Meet the Team @Ashford

Darren Smith

Operations Director

Darren has been with AIT for 19 years and has successfully lead the team and managed Ashford International Truckstop for 14.

His proudest achievements are winning multiple & consecutive awards for “Truckstop Of The Year” and “Best Facilities” since 2016, involvement in design and build the new facility and the much loved “My Truckparking App”, where he won an innovation award.

With over 18 years experience and a wealth of knowledge in the capacity of Chef, Head Chef and Catering Manager, Darren is a qualified Chef & in Catering Management, Human Resources, Accounts and many others.

Passionate about food, Darren employs the best Chefs providing our customers with exceptional quality cuisines.

Today Darren manages the operations of the facility by directing and co-ordinating activities consistant with established goals.He impliments programs to ensure attainment of business plan of growth and profit.Provides structure and direction for staff, develops policy and strategic business plans, manages the overall day to day operations of the facility, including human resources policy implementation, management proceedures and protocol.

Simon Duffield

Catering Manager / Head Chef

Simon has been a part of AIT for over 17 years, goal oriented and passionate about turning out our favourite cuisines. He began his career with us in the capacity of a Sous Chef, progressing into “Head Chef” & “Catering Manager” for over 14 .

As a skilled culinary professional, he looks after all aspects of food handling & preparation ensuring only the finest produce is used to turn out the freshest dished on a daily basis.

Our restaurant is “5 star awarded” for “hygiene” and is managed by him, Simon is a Qualified Chef Level 2, Management Level 2 & In Health & Hygiene .

Our customers love the quality, variety and appetizing dishes turned out at our restaurant and its thanks to Simon and his incredibly hard working team.

Penny Carpenter

Account Manager

Penny began her journey at AIT at reception and at our restaurant back in 2006. Over the years she has worked in various capacities across the business giving her full knowledge on how the organisation operates and what it takes to meet our customer’s needs.

She manages overall accounting for AIT, leads the department in documentation of financial records, account invoicing, client records, supporting key customers, month end reports and optimising customer processes

Penny Holds a Level 2 NVQ in Business Administration and a Level 3 AAT Advanced Accounting qualification which greatly benefits her in her current capacity as an Account Manager.

Nang Sourignavong

Cleaning Manager / Health & Safety

Nang Began her Journey at AIT in the year 2001 as a Supervisor at the Forecourt progressing to the Forecourt Manager in the year 2004.

In 2009 Nang took on the additional responsibility of Health & Safety, she follows her passion to ensure that all our customers and staff are kept safe around the clock.

In 2016 Nang became our Cleaning Manager / Health & Safety Manager and holds certification in Management levels 3, 4 & 5, in addition she holds a NEBOSH qualification in Health & Safety

Encho Dobrev

Security & Check-in Manager

Encho began his journey as a General Assistant at AIT in the year 2006, he has since succesfully progressed to a Duty Supervisor in 2011 , the Forecourt Manager in 2015 and on to our Security & Check-In Manager in 2017 till date.

Together with the team he manages the check-in and out of trucks, monitors CCTV throughout the facility maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff , drivers, their cargo and company assets in a 24/7, 365 day operation The team establishes and enforces security policies & procedures and ensures they are met with. They implement & maintain security standards and processes across the organisation ensuring risks are minimised.

Encho has successfully completed an NVQ Levels 2& 3 in Business, is a First Aider, Fire Warden & a SIA Security.

Lindsey Eve

Deputy Ops Manager / Reception, Shop & Bar

Lindsey began her career with AIT 12 years ago and has taken on several roles across various departments within the organisation. She has put in much effort throughout and has today progressed to Deputy Operations Manager / Retail Manager.

Lindsey is proud of her achievements within the team, she brings with her skills in various capacities previously, across Construction Management, Administration, Mental Health First Aider, Emergency First Aider, Fire Warden, “Personal License” Holder and is IOSH trained.

She is extremely passionate about our customers and AIT as a whole and ensures that our retail outlet is stocked with “all you need” for our customers on and off the road.