By David Wigglesworth
Head of Region Northern Europe and Member of Segment Management
Introducing “Through the Leader’s Lens” – a new insight series from SFS UK, featuring Head of Region Northern Europe and Member of Segment Management, David Wigglesworth.
This series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from David as he shares his perspective on the construction industry today, and his vision for tomorrow. Covering key themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, training and development, the SFS Academy, customer centricity, and the future of construction, David reflects on the challenges ahead and celebrates the milestones we’ve already achieved. Delivered through engaging videos, whitepapers, and blogs – all in one dedicated hub – this series is designed to spark conversation and inspire action across the sector as we focus on securing futures together.
Introduction from David
Video Series'
Sustainability
Sustainability remains a top priority for SFS, woven into both strategy and product development. David highlights the importance of reducing embedded carbon in the built environment, not just through responsible sourcing and efficient logistics, but by integrating sustainability directly into SFS products. With market-leading initiatives like EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) and high recycled content in aluminium systems, SFS is committed to measurable environmental impact. By joining forces with organisations such as the Council for Aluminium in Building, SFS continues to champion closed-loop recycling and responsible manufacturing – all part of a wider commitment to securing futures in a greener construction industry.
Digitalisation
Digitalisation is playing a pivotal role in SFS’s mission to drive efficiency, transparency, and customer-centric service across the construction industry. David emphasises that true digital transformation goes far beyond having a website — it’s about embedding smart, data-driven tools that support both internal operations and customer-facing solutions. From the development of the SFS ConnectSuite® to real-time online ordering and access to product data, SFS is creating an omnichannel experience that mirrors the expectations of modern B2B users. Internally, digitalisation is helping streamline processes, reduce costs, and deliver greater value to customers — reinforcing SFS’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and securing futures through technology.
Customer Centricity
Customer centricity is at the heart of everything SFS does. As David explains, it’s not a buzzword or short-term initiative — it’s a cultural mindset that must run through every level of the organisation. From warehouse to customer service to technical sales, every team member plays a role in shaping the customer experience. SFS is focused on embedding this mindset through its five customer-centricity pillars, aiming to deliver consistent value, reliability, and support. Strategic partnerships and collaboration are also key, ensuring that SFS not only meets customer expectations but becomes an integral part of the design, build, and long-term success of their projects — reinforcing a shared commitment to securing futures.
Training and Development
Training and development are fundamental to the long-term success of SFS. David acknowledges that while progress has been made, continuous improvement is essential in an ever-evolving industry. Through structured competency frameworks, skills gap analysis, and formal training aligned with CCPI accreditation, SFS is committed to equipping its people with the knowledge and confidence to support customers effectively. Beyond internal development, SFS is investing in the future workforce through its Academy facilities in Leeds and Welwyn Garden City, offering hands-on product training and knowledge-sharing with customers, partners, and students. It’s all part of SFS’s broader ambition to nurture talent, bridge the industry’s skills gap, and help secure the future of construction.
Our Biggest Achievement
For David Wigglesworth, the greatest achievement at SFS isn’t a product or milestone — it’s the people. He reflects on the growth and success of the team over the past nine years, crediting a strong, supportive culture as the foundation for personal and professional development. While acknowledging there’s always room to improve, he’s proud to have built a business and team capable of embracing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of construction — from customer centricity and digitalisation to compliance and sustainability.
The Future of Construction
The future of construction is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by regulation, innovation, and a renewed focus on sustainability and safety. As David outlines, the introduction of the Building Safety Act marks one of the most significant changes in decades — bringing increased accountability, higher standards, and a culture of compliance. Alongside this, the rise of digitalisation, modern methods of construction, and the drive for greater energy efficiency are reshaping how the industry designs, builds, and delivers. For SFS, this means investing in innovation across products, processes, and people — ensuring we’re not only ready to meet the challenges ahead but actively helping to secure the future of construction.
“Through the Leader’s Lens” explores a range of critical topics shaping the future of construction, as seen through the perspective of David Wigglesworth, Managing Director for Northern Europe at SFS. The series covers sustainability, digitalisation, training and development, customer centricity, the Building Safety Act, modern methods of construction, and SFS’s biggest achievements. Through a mix of videos, blogs, and whitepapers, the series offers valuable insights into how SFS is navigating industry change and helping to secure the future of construction.
Sustainability is a top priority at SFS. We actively reduce embedded carbon in our products through responsible sourcing, high recycled content, and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Our subframe systems, for example, use recycled aluminium that meets leading sustainability standards. We also partner with industry bodies like the Council for Aluminium in Building to support closed-loop recycling—helping to create a more responsible built environment.
Digitalisation underpins our commitment to customer centricity, efficiency, and transparency. From our omnichannel customer tools like the Connect Suite to internal process automation, we’re creating smarter, more accessible ways to serve our partners. Our focus on digital data, real-time access, and streamlined workflows helps deliver better value, reduce complexity, and support the long-term success of our customers and the wider construction industry.
Download the Whitepaper: Insights from “Through the Leader’s Lens”
Prefer to read on the go? Our downloadable whitepaper version of Through the Leader’s Lens brings together all of David Wigglesworth’s insights in one accessible format. Covering key themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, customer centricity, training, modern methods of construction, and the future of the industry, this whitepaper offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities shaping construction today—and how SFS is helping to secure the future. Perfect for sharing, referencing, or reading offline.
By David Wigglesworth
Head of Region Northern Europe and Member of Segment Management
Introducing “Through the Leader’s Lens” – a new insight series from SFS UK, featuring Head of Region Northern Europe and Member of Segment Management, David Wigglesworth.
This series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from David as he shares his perspective on the construction industry today, and his vision for tomorrow. Covering key themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, training and development, the SFS Academy, customer centricity, and the future of construction, David reflects on the challenges ahead and celebrates the milestones we’ve already achieved. Delivered through engaging videos, whitepapers, and blogs – all in one dedicated hub – this series is designed to spark conversation and inspire action across the sector as we focus on securing futures together.
Introduction from David
Video Series'
Sustainability
Sustainability remains a top priority for SFS, woven into both strategy and product development. David highlights the importance of reducing embedded carbon in the built environment, not just through responsible sourcing and efficient logistics, but by integrating sustainability directly into SFS products. With market-leading initiatives like EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) and high recycled content in aluminium systems, SFS is committed to measurable environmental impact. By joining forces with organisations such as the Council for Aluminium in Building, SFS continues to champion closed-loop recycling and responsible manufacturing – all part of a wider commitment to securing futures in a greener construction industry.
Digitalisation
Digitalisation is playing a pivotal role in SFS’s mission to drive efficiency, transparency, and customer-centric service across the construction industry. David emphasises that true digital transformation goes far beyond having a website — it’s about embedding smart, data-driven tools that support both internal operations and customer-facing solutions. From the development of the SFS ConnectSuite® to real-time online ordering and access to product data, SFS is creating an omnichannel experience that mirrors the expectations of modern B2B users. Internally, digitalisation is helping streamline processes, reduce costs, and deliver greater value to customers — reinforcing SFS’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and securing futures through technology.
Customer Centricity
Customer centricity is at the heart of everything SFS does. As David explains, it’s not a buzzword or short-term initiative — it’s a cultural mindset that must run through every level of the organisation. From warehouse to customer service to technical sales, every team member plays a role in shaping the customer experience. SFS is focused on embedding this mindset through its five customer-centricity pillars, aiming to deliver consistent value, reliability, and support. Strategic partnerships and collaboration are also key, ensuring that SFS not only meets customer expectations but becomes an integral part of the design, build, and long-term success of their projects — reinforcing a shared commitment to securing futures.
Training and Development
Training and development are fundamental to the long-term success of SFS. David acknowledges that while progress has been made, continuous improvement is essential in an ever-evolving industry. Through structured competency frameworks, skills gap analysis, and formal training aligned with CCPI accreditation, SFS is committed to equipping its people with the knowledge and confidence to support customers effectively. Beyond internal development, SFS is investing in the future workforce through its Academy facilities in Leeds and Welwyn Garden City, offering hands-on product training and knowledge-sharing with customers, partners, and students. It’s all part of SFS’s broader ambition to nurture talent, bridge the industry’s skills gap, and help secure the future of construction.
Our Biggest Achievement
For David Wigglesworth, the greatest achievement at SFS isn’t a product or milestone — it’s the people. He reflects on the growth and success of the team over the past nine years, crediting a strong, supportive culture as the foundation for personal and professional development. While acknowledging there’s always room to improve, he’s proud to have built a business and team capable of embracing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of construction — from customer centricity and digitalisation to compliance and sustainability.
The Future of Construction
The future of construction is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by regulation, innovation, and a renewed focus on sustainability and safety. As David outlines, the introduction of the Building Safety Act marks one of the most significant changes in decades — bringing increased accountability, higher standards, and a culture of compliance. Alongside this, the rise of digitalisation, modern methods of construction, and the drive for greater energy efficiency are reshaping how the industry designs, builds, and delivers. For SFS, this means investing in innovation across products, processes, and people — ensuring we’re not only ready to meet the challenges ahead but actively helping to secure the future of construction.
“Through the Leader’s Lens” explores a range of critical topics shaping the future of construction, as seen through the perspective of David Wigglesworth, Managing Director for Northern Europe at SFS. The series covers sustainability, digitalisation, training and development, customer centricity, the Building Safety Act, modern methods of construction, and SFS’s biggest achievements. Through a mix of videos, blogs, and whitepapers, the series offers valuable insights into how SFS is navigating industry change and helping to secure the future of construction.
Sustainability is a top priority at SFS. We actively reduce embedded carbon in our products through responsible sourcing, high recycled content, and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Our subframe systems, for example, use recycled aluminium that meets leading sustainability standards. We also partner with industry bodies like the Council for Aluminium in Building to support closed-loop recycling—helping to create a more responsible built environment.
Digitalisation underpins our commitment to customer centricity, efficiency, and transparency. From our omnichannel customer tools like the Connect Suite to internal process automation, we’re creating smarter, more accessible ways to serve our partners. Our focus on digital data, real-time access, and streamlined workflows helps deliver better value, reduce complexity, and support the long-term success of our customers and the wider construction industry.
Download the Whitepaper: Insights from “Through the Leader’s Lens”
Prefer to read on the go? Our downloadable whitepaper version of Through the Leader’s Lens brings together all of David Wigglesworth’s insights in one accessible format. Covering key themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, customer centricity, training, modern methods of construction, and the future of the industry, this whitepaper offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities shaping construction today—and how SFS is helping to secure the future. Perfect for sharing, referencing, or reading offline.