Simon Mussell, Managing Director
Simon has worked within the commercial property industry since graduating from The Solent University in 2001 with an Honours degree in Real Estate Management and Construction. Simon has a wide breadth of experience having worked for one of the UK’s largest chartered surveying businesses before becoming self-employed in 2009.
For many years, Simon directed his efforts at acquiring and managing a portfolio of office investments. It was during this time that he experienced first-hand the challenges and high costs involved when refurbishing office space.
Together with co-founder Chris Mitchell they decided that there was a place in the market for a new brand of office refurbishment and fitting out – a company that delivered a fully managed service including design and space planning whilst still offering value. As such, Bluewood was born and today is Simon’s primary focus.
In his spare time, Simon loves to race his sailboat which he has been doing competitively since a young age. He also likes to hang out with his family and small dog Audrey……. And go to the pub!
Chris Mitchell, Finance Director
Chris has spent his entire career in the commercial property sector and over the years has developed several successful companies including a surveying practice, property investment company and interior fit-out business.
Qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 1989 he originally worked in London before starting his own practice in Southampton where he has remained ever since. Chris has a wealth of property industry experience with a spell in office agency and is particularly knowledgeable in the area of landlord and tenant law and property asset management. This background lends itself well to the procurement of refurbishment works as well as understanding the needs of modern office occupiers. It also gives Bluewood the added dimension of understanding commercial lease implications for both landlords and tenants including dilapidation issues that can arise.
In his spare time, Chris is a keen tennis player and a long-suffering supporter of Southampton Football Club.
Nicola Newland, Marketing & Operations Director
With a BSc Honours degree in Psychology & Literature, aside from Teaching, Nicola’s aspirations were for a career primarily focused on people and engagement. Beginning her career as a Personal Assistant gave Nicola the opportunity to build the foundations for a blended skill set transferable across multiple industries. Working for a large finance corporate, local government authorities, small and large agencies, leading global technology brands and retail partners has allowed Nicola to continue to develop and adapt those skills.
With key strengths in people management, client engagement, marketing strategy design and execution, analytics and communication, Nicola has delivered market leading and award-winning results.
As Bluewood Office Interiors continues to grow and evolve, Nicola’s most recent experience as Account Director in the Field Marketing industry is a natural partnership and key to continually driving the Bluewood Brand, building a robust infrastructure critical to ensuring we deliver for existing and prospective clients.
In her spare time, Nicola is a very keen yogi, and the ‘zen’ of regular yoga practice and mediation is her saving grace when keeping a chaotic family afloat!
Alison Hutt, Head of Accounts
With a passion for numbers, Alison studied Accountancy, Business & IT at A Level with a view to a career in Accountancy. Upon leaving College Alison secured a job through work experience as a Trainee in Practice where she spent 12 happy years, qualifying first as AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and then as an ACCA Chartered Accountant, (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
Working in Practice gave Alison the opportunity to expand her skills across a blend of different disciplines within Accountancy developing varied expertise and a broader knowledge of the many aspects involved in Accountancy. In addition to her qualifications and experience, the ability to communicate well with all people at all levels is a skill which Alison brings with her to Bluewood and is a great fit when liaising with Clients, Contractors and Suppliers alike.
In her spare time, Alison enjoys spending time with her young family and is a self-confessed shopaholic!
Patrick, Health & Safety Consultant
Patrick is the dedicated Health & Safety Consultant for us here at Bluewood. Although Patrick has an extensive expertise in this sector, he hasn’t always been a Health & Safety guru. Having left school at 16 he joined the army and served 23 years conducting many operational tours whilst gaining a wealth of life skills during his time serving Queen and country.
Upon leaving the military he moved into the world of Health & Safety working in a laboratory whilst learning to adjust to civilian life. Patrick completed his diploma to become a registered consultant and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) as well as an advanced Fire Risk Assessor for the FPA. Patrick and his Team at Summit Safety Solutions provide us with the crucial guidance and support to ensure Bluewood policies, risk assessments and H&S obligations are legal and compliant and that every single one of our sites and projects is run with Health & Safety as paramount.
Patrick considers himself an ex adrenalin junkie having completed many free-fall skydives, and riding motocross for a number of years but now tries to reduce risk and enjoys a quiet day’s fishing !
Cathy Perkins, Primary Designer
Cathy is an interior designer who joins the Team on a freelance basis and as Primary Designer. Specialising in commercial interiors Cathy has a passion for creating inspiring yet functional spaces which marries perfectly with our ethos here at Bluewood. Being able to understand a client’s brief and bring it to life in an innovative and exciting way is critical to the design process and one of Cathy’s greatest strengths. With a creative flair from a very young age Cathy had visions of becoming an artist but from the age of 15 decided on a career in interior design and as such achieved a BA Hons Degree in Interior Architecture.
Having clocked up 20 years’ experience working in the commercial office interiors sector, in 2016 Cathy took the plunge and set up her own interior design consultancy, CPia Ltd and her expertise lie in measured surveys, space planning, client presentations, full design packages and construction drawings. With an ability to work well under pressure Cathy is naturally suited to meet the demands of our business.
In her spare time Cathy loves to walk her 2 dogs, especially if it ties in with a pub lunch somewhere, film & theatre and spending time down in Cornwall when the opportunity arises.
Freya Wheeler, Junior Designer
Freya has joined us as a third year student on a four year Interior Architecture and Design course, currently spending a year with us before she goes back to do her final year at the University of Portsmouth. Freya is the second student to join our business for an academic year and we are delighted to be supporting the placement programme.
Through her time here she will have great insight in to the world of design and fit-out, gaining practical experience to build on her existing knowledge in readiness to go back for her final year. With proficiency in multiple CAD software, she can help to create 2D technical drawings and 3D representations of your ideas. Freya particularly enjoys creating open plan and collaborative space and hopes to eventually become a freelance designer working with small businesses to create inspiring spaces.
In her spare time you may find her walking her crazy labrador, floating about on the paddle board, or hitting the gym.