Mark Hipwell
Meet the team
TRANSPRESS
Mark Hipwell, Transport Key Account Manager for UK & Ireland Systems, sat down to tell us a little more about his role and how he works with clients to achieve their flooring requirements.
Can you tell me a little about yourself and your role at Forbo?
I’ve been with Forbo Flooring Systems for almost two years now, focusing on the UK market and, in particular, the rail sector. It’s an enjoyable and varied role because I get to work across all stages of a project from the initial design specification right through to the build phase, and then supporting the product once it’s in service with the TOCs and ROSCOs.
What does a typical day or week look like for you?
I strike a nice balance between spending time with customers, whether discussing new projects, product options, or visiting sites, and working on internal topics to ensure we deliver the best possible customer experience.
There’s a good mix of relationship-building, technical discussions, and teamwork, which I find rewarding. It’s also great to see how different departments collaborate to ensure everything runs smoothly for the client.
In what ways do you judge a project as successful?
Of course, securing the order is always an important measure of success, but it’s just as important that the customer feels they’ve received a solution that truly fits their needs. When a project runs smoothly, the product performs well, and the customer is satisfied, that’s what makes it rewarding.
What trends or changes have you noticed in the market recently?
Sustainability continues to be a huge focus, and it’s encouraging to see customers increasingly asking about the environmental credentials of products and solutions. The challenge is often balancing sustainability with the strict fire safety and performance requirements in the rail sector, but it’s a positive shift overall.
Budgets are also playing a bigger role in decision-making at the moment, so finding the right balance between cost, compliance, and sustainability is key. It definitely keeps us on our toes, but it also drives innovation.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and catching up with friends. I’m a big sports fan, so you’ll often find me watching football, darts, or pretty much any sport. I also enjoy eating out and trying new places, especially if it involves good food and good company.