build, a refurbishment, or a bespoke installation, SMART Balustrades can help bring your ideas to life. Our team collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and homeowners to design solutions that are cost-effective, durable, and easy to install. From concept through to completion, we’ll make sure your project runs smoothly and achieves the flawless finish you’re looking for.
Choosing SMART means choosing peace of mind. Every project is managed by an experienced team that ensures precision, quality, and compliance at every stage, so you can trust that your balustrade is built to last.
Our balustrades are meticulously crafted for lasting quality and safety.
Elevate your space with our cutting-edge, stylish balustrades.
Tailored to your unique vision, ensuring a perfect fit for your project.
Trust our experts with years of industry knowledge and precision.
We prioritise safety without compromising aesthetics.
We’re here to guide you through the process with top-notch customer care.
We’re committed to eco-friendly practices and responsible materials.
Explore our portfolio for transformations that speak for themselves.
Our success comes from the expertise and commitment of the people behind SMART Balustrades. With decades of shared experience, our team takes pride in delivering projects with precision and care, always focused on achieving the best results for our clients.
Managing Director / Co-Founder
Contracts Director / Co-Founder
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Manager
CAD Technician
Managing Director / Co-Founder
David Hough, Managing Director and Co-Founder of SMART Balustrades began his journey in the balustrade industry at 16 as a Trainee Estimator. Progressing swiftly through roles including CAD Draughtsman, Surveyor, and Contracts Manager, he honed his expertise at Laidlaw Balustrades for over a decade. With a passion for innovation, David returned to Laidlaw as a Director before co-founding SMART Balustrades. Specialising in handrails, balustrades, contracts, and sales, David leverages his extensive experience to drive SMART Balustrades forward. As the youngest-ever Director at Laidlaw Interiors Group, his dedication and leadership are evident. Outside of work, David is dedicated to health and discipline, starting his days at the gym at 5 am. Family time, cars, motorcycles, and good food round out his leisure pursuits. His mantra: “Work hard over the things you can control and don’t lose sleep over the rest of it,” reflects his approach to both business and personal success.
Contracts Director / Co-Founder
Jonathan Hough, Co-Founder and Contracts Director at SMART Balustrades, brings over a decade of experience in the handrails industry. Starting as a trainee Draughtsman, he evolved into roles such as Estimator, Product Manager, and Technical Sales Manager, mastering skills from drawing to contract management. As Contracts Director, Jonathan ensures flawless execution of projects, from program management to quality assurance. His adept problem-solving and communication skills shine in high-pressure situations, delivering exceptional results, including prestigious projects like the Fairmont Windsor Park countryside hotel and spa. Outside of work, Jonathan prioritises family, fitness, and adventure. Whether competing in bodybuilding or exploring the cosmos as an amateur astronomer, he approaches life with curiosity and determination, embodying Albert Einstein’s words: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Project Manager
Nigel Higgins, Project Manager at SMART Balustrades, brings over three decades of mechanical engineering and project management expertise to his role. With a foundation in HNC Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience at Laidlaw Ltd and SMART Balustrades, Nigel excels in overseeing projects from inception to completion. His meticulous approach ensures perfection in every detail, from site meetings to material ordering, while overcoming installation challenges and adhering to regulations and standards. Nigel’s contributions span notable projects like the Mander Centre and Silverstone Race Track, and he’s dedicated to nurturing talent within the organisation. Outside of work, Nigel finds joy in family life and supporting Walsall Football Club. Guided by the mantra, “This is the beginning of the rest of your life!” he approaches each day with enthusiasm and determination, aiming for positive impacts personally and professionally.
Project Manager
Dave Unitt, Project Manager at SMART Balustrades, brings over eight years of expertise in handrails and balustrades to his role. Starting at Laidlaw UK, Dave mastered estimating, project costing, and draughtsmanship before seamlessly transitioning to SMART Balustrades in 2018. His commitment to excellence shines in tasks from site surveys to CAD drawings, ensuring tailored solutions that exceed expectations. With milestones like SMSTS certification and approaching five years at SMART Balustrades, Dave’s dedication is evident. Outside of work, Dave cherishes family time and indulges in hobbies like watching movies and TV shows, dancing to hip hop and planning DIY projects. Dave does not enjoy shopping or exercise but believes a slice of cake can solve most of life’s problems. Dave is committed to delivering exceptional results while fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues at SMART Balustrades.
Project Manager
Lee Thompson, Project Manager at SMART Balustrades, brings over two decades of construction industry experience and a passion for excellence to his role. His journey has evolved from an AutoCAD Designer to roles such as Project Manager and Sales Representative, with expertise honed at companies like Laidlaw Interiors Group and Komfort Partitioning Ltd. Lee manages a diverse portfolio of projects, overseeing every detail from order placement to completion. His skills in site surveys, design drawings, and procurement processes ensure the successful delivery of each project. With proficiency in sales, design, estimating, and management, Lee excels as a versatile handrail and balustrade specialist. Noteworthy projects like the F1 Arcade, St Paul’s, and the RSPCA Animal Centre showcase his dedication and expertise. Lee is committed to fostering a supportive team environment, mentoring younger colleagues, and contributing to collective success. In his downtime, Lee enjoys running, movies, mountaineering, and hosting barbecues with loved ones.
CAD Technician
Sukhi Bassi, CAD Technician at SMART Balustrades, brings over eight years of experience and a dynamic approach to balustrade design and construction technology. With a Bachelor’s degree in Building Surveying and a Master’s degree in Building Information Modelling, Sukhi excels in project management and technical design. Her responsibilities include managing projects from design to installation, resolving challenges, and ensuring smooth execution. Sukhi’s expertise in technical detailing and Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows her to deliver innovative solutions and streamline processes for optimal efficiency and quality control. Outside of work, Sukhi is passionate about interior design, sampling good food and is the self-appointed “queen of socials” – often arranging team-building events. With a playful spirit, she brings fun to the workplace while embodying the ethos of keeping SMART Balustrades classy, sassy, and a bit bad-assy since 2021.
Ready to get started? Submit your enquiry and our team will be in touch to discuss your project requirements.
At SMART Balustrades, everything we do is guided by positivity, collaboration, and excellence. These values shape the way we work with our clients and with each other.
To be the trusted name in precision-engineered balustrades — delivering innovation, compliance, and craftsmanship that define the future of safe, high-performance construction.
We’re committed to delivering excellence in every project. By the end of the year, we’ll achieve 100% customer retention, secure 50 new clients, and maintain a 98% happiness score — because when clients think balustrades, they think SMART.
We stay positive under pressure, work together with our clients and colleagues, and deliver excellence through safe, timely, and flawless installations.
Explore our gallery of recent installations to see how we’ve transformed projects with precision-engineered balustrades and seamless finishes.
SMART Balustrades was chosen to support the restoration of Reynard House, supplying balustrades and handrails that balanced modern safety with the building’s historic character.
The Broadleaves Extra Care facility aimed to create a welcoming and secure environment for its residents. This project emphasised the importance of safety and aesthetics throughout the facility.
SMART Balustrades transformed the rooftop terrace at Derry Farm House with a secure structural glass balustrade that ensured safety without compromising the view.
SMART Balustrades enhanced Autocab’s new Manchester offices with sleek, secure balustrades that complemented the industrial-meets-modern design.