Our story

Ourstory

40 years of making exceptional happen.

For 40 years, Optima has focused on producing exceptional results for our customers. Over that time, the business has grown and changed, but our commitment to quality and to building enduring partnerships with our customers hasn’t. Today, exceptional can be found in the products we make, the solutions we develop, the service we provide and the relationships we build.

What exceptional means to us

Exceptional isn’t about a single product, project or achievement.

It’s the combination of components designed to exacting standards, continual innovation and service that goes beyond what’s expected. It’s an uncompromising commitment to quality, supported by people who care about the outcome.

And it’s about partnership. Listening to what our customers want, understanding the challenges they face and working together to achieve the best possible result.

What exceptional means to us

More than the finished product

A great product is just the start.

Acoustics, sustainability, fire safety, installation and maintenance all contribute to the performance and quality of the finished project. The more we understand and take responsibility for, the greater the control we have over the quality our customers expect from Optima.

That attention extends to the details – because the quality of the finished result depends on the decisions made throughout its design, manufacture and delivery.

More than the finished product

History of Optima

From a single facility to an internationally recognised brand, our story is one of continual innovation, investment in our people, and a relentless focus on quality.

1986

The business moved from Marlow to Bourne End and became H. L. Smith Construction Ltd. This marked the beginning of the company that would later become Optima.

1995

The first Optima partitioning system was launched, and Optima Products was formed to provide materials and technical support to the Group’s contracting businesses.

1998

The acquisition of Curtsons (Radstock) Ltd gave the business a dedicated manufacturing and distribution base for its growing product range.

2008

Optima UAE was established, beginning a long-term presence in the Middle East and extending the business beyond the UK.

2012

A manufacturing facility was established in Malaysia, supporting Optima’s continued growth across Asia and international markets.

2017

Optima North was launched with a new Manchester office, while Optima KSA was established to strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia.

2023

PurOptima launched in North America, bringing Optima’s products and experience to a growing network of clients and Project Delivery Partners across the United States.

2026

Following a record year in 2025, the business continues to grow internationally, invest in its people and strengthen the relationships that have shaped Optima for more than 40 years.

Built around people and partnerships

Every project is a partnership.

Over the past 40 years, our story has been shaped by the people who work at Optima and the customers and project teams we work alongside.

We listen, collaborate and share knowledge to achieve more together. And when a project presents a challenge, we bring together the expertise needed to find the best possible solution.

Those relationships are part of our history – and the business we are today.

From the very beginning, we’ve done everything in our power to produce exceptional results for our customers. For the past 40 years, that approach has been proven right time and again.

The world around us will continue to change, and Optima will continue to evolve with it.

But there is one thing we intend to keep the same.

We make exceptional happen.

Nick Caley
I believe our greatest success is not measured by revenue, projects or geography. It is measured by our people.

Nick CaleyGroup CEO

450+ Employees worldwide

Our people’s experience and commitment have shaped Optima’s growth and continue to move the business forward.

25+ Countries

Optima products are installed across 25 countries, reflecting the international reach the business has developed over more than four decades.

100% Employee owned

Optima is owned by six directors who are actively involved in the day-to-day running and long-term direction of the business.

450+ Employees worldwide

Meet our people

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Allan Wood

Allan Wood

Managing Director
Group Board, Optima Major Works

Allan joined Optima in 2010 and brought with him a wealth of expertise, particularly in system partitions. Having worked within the construction industry for over 35 years, Allan has been central to the delivery of many landmark projects and he has made many friends at the top of the industry along the way.

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Sean Dann

Sean Dann

Managing Director
Group Board, Optima Special Works

As Managing Director of Optima’s Special Works team, Sean oversees post-contract works including churn work, maintenance and new, small to mid-size projects.

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Christian Mabey

Christian Mabey

Managing Director & President
Group Board, Optima Products Ltd. & PurOptima Inc.

Christian Mabey is Managing Director of Optima Products and President of PurOptima Inc. With 26 years’ experience in commercial interiors, he focuses on international growth, product innovation, manufacturing excellence and advancing more sustainable practices across the built environment.

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