SmartPod Director Ben Lester talks to us about how the company is transforming the grooming industry with its innovative, sustainable, and fully customisable pods — purpose-built spaces designed to help professional groomers work smarter, faster, and with style.
For readers who might not have come across SmartPod before, can you tell us a little about the company, how it started, and what makes it stand out in the grooming industry?
SmartPod was born from a passion for creating contemporary spaces that inspire. After building our first pod and receiving instant praise — “Wow, that looks smart” — SmartPod was born. We now supply across the UK and internationally for a wide range of uses. Recognising a gap in the market, we launched SmartPawd, purpose-built for grooming salons, combining practicality and affordability. From early prototypes to today’s high-spec designs, SmartPod empowers professional groomers with stylish, functional, and custom-built workspaces. Our strength lies in craftsmanship, on-site builds, and fully tailored solutions.
SmartPod is known for innovation — what inspired your product range, and how do your designs help solve real-world challenges for professional groomers?
Our innovation is entirely customer-led. After years of listening to groomers’ challenges—cramped spaces, poor ventilation, difficult cleaning, and high overheads—we designed SmartPods to tackle each issue. Features such as ergonomic Hydrobaths, electric tables, seamless wipe-clean surfaces, and eco-friendly insulation create efficient, hygienic, and safe environments for all grooming settings.
What are the biggest benefits for grooming professionals who choose SmartPod?
SmartPod users enjoy improved efficiency, client satisfaction,
and a polished brand image.
- Time-saving layouts: Optimised workflows reduce setup and clean-down time.
- Professional image: Sleek exteriors and branded interiors impress clients and enhance trust.
- Flexible installation: Crane, roll, or on-site build options solve tricky access issues.
- Turnkey delivery: From design to electrics, groomers can start work immediately.
We handle the infrastructure so professionals can focus on their craft.
Can you walk us through your most popular products or any custom solutions you offer?
Our Value Pod is the bestseller — under 2.45m high, typically 3×2.4m, and fully customisable. Options include cladded exteriors, branded feature walls, air conditioning, LED lighting, and stable doors in anthracite grey. Each pod provides an ergonomic, hygienic workspace ideal for gardens or business sites. We also build bespoke units for specialist needs such as cat grooming or high-volume salons, with tailored branding and layouts.
How does SmartPod address sustainability and hygiene in its designs?
Sustainability and hygiene guide every build:
- Eco-friendly materials: Recycled and long-life finishes with up to 40-year lifespans.
- Energy efficiency: High insulation reduces noise and heating costs.
- Water management: Integrated heaters and waste systems.
- Hygienic surfaces: Non-porous, antimicrobial materials for safe, easy cleaning.
We’re committed to supporting eco-conscious, health-focused grooming businesses.
What’s next for SmartPod?
The future is bright. We’re launching The DemoPod, a mobile demonstration unit showcasing SmartPod’s full capabilities to aspiring and professional groomers alike. Our Grand Tour will take the DemoPod across the UK—visiting grooming schools, salons, and events to show how SmartPods improve business efficiency and reduce running costs. We’re also planning a charity collaboration to support dog-related causes and grooming professionals in need. Additionally, partnerships with grooming academies will bring SmartPods into training settings, giving future groomers access to industry-leading workspaces.
With its focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and customer collaboration, SmartPod is redefining how grooming professionals work—combining efficiency, sustainability, and style in one smart solution.
www.smartpod.com
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