Meet the Team

Gareth Coombes

Managing Director - gareth@amsilicones.co.uk

As Managing Director, Gareth focuses on giving his team the support they need to deliver on our promises. He’s present and collaborative, always looking for ways to provide training, team development, process improvements and business development. He takes pride in how enthusiastic the team are when it comes to helping customers, always keen to understand the application and find the right profile, material and quality standards for the job. Originally joining the company as an Extruder Toolmaker in 2010, Gareth brings a practical understanding of the industry that shapes his leadership today. He admits he can’t go anywhere without spotting where our seals are used, from the London Underground to aeroplane windows, rockets and 3D printers. For him, there’s real satisfaction in seeing those designs brought to life and in helping others do their best work. Challenging himself through climbing, kitesurfing and ongoing learning helps him stay focused, resilient and ready to lead.

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cats or Dogs? Dogs

Villeater Gladman

Technical Director - Villeater@amsilicones.co.uk

With over 20 years in silicone rubber extrusions, Villeater combines deep technical knowledge with a practical, problem-solving mindset. She supports engineers, designers and procurement teams in finding the right solution for each application, leading the technical sales and customer service teams with confidence. Every part we manufacture at Advanced Materials is made to order, so asking the right questions and offering solutions that are realistic, repeatable and reliable underpins how she approaches her role. Villeater draws on experience across materials, manufacturing and application performance to advise on everything from tolerances to tooling. Her interest in engineering started early, inspired by factory visits with her father, and developed further at engineering college, where she built a strong technical foundation that she still draws on today. It’s the same curiosity that drives her, the variety of enquiries, the complexity of the challenges, and the satisfaction of helping ideas become reality.

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cats or Dogs? Dogs

Jill Poore

Finance/Office Manager - jill@amsilicones.co.uk

Jill keeps the business running smoothly behind the scenes, managing customer and supplier accounts, banking, HR and day-to-day office operations. She brings over 13 years of experience to the role, combining practical skills, attention to detail and people management. While she’s not directly involved in manufacturing, her role is essential to the wider customer experience. Jill helps maintain clear internal communication and is often the first to spot and resolve the potential for any issues. She works closely with colleagues to keep everything on track and enjoys contributing to a professional, well-organised environment. The systems and structure Jill supports ensure that every order progresses smoothly and with care.

Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cats or Dogs? Dogs

Sue Vincent

Customer Services: Enquiries & Order Progress - sue@amsilicones.co.uk

Sue is often one of the first points of contact for customer enquiries. She also handles orders, manages dispatch across the UK and internationally and helps progress each stage of your project with care and attention. Whether it’s providing quotations or answering questions, she’s always ready to help. Everything is made to order, so she works closely with our customers to understand what’s needed and provides samples where possible. Sue’s known for her friendly and practical approach, often searching through our library of existing tools to find something as close as possible to the customer’s requirements, based on the information they’ve provided. If you call the office, chances are Sue will be the one to update you on progress and answer any queries you may have.

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cats or Dogs? Dogs

James Randell

Technical Sales - james@amsilicones.co.uk

James provides technical advice, accurate quotations and custom product recommendations. He works closely with engineering and production teams to understand their requirements and identify the most suitable solution. With a background in tool hire, technical support and customer service, he combines practical knowledge with clear communication. His role includes reviewing specifications, advising on materials and profiles and ensuring each order is accurate and achievable. James values precise information from the start, and will enquire after specific measurements in order to quote efficiently and correctly. Whether shipping to Newhaven or New Zealand, he keeps customers informed throughout, ensuring each product meets the brief and arrives on time. Outside of work, he’s been a Scout leader for nearly a decade which he believes has sharpened his problem-solving, communication and adaptability. It’s experience that feeds directly into how he supports our customers every day.

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cats or Dogs? Dogs

Sara Hughes

Customer Services: Orders and Despatch - sara@amsilicones.co.uk

Sara manages customer orders from placement through to delivery, coordinating logistics, dispatch and communication along the way. She often works directly with our toolmakers, enjoying the challenge of refining new profiles, guiding our customers through drawings and samples until the design receives final approval. She has a real commitment to getting each project right. With a background in retail and years of experience in customer service, Sara brings a people-first approach and strong attention to detail. She’s used to handling moving parts like materials, production, couriers and more to make sure everything arrives on time. It’s a hands-on role, and being involved from start to finish means customers can rely on Sara to keep them updated at every stage.

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cats or Dogs? Dogs