SHS Integrated Services hire former All Blacks star to coach new business strategy

A former All Blacks star is substituting the rugby pitch for the boardroom as he is preparing to tackle the new business development strategy of SHS Integrated Services, a specialist provider of high specification industrial scaffolding and associated services.

During a successful professional rugby career, spanning over 20 years, Xavier Rush won eight caps with New Zealand before retiring from the game in 2012.

Xavier’s new position will give him the responsibility of strengthening SHS’s relationships with existing clients and driving new business leads across the UK.

Prior to joining SHS, Xavier gained some experience developing residential properties and he currently manages a portfolio of properties. In addition, Xavier also spends part of the year in his home city coaching Auckland for the ITM cup, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious rugby competitions.

With two Yorkshire offices, including one based in Doncaster, SHS has secured several high profile contract wins in the last year and successfully developed the insulation arm of the business. As well as the company’s recent expansion, SHS has also diversified its market sector presence, incorporating the specialist power and transmission firm it acquired in 2013 into the business’ long term growth plans.

Xavier said: “I am thrilled to be joining an ambitious company like SHS and I look forward to supporting the business in my new role.

“Having previously dealt with SHS while developing properties, I have first-hand experience of the team’s professionalism and expertise and I’m delighted to be in a position where I can contribute to the company’s ambitious growth plans.

“I’ve played a number of roles in my career, ranging from player to captain to coach – all of which have taught me important skills both on and off the rugby pitch. Clear communication, analysing situations strategically and team work are all vital to success in sport and I know that the same qualities are required to succeed in the world of business.

“Being a rugby coach is like managing an SME; you have to manage up and down the business, working closely with the players and the Board to achieve results. I have seen the same sport-like dedication, motivation and commitment from the team at SHS, and I look forward to working closely with them to achieve the business goals.”

Gavin Payne, chief executive officer of SHS, added: “Appointing a dedicated person to drive new business and nurture client relationships is an exciting development at SHS. The skills and knowledge that Xavier can bring to the role are invaluable, and will be of huge benefit in helping to meet our ambitious growth plans.

“It is vital that SHS is able to adapt to an increasingly competitive market, securing new business while also maintaining strong relationships with our existing clients. Developing these new opportunities is a challenging and exciting opportunity, and I’m delighted to welcome such a well-known and well-respected personality as Xavier to the team. The business has already gone from strength to strength in recent years and we hope to expand on these achievements and continue to provide exceptional quality to our customers while holding a strong, competitive position in the market.

“The company’s success is testament to the quality of people working within the business and demonstrates our commitment to exceptional health and safety and focus on providing a safe, sustainable, high quality and cost effective service.”

Established in 1998, SHS Integrated Services offers scaffold access, industrial and HVAC insulation, and construction and demolition services.

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