Smith started his career in amenity horticulture and arboriculture in the early 1980's before heading to Moulton College and subsequently Capel Manor College as head of arboriculture, countryside and the environment.
He later became a member of the City & Guilds qualification consultant team, monitoring and advising centres on their provision covering arboriculture, forestry, conservation and horticulture qualifications and apprenticeships.
Smith is also a member of the Register of Tree Work Operatives management team and a chainsaw assessor and has considerable experience as an arboriculture contractor.
Alastair Beddall, managing director of Practicality Brown, said: "Nigel's knowledge and expertise speaks for itself. With his wealth of experience and enthusiasm, he's a great addition to the senior team at Practicality Brown."