When Managing Director Nick Jones took the reins of CSI Sponsor SD Marine Interiors in 2008, he had a clear idea of the company’s future development. ‘I wanted SD to become the UK’s first choice for sealants and repairs and knew that if we were to achieve that goal, first-class service, with quality of workmanship that meets even the highest of expectations and standards, would be our benchmark’. Until that point, SD had developed long standing relationships with national and international customers and suppliers. Nick ensured that the company continued that path and improved in every area possible.
The SD Way
SD developed its business around hard surface and cosmetic repairs, as well as sealant application, decoration, tiling and installations across the UK. These were delivered from offices in Glasgow, Leeds, London, Southampton, Exeter and Norwich, with the head office and distribution centre in Caldicot, South Wales. SD has over 200 full-time technicians, each of which spends time learning their materials and methods in the SD Academy, their research, test, and training facility in Caldicot, as well as on site.
‘We ensure that our workforce is the best in the industry. We invest heavily in our employees, work hard at retaining a happy and skilled team and are committed to expanding our scope of services to provide solutions for every situation.”
Nick Jones, Managing Director – SD Marine Interiors
SD Marine Interiors
The team used their experience and knowledge of sealants, resins, adhesives and hard surface repairs to create SD Marine Interiors. Since then, they have added experienced and knowledgeable marine professionals to the team and expanded the business to include a full range of marine interior trades and services. This has grown, with more ship operators benefitting from the SD approach.
On board, the SD team examines wear and damage on all surfaces, taking notes and photographs. They then develop new repair methods for every eventuality at the SD Academy. With sustainability at its core, SD uses a structured approach, always endeavouring to understand first and foremost the cause of damage. This allows them to advise their clients on how they may be able to eliminate these causes. Next, the team uses their efficient and researched methods for effecting long-lasting and robust repairs. The SD team can put together a riding squad at short notice or larger teams for docking projects, and take care of all logistics and travel, virtually anywhere in the world.
Onwards and Upwards
In what is a landmark year for SD, the business will also be celebrating a significant 21% revenue growth for the last 12 months. To support increasing business demand, it will be making additional appointments.
On reaching such a milestone, Nick says: “We are delighted to be celebrating 50 years of business – it’s unbelievable to me that the team have come so far from a small, family run enterprise to the company we see today, with the same core values.
“We pride ourselves on taking care of customers and the community that we have built over the years. The time has flown by and it’s great to see how far the business has come since its start in 1973.”
CSI Sponsor SD Marine Interiors exhibited at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas 2023.
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Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Americas blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Americas is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Hotel & Resort Design South and Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.