Chris Ibbotson Managing Director

Chris has been the Managing Director of Panel Systems since 1991 when he was part of the Management Buyout Team that acquired the company from Sheffield Insulations. Chris graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Computing in 1974. He joined Sheffield Insulations in 1977 as a Computer Programmer and subsequently Systems Analyst. In 1983 he embarked on a career change joining the Marketing Department. In 1985 he joined the subsidiary Sheffield Insulations Systems and was actively involved in creating the new identity for the company of Panel Systems. Outside of work Chris likes to remain active playing squash, jogging and visiting the local gym. He is a keen supporter of Sheffield Wednesday and enjoys holidays around the world.

Carol Fairburn Administration Manager

Carol joined Panel Systems during 1986 within the accounts department.  In 1994 she became Administration Manager responsible for the day to day running of Company Administration and Accounts functions.

During 2007 upon the retirement of the Financial Director Carol became Company Secretary and also added HR and payroll to her responsibilities.

Carol is married with 2 teenage sons.  She enjoys visiting the gym, holidays abroad and socialising with friends and family.

Pauline Harris Operations Manager (Waleswood)

Pauline is responsible for our foam division at our Waleswood site she has spent the past 20 years working within the Foam Plastics environment during this time she has worked in various locations throughout the UK and has developed close links with suppliers.

Pauline's responsibilities at our Waleswood site range from purchasing to despatch giving her complete control to ensure that the customer’s interests and requirements are top priority.

Pauline has one daughter and spends most of her free time socialising with friends and family.

Sue Stafford Operations Manager (Parkwood)

Sue Stafford spent 21 years with Ronseal Ltd, Sheffield – 11 years within R&D and as Quality Assurance Manager, and 10 years as Production Manager responsible for the entire manufacturing facility producing varnish and waterproofing products for the retail industry. During her time with Ronseal, Sue studied for her degree on a part-time basis at Manchester Polytechnic. In 2000, she became General Manager of Vencel Resil, Howden, a leading manufacturer of expanded polystyrene primarily for the construction industry. During this time, she was also responsible for overseeing a £5 million investment in the building of a new, state of the art, polystyrene factory and m anaged the transition from what was previously a labour intensive manufacturing facility to an integrated, automated production unit. In 2004, Sue returned to Sheffield to work for the Barlow Group as Operations Manager, responsible for the joinery division, producing shop interiors for major blue chip clients such as Boots, Sainsburys, HSBC, BP, Total Fina etc.

From here, Sue joined Panel Systems in 2005 as Operations Manager for the Parkwood factory. Sue is married with a daughter and spends as much time as possible sailing and walking in the Lake District.

Danny Phelan Sales Manager