At Phenna Group, we’re proud to champion people who bring passion, leadership, and drive to everything they do. Our Building a Career at Phenna series highlights the journeys of colleagues across the Group who are shaping their careers and our collective success through ambition, collaboration, and growth.
In this feature, we hear from Warwick Nuttall, Managing Director at Simtec, whose journey from the military to business leadership is a story of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others grow.
Before Phenna
Can you tell us a little about your career before joining Phenna?
Before joining Phenna, I spent 14 years in the military in a variety of leadership roles, including time with the UK Special Forces. That experience built resilience and shaped my approach to leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. After leaving the military, I moved into senior operations roles with private equity–backed engineering firms, where I focused on driving performance and scaling businesses. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation for the challenges and opportunities I’ve taken on at Phenna.
What skills or experiences from that time have been most useful in your journey here?
From the military, the most useful skills have been leadership, resilience, and the ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments. Those experiences taught me how to bring people together around a common goal and stay calm when challenges arise. From my early civilian roles, I gained a strong focus on performance, efficiency, and growth. Together, those experiences have been invaluable in leading within the Phenna Group and delivering results.
What made you decide to move into the sector/Phenna specifically?
I was drawn to the sector because it combines technical expertise with real-world impact, you can see the value of the work every day. What made Phenna stand out was its growth story and ambition. It felt like the right place to build a career where I could contribute to scaling businesses, while also being part of a wider group that was investing in the future.
Joining Phenna
When did you join Phenna, and what was your first role?
I joined Phenna in March 2024 as General Manager of Simtec.
What appealed to you about the opportunity at that time?
What appealed to me was the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing group with real ambition. I was drawn to the pace of growth, but also to the idea of contributing to something bigger than a single business – helping shape a group that was scaling quickly, with all the opportunities and challenges that brings
Career Growth at Phenna
How has your career developed since joining? (roles, responsibilities, milestones)
I’ve had the opportunity to take on increasing levels of responsibility, which ultimately led to my promotion to Managing Director. Along the way, I’ve been involved in driving growth, building strong teams, and shaping the direction of the business within the group. Each step has been a chance to broaden my perspective and contribute more strategically.
Looking back, what have been the most important turning points or opportunities for your progression?
One of the most important opportunities was the autonomy I was given by the previous Managing Director, Chris Simmons. His trust in me and belief in my ideas gave me the space to take ownership, try new approaches, and demonstrate what I could deliver. That freedom was pivotal in my development and ultimately in progressing to my current role.
Leadership and Impact
Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
As Managing Director, my role is to set the strategic direction of the business and ensure we deliver on both growth and operational excellence. I’m responsible for leading the team, driving performance, developing our people, and making sure we consistently provide high quality service to our clients. A big part of my role is also looking ahead, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and integration within the wider group.
What do you find most rewarding about leading in the Group?
What I find most rewarding is having the support of a wider network while still retaining the independence to run the business in a way that works locally. It means I can draw on the experience, resources, and best practices across the Group, but also keep the entrepreneurial spirit and pace that makes us effective. That balance, of being part of something bigger while still being empowered to lead, is what makes the role so fulfilling.
What achievements are you most proud of in your career here?
I’m proud of several things. One is working with BuildForce as a mentor, supporting Armed Forces personnel as they transition into construction, it’s rewarding to give something back and help people find their path and incredibly satisfying to see Veterans transition into roles within Phenna. I’m also proud of mentoring colleagues within the Group and seeing their careers progress. And of course, leading the business to consistently overachieve against our targets has been a highlight, showing what the team can achieve together.
Reflections and Advice
How would you describe the culture at Phenna and its support for career growth?
The culture at Phenna is ambitious but supportive. There’s a real focus on growth, both of the Group and of the people within it. What stands out to me is the balance between giving leaders the autonomy to run their businesses in an entrepreneurial way, while also providing the backing, resources, and opportunities that come from being part of a larger group. That combination creates a great environment for career growth, because people are trusted to take ownership and are supported to develop at the same time.
What advice would you give to others who want to grow their careers at Phenna?
My advice would be to take ownership and be proactive. Phenna rewards people who bring ideas, show initiative, and are willing to step outside their comfort zone. At the same time, make the most of the support network across the Group, there’s a huge amount of experience to learn from if you seek it out. If you combine that drive with openness to learning, the opportunities for growth here are significant.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Be patient, the right opportunities come if you focus on doing the basics well and keep moving forward.
Personal Touch
What do you enjoy outside of work that helps you stay motivated and balanced?
I enjoy keeping active, whether that’s starting the day in the gym, climbing a mountain with my daughter, skiing with my wife and two children, or even just taking the dog along to watch my son play football. For me, staying active with family is what keeps me balanced, and ready to give my best at work.
Can you share a fun fact or interest that colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
A fact colleagues might not know is that I have a love for jazz music — it’s something that helps me switch off and keeps me grounded outside of work.
Warwick’s story embodies the culture that defines Phenna Group. A place where people are trusted to lead, empowered to grow, and supported to make a lasting impact. From mentoring veterans and colleagues alike, to driving business growth and developing future leaders, Warwick’s journey reflects what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.
Stay tuned for more stories in our Building a Career at Phenna series, showcasing the diverse paths, experiences, and ambitions that make Phenna Group a place where careers truly flourish.