Reflecting on a strong finish to 2025 at SMI

As we step into 2026, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the final quarter of 2025. 

Q4 was busy, focused, and full of people doing what they do best. From strategy planning and leadership development to ESG milestones and fundraising, the quarter showed what can be achieved when teams come together. 

Let’s take a closer look at what shaped the final months of the year. 

KC STRATEGY DAY: SHAPING THE YEAR AHEAD 

Our annual Strategy Day took place in December for our distribution and branding centre teams, giving everyone a chance to step back from day-to-day roles, reflect on the year gone by, and focus on next year’s strategy. 

The day was packed with recognition and fun, with team awards celebrating brilliant contributions.  

Congratulations to Patrycja Struzik for being this site’s employee of the year. We hope you enjoy your £1,000 prize!  

UPDATED SMI CATALOGUE: YOUR 2026 TOOLKIT 

Launched in December, the SMI Catalogue is bigger, bolder, and packed with over 500 pages of the products and solutions you rely on.  

Every link now takes our customers straight to their ordering portal, so ordering is faster and easier than ever. 

More than just a list of products. This catalogue is an easier way for everyone to access the tools, equipment, and solutions that keep operations running smoothly. 

SALES Q4 MEETING: FULL FOCUS, FULL ENERGY 

Our quarterly Sales meeting brought the full team together in October, kicking off the final months of the year with energy and focus. 

It was a chance to review achievements so far, set objectives for the months ahead, and discuss how we can continue delivering outstanding support to our customers. 

ESG: MAKING AN IMPACT TOGETHER 

In 2025, our ESG initiatives continued to demonstrate the difference small actions can make, both within our teams and in the wider community. 

2025 ESG VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE ROUNDUP 

Our Social Impact Committee embodies SMI’s values, giving their time and energy to make a difference across our communities. 

In 2025, the team delivered over 290 hours of volunteering across 34 initiatives and raised £2,000 for causes close to our hearts. 

Last quarter, their efforts included: 

• Flower arranging at Pendean Nursing Home: Using their paid volunteering day, the team ran a flower arranging session with residents. 
• Multisite litter pick: Our Head Office, Warehouse, and Burgess Hill teams took a break from emails and forklifts for a company-wide litter pick.  
• Bake-offs: Talented bakers rolled up their sleeves for charity, supporting The Rosemary Foundation with both autumnal and winter-themed bake-offs. 
• Winter raffle: This year’s raffle raised £763 for The Rosemary Foundation Hospice at Home, thanks to the generosity of colleagues, suppliers, and local businesses. 
• Mates in Mind sponsored run: Colleagues swapped keyboards for kilometres to raise awareness for mental health across the construction industry, with many completing their first half-marathon.  
• World Mental Health Day: In October, the team took part in the #HelloYellow campaign for YoungMinds, wearing yellow to show young people they aren’t alone and raising funds for this vital cause. 

THE BIG SUSTAINABILITY EVENT 

We were proud to showcase our ESG work at the Big Sustainability Awards, and it was a fantastic day on the exhibition floor.  

The efforts of our teams were recognised with the Sustainability Management for SME Award, highlighting the progress we’re making in responsible sourcing, sustainable solutions, and social impact. 

LEADERSHIP IN FULL COLOUR 

Our senior leadership team took part in a session with Churchill Square Consulting, exploring how different personality colours drive, inspire, plan, and steady the business. 

Reds drive, yellows inspire, blues plan, and greens steady the ship. The session showed how every colour counts, especially when they work together. 

It was a fun, insightful day that helped our management teams understand themselves and each other better, building stronger collaboration and alignment across the business as we head into 2026. 

A WELL-DESERVED TREAT 

In December, our Vision House team enjoyed a delicious end-of-year lunch courtesy of Simply Hog Roast. 

Quarterly food vans are a small way to thank our people for their hard work, and it was a great way to close out the year, celebrating the team and everything they’ve achieved throughout 2025! 

LOOKING AHEAD 

I couldn’t be prouder of the energy, dedication, and achievements made by the team in 2025.  

From strategy days and sales meetings to ESG initiatives and community volunteering, last year has shown what SMI can accomplish when we work together. 

2026 promises even more opportunities to grow, innovate, and support our customers. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to see the impact our people will continue to make. 

Thank you to everyone for your hard work, commitment, and the positive energy you bring every day.