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"the shapesmith"

Dr Matt Hancock started out as a keen Martial Artist, competing across a range of disciplines before deciding that he wanted to work with athletes. After gaining a First Class Degree in Sports Science & Biomedicine, he went on to work with university athletes as a Sports Scientist, with both MMA fighters and youth football players as a Strength & Conditioning Coach and with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service's Training Academy. 

Following this, he made the move to England Rugby and completed his PhD at the University of Bath, specialising in Injury Prevention and Performance Analysis. Working as a Researcher, he then focused his attention on combat sports, seeking to develop methods to better understand the sport through the analysis of video and use of wearables, before becoming the Human Performance Innovation Lead for the British Army.

Recognising the need for a single, accessible destination for all human performance services, he created Shapesmith Performance...

WHAT DO WE STAND FOR?

"Shapesmith" is a word which, in 1755, was defined as "someone who undertakes to improve the form of the body". Our logo, the Corinthian helmet, represents courage, loyalty and power. It was seen as a symbol of Sparta, being worn by both Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, and Ares, God of War. Initially, these helmets were made of Bronze but, eventually, it was decided that they would be made out of iron, so that they were lighter and more resistant. Despite changing what they were made of, they were still themselves, just more effective. That's what we aim to achieve. 

 

Having had a humble start, the Shapesmith team gradually grew, expanding the breadth of services that it was able to offer. Now, it is a company that prides itself on excellence, forged through detail. Regardless of what outcome you want to achieve, we will find the right path for you; setting ourselves apart through attention to detail, scientific rigour and a desire to do the best by those whom we are fortunate enough to work with. ​

meet the team

who will i be working with?

Ultimately, the people are the company and we pride ourselves on only working with the best, both in terms of experience and character. 

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LEADERSHIP

Founder & Managing Director

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Shapesmith Performance's leader and someone who loves all things sport and the outdoors, with a particular passion for climbing and diving. 

Dr Matt Hancock PhD

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ADVISORY BOARD

Expert Advisor (Operations)

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An experienced leader with an interest in business development, who's all about cooking, the outdoors and Leicester City FC.

Alex Thompson BA (Hons)

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OPERATIONS

Operations Manager

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A former Royal Marines Commando and British Army Officer, keen swimmer and functional fitness enthusiast. 

Ollie Blake

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EDUCATION

Senior Performance Fellow

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A Sports Scientist & Lecturer, with an interest in female and youth athletic training, ex-rugby player and aspiring coffee connoisseur.

Jack Davies MSc

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EDUCATION

Associate Performance Fellow

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A Bristol-based GP with interests in lifestyle medicine, health promotion and psychology. Jess combines medical expertise with a passion for sport, outdoor adventure and active living.

Dr Jess Laidlaw MRCGP

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Get in Touch

Thank you for visiting Shapesmith Performance. 

 

If you would like to know more, please reach out by completing the contact form or emailing us at:

 

contact@shapesmith-performance.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you, The Shapesmith Performance Team

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