Expertise, enthusiasm
and
exceptional service
Choose Playscheme to create your outdoor play space and you’ll soon discover we love what we do.
Be inspired
Put simply, we’re passionate about play and dedicated to delivering excellence.
With over 25 years’ experience, we started out as a father and son joinery team. And we’re proud to still be a family business, one that’s committed to personal service and close client relationships.
We thrive on creating inspiring bespoke outdoor play areas across the UK. From schools and nurseries to parish and town councils and much-loved historic visitor attractions, we’ve transformed hundreds of spaces into magical play places.
Think Viking boats, castles, dragons, treehouses, trains, tractors, playhouses, bridges, ships… imagine it and we’ll build it!
All designed to exacting standards to be sustainable, safe and,
of course, adventurous for children of all ages.
How we work
As one of the country’s truly bespoke playground specialists, our team can design, manufacture, install and maintain your new play equipment.
Driven by genuine passion and family values, we pride ourselves on attentive and approachable service, building partnerships to get the job done with creative flair and plenty of fun along the way.
Ask us to design your dream play space and you’ll find we’re not afraid to push the boundaries of imaginative play. And all while conforming to each and every regulation.
From concept to delivery, you can expect a unique play solution whatever your budget or available space.
You’ll enjoy outstanding project management every step of the way:
Let’s talk ideas
Call us on 01904 607677 and one of our friendly team will arrange your no-obligation appointment…
Call us on 01904 607677 and one of our friendly team will arrange your no-obligation appointment at a time to suit you. We’ll all sit down for a chat and together we’ll start to understand your vision.
Free design and quote
Then it’s over to our design team who are bursting with bright ideas..
Then it’s over to our design team who are bursting with bright ideas. They’ll create a scheme and 3D design to perfectly match your requirements. We’ll also send you a fully itemised quote so you know exactly how much everything costs. If you’re happy, we’re happy, so it’s all systems go.
Built in our workshop
Next, it’s time to lift your plan off the page and bring your design to life…
Next, it’s time to lift your plan off the page and bring your design to life. We’ll start crafting your order in our Yorkshire workshop, making sure that everything we produce is of the highest quality.
Installed by the experts
The excitement builds as our trained installers bring your new play equipment on-site…
The excitement builds as our trained installers bring your new play equipment on-site. They’ll keep inconvenience to a minimum and – if working at a school – will give children a chance to watch their new playground come to life. Our Team Leaders will oversee all project management for ultimate peace of mind. And all while consulting you at every stage to make sure you’re thoroughly thrilled with the result.
Welcome to your new play area!
And now there’s only one thing to do – play!…
And now there’s only one thing to do – play! But rest assured that when you need us, we’re still here to offer a comprehensive after-sales service. Speak to us about our operational and maintenance packages.
Meet the team
Directors
Steve Danby
Managing Director
As a family run firm my mum, dad and I have been blessed with the opportunity to employ and work with an amazing group of people. It’s with thanks to those people that Playscheme is what it is today.
Being Managing Director, my role is to oversee all departments of Playscheme and ensure that the company runs smoothly and progressively.
We are lucky enough to be able to design, build and install play equipment for children and adults alike. Since starting Playscheme we’ve built everything from a balance beam right through to 9m Towers and fire breathing Viking boats.
Carol Danby
Finance Director
My role is to oversee the management of the Company finances.
I have done the accounting since about 1995 when my husband John and eldest son Steve started making play equipment in our garage at home!
John Danby
Chairman
I started Playscheme with my son 25 years ago, working from my shed at home. Designs were drawn by hand and most of the equipment was handmade. Over the years we have grown and expanded into the company we are today.
My role has changed from doing practically everything to specialising in sales and the running of the company. I’ve recently handed over the role of Managing Director to Steve.
The things I enjoy most about my job are my customers and the creative element from making and designing to inspiring imaginations.
As a father I have found it a privilege to work with my son, which most people don’t get to experience. I’m proud of our family firm and family values.
Angie Forster
Resource Director
I’ve known the Danby family for over 25 years and class them as my own family. I joined Playscheme in 2010 to take over the HR department and set up its quality management system. Working alongside our finance director Carol and running all the business support services, it’s a role that keeps me busy learning all the time!
Over the years, we’ve grown and developed our in-house teams, set up great contractors and sourced the right materials all over the world. In December 2019, I was given the opportunity to become a director – an offer I just couldn’t refuse.
In the office
Alan Kitts
Special Projects Manager
Before I joined Playscheme in 2011, I was already impressed by what they were capable of designing and manufacturing. So when I was invited to join the team, I jumped at the chance.
My role is to generate sales by attending exhibitions, following up enquiries and spreading the word about what we can achieve for clients. It’s exciting and diverse, giving me the opportunity to visit schools, public play areas, farms and visitor attractions. I’ve also been instrumental in securing our success in the Sport England Primary Spaces Projects.
Michael Carr
Special Projects Manager
I joined the team in 2023 and am loving it!
I really enjoy getting out and about visiting clients to help make their vision become a reality. It’s really exciting to be there right at the start of a project and see it through to completion.
I love that every day and every appointment is different. It’s great to visit schools, public play areas and visitor attractions around the country.
In my spare time, I love to watch Hartlepool United (often lose!) with my dad, go to the pub and watch Marvel films with my family.
Adam Press
Head of Design
I joined the Playscheme design team in September 2016. What I love about this role is that every single day is different, and brings a new challenge. As Head of Design my role is to ensure myself and the team design engaging, imaginative and bespoke playgrounds to the highest standard, whatever the budget. Everybody works as team here, which allows us to bounce ideas off each other to ensure your scheme is perfect!
When I’m not at work, I love to go for walks and explore somewhere new. And being a huge Derby County fan comes with it’s highs and lows. (More often the lows in recent years!).
Dave Barrow
Product Designer
I’ve been working at Playscheme since the dawn of time (2005 in fact!)
My role is to create and inspire through the medium of SketchUp, taking a sketch on a piece of paper and turning it into a digital 3D visualization.
When I’m not at work, I’m usually walking Rex, the hungry Labrador.
Rebecca Lee
Playground Designer
I joined Playscheme in March 2020. My role is to create bespoke, exciting and engaging playgrounds that are full of play value and build positive, lasting memories for children. I love that every project is different and tailored to the client’s requirements.
We really can build anything!
Sam Walker
Playground Designer
I joined Playscheme as a playground designer in 2023. I instantly felt like part of the team through the positive and friendly attitudes from the members of the Playscheme team! My creativity and passion for design has always been with me through my childhood and education, Playscheme gives me the resources and opportunities to create designs that fuel my creativity and produce schemes that show value and express positivity. To be doing what I have always wanted to do with such a great team at Playscheme is a gift!
Outside of work I will always find time for the gym and making plans with my mates. I’m not a fussy eater but I don’t like donuts, apple crumble, fish and chips and I don’t mind burgers (just not beef burgers). If I really had to, I would eat all of them though!
Hazel Morrish
Playground Designer
I joined Playscheme’s design team in June 2023. I’m excited to be creating such varied playgrounds that will used by children all over the country! I’m lucky to work with such a great team, I can’t wait to see what we create in the future!
Outside of work you’ll find me running a local Park Run or playing with my nieces and nephew, hopefully on a playground designed by us!
Lisa Hedley
Administrator / Assistant to Managing Director
I joined Playscheme in July 2020 as Administrator for the Operations Team.
My role is incredibly varied predominantly assisting our Managing Director in planning fabulous playgrounds, coordinating installations and providing customer documentation throughout this process.
In my free time, I’m generally out walking in our beautiful city with my two boys, taking weekend caravan trips with the family, or at home watching reality TV.
Natasha Dixon
Administrator / Assistant to Managing Director
I joined Playscheme in March 2021 amid COVID, as Administrator/PA to Steve, our Managing Director. My role is extremely varied day to day (the time flies by!) from, co-ordinating installations to producing high detailed documentation for our clients.
The whole Playscheme bunch are amazing to work with and great to bounce ideas off.
In my spare time, I’m usually out with my spaniel Nessie or catching up on tv home improvement programmes.
Sarah Marron
Accounts
I joined Playscheme in October 2021 in my role assisting with the accounts, making sure everyone is paid on time and dealing with any queries on the finance side.
I have a great relationship with the team who always keep me busy! I enjoy watching our playgrounds progress from paper designs to the finished product. We design some amazing play equipment and it’s a pleasure to see my own children being able to enjoy these in some of our local playgrounds.
In my spare time I’m kept busy running around after my naughty Golden Retriever, Willow. We love a day at the coast, or for Willow, anywhere she can find water to roll around in.
In the workshop/on site
Jason Day
Workshop Manager
I joined Playscheme after leaving school at 16, where I started my duties in the workshop and then on site. I have built up my skills and experience and am now the Workshop Manager and a valued member of the team!
In my spare time, I love the odd game of darts, hence my nickname Jimmy (as in Jimmy White) and I play as part of a local team.
John Heaver
Maintenance & Inspections
I joined Playscheme January 2015 as a Site Installer. I haves brought a wealth of skills and experience from my previous roles and am now a fully trained Operational Inspector and am always on hand to train others.
Out of work, my passions extend to hiking and camping, all over the UK and I think I’ve climbed most of the larger mountains! I also love oil painting and sculptures and even show to the public.
Rick Hill
Workshop Themer
I joined Playscheme February 2018 as our Practical Themer. I am responsible for all the quality finishes to our themed play areas and am dedicated to producing an excellent finished article for kids to enjoy as well as our resident First Aider.
When I’ve not got a paintbrush in my hand, I keep himself busy playing the saxophone or martial arts as well as, collecting and photographing action figures.
Billy Hunter
Playground Manufacturer
I joined Playscheme in January 2020 as a Playground Manufacturer. When I’m in the workshop, I specialise in all the CNC work and love seeing what the finished product brings and when I’m on site, I love to get stuck into the project build and bring the magic to life!
Originally, I trained and qualified as an Engineer and love anything to do with cars and gaming.
Ryan Thomas
Playground Manufacturer
I joined Playscheme in October 2020 as an Apprentice in our workshop manufacturing department. However, I felt my passion was with site installations and now, I am one of our lead Site Supervisors and am excited to start my Site Manager apprenticeship.
Out of work, you’ll find me in the gym and out socialising with my friends and family.
Quentin Scott
Playground Manufacturer
I joined Playscheme in July 2021 as a Playground Manufacturer and Installer. I love being out on site and being part of the installation team.
Out of work, I really enjoy football, cycling and playing golf as well as spending time with family and the occasional camping trip!
Joshua Welsh
Playground Manufacturer
I joined Playscheme in August 2021 as a Playground Manufacturer and Installer and love being part of a wonderful team!
In my spare time, I love rock climbing and being in the outdoors, in all weathers.
Phil Jarvis
Yard & Stock Assistant
I joined Playscheme in May 2021 as our Workshop Mate. I keep everything in the workshop and yard spotlessly clean and everything in place (very hard with wood everywhere!).
Out of work, I volunteer at South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in Doncaster, and I also show military aircraft and cockpits to other enthusiasts.
