Professional Qualifications

Career History

RB Consultancy Quality / Health & Safety Consultant

July 2001 to present day

Set up and developed a consultancy business (see Appendix 1) providing services including:

· Auditing of potential components suppliers to the requirements of BS EN ISO9001 and those specified by the customer

· Management of component suppliers

· Product verification testing prior to delivery

· Providing additional assistance / manpower to support customer Quality / Health & Safety Departments

· Providing technical expertise to help customers improve their manufacturing techniques, process training and product quality

· Developing, implementing and maintaining QMS to BS EN ISO9001 and HSMS to OHSAS 18001

Ocean Power Delivery Ltd, Edinburgh Quality/ Health & Safety Manager

June 2002 to May 2007

Developing the Pelamis Wave Energy Machine, for generation of electricity from the power of offshore waves.

· Began development of a QMS based on BS EN ISO 9001 2000, which proved difficult given the start-up nature of the company. Joined full time in 2003, shortly before the build of the full size prototype machine.

· Set up supplier management procedures, audited all major component suppliers, and monitored the conformity of all components and build quality throughout the construction phase.

· Set up a HSMS based on OHSAS 18001, including a process of risk management, to ensure all health & safety risks were identified and controlled and all relevant UK health & safety legislation complied with.

· Introduced to the design process a system of Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard Operability Studies (HAZOPs) to identify and implement improvements to reduce health & safety risk.

· Developed the QMS and HSMS to accommodate the change in company direction away from R&D start-up, towards commercial production (first commercial contract awarded in 2004).

· Wrote and updated all Risk and COSHH assessments and the additional safety management procedures required for all phases of construction, sea-trials, offshore installation and commissioning, monitoring and decommissioning, for both the prototype and 3 production machines.

· Responsible for training employees on all health & safety issues and monitoring performance at all sites (Edinburgh, Fife, Orkney, Stornoway and Portugal).

· During my 5 years at OPD, there were no major accidents or employee injury claims, which was particularly pleasing considering the nature of activities undertaken and the financial constraints imposed.

· Carried out an extensive review of all existing UK health & safety legislation, as there was nothing specific to the wave energy industry. My report was distributed to the Wave and Tidal Health & Safety Seminar sponsored by E-on in March 2007, which I understand is now being used by the Industry Steering Group to assist in the development of Industry Best Practice Health & Safety Guidance.

· From October 2006 to May 2007, both the QMS and HSMS were subjected to and passed a thorough due diligence exercise by a Scottish based power generation company.

Aerpac UK Ltd, Kirkcaldy, Fife Quality/ Health & Safety Manager

Jan 1998 to July 2001

Aerpac Group was the 2 ^nd largest "independent" manufacturer of glassfibre wind turbine blades in the world, producing blades from 6.8m to 45m.

· Set up and implemented a QMS to BS EN ISO 9002 1994, which was awarded certification by National Quality Assurance (NQA) in June 1998.

· Modified the system to the requirements of the then new BS EN ISO 9001 2000, thereafter subjected to 5 customer audits and 7 maintenance audits from NQA.

· Introduced supplier management, process quality control monitoring and non-conformance reporting processes, to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.

· Set up and implemented a HSMS based on BS8800 and OHSAS 18001, created all process related Risk assessments and COSHH assessments to control the use of over 60 hazardous substances.

· To improve the UK plant's knowledgebase, spent 4 months at the Dutch parent in Holland receiving intensive training on blade design, manufacturing techniques and resin infusion moulding.

· Given additional responsibility for technical support for UK blade manufacture, including control of all technical information, creation of shop-floor work instructions and advising on rework solutions.

· Maintained health & safety and product compliance standards as the company grew from 30 to 200 staff over an 18 month period. Developed my own Quality Control and Health & Safety team, trained all new employees on all technical, quality & health & safety functions.

· Established and chaired Committees for Quality and Health & Safety. As a result, significantly reduced non conformities, accidents and injuries, improved working conditions, practices and product compliance and enhanced the quality and health & safety culture throughout the company.

· Twice approached by the Group Board of Directors to oversee the set up of blade manufacturing facilities in India and Australia, and was disappointed when this did not materialise due to financial constraints.

· Appointed Group Health & Safety Adviser in 2000. Frequently visited Spain and Holland to carry out audits and attend quarterly Group Quality / Health & Safety meetings.

· When the company fell into Administration, given the unenviable task of select and notify employees of their redundancy.

Cadman UK Ltd, Birmingham Quality Manager

Oct 1993 to Jan 1998

Steel / Aluminium Fabricators & Machinists supplying the Transportation, Railway Rolling Stock, Water Purification & Electronics industries

· Set up the Quality Department and trained 2 of the existing staff to help run it.

· Wrote and installed a QMS to BS EN ISO 9002 1994, which was awarded 3 ^rd party certification by NQA and subjected to a number of 2 ^nd party customer audits, resulting in improved performance ratings and an increased order book.

· Initiated quality improvement meetings with all major customers, which reduced product non conformities and improved customer relations.

Scammell Engineering Ltd, Birmingham Quality Manager

Nov 1992 to Oct 1993

Steel / Aluminium Fabricators, Machinists & Paintshop supplying components to the Transportation & Railway Rolling Stock industries

· Successfully organised and coordinated the relocation to larger premises of the merged Gamwell and Scammell businesses, whilst maintaining fulfilment of existing customer commitments.

· Appointed Quality Manager for the enlarged business, for which I re-wrote and installed a QMS. Within 3 months 3 ^rd party certification to BS 5750 Pt 2 was awarded by BSI.

Gamwell Engineering Ltd, Birmingham Quality Inspector / Quality Manager

Oct 1991 to Nov 1992

Steel / Aluminium Fabricators, Machinists & Paintshop supplying components to the Transportation & Railway Rolling Stock industries

· Re-joined in October 1991 as a Quality Inspector. The company was subject to takeover in 1992, and I was promoted to Quality Manager with responsibility for running the Quality Department and QMS.

· Thereafter delegated additional responsibility for running the company. Met regularly with the Group MD who made me aware of the company's financial position and held me accountable for its improvement.

· Initiated weekly quality improvement/ performance meetings with customers. Cleared the order backlog created by the takeover and restored customer confidence, leading to further orders being placed.

WJ Wild Co Ltd, Birmingham Inspector, Setter & Operator

Sept 1990 to Oct 1991

· Joined the "Spring Washer Department" and after a short period of training was given responsibility for overseeing the setting and operation of a number of machines producing spring washers.

· Provided with training on Statistical Process Control (SPC) and sample inspection techniques and was given additional responsibility for all Quality Control activities within the Department.

Grayston, White & Sparrow, Birmingham Assistant Hire Controller

Aug 1989 to Sept 1990

· Assisted the Hire Controller organise the daily hire of over 30 mobile cranes with capacities of 10 -120 tonnes. Obtained customer orders, dealt with site issues and turned orders into driver work instructions.

Sainsbury's, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham Night Porter

Aug 1988 to Jan 1990

· Responsible for withdrawing warehouse stock, placement on trolleys ready for shopfloor shelving and ensuring the clearance of all packaging prior to the shop re-opening the following morning.

Gamwell Engineering Ltd, Birmingham Trainee Fabricator/ Welder

Jun 1987 to Aug 1988

· Joined the "Ornamental Ironwork Department" at 16, upon recommendation to the company by my Woodwork Teacher.

· Learnt to weld, fabricate different types of materials and the basics of sheet metal work. Shortly thereafter was completing the construction of my own orders (wrought iron gates and various types of ornamental steelwork) and installing the finished product to customers' property.

· After an enjoyable 12 months, chose to return to School to retake my leaving qualifications.

Enron Wind - Almelo, Holland

· Audited and managed key suppliers of pre-fabricated wind turbine blade components and materials.

· Performed product verification testing of components against specification requirements, prior to delivery.

Alabe - Spain + Plantas Ecolias - Costa Rica

· Provided technical expertise on improving blade design, manufacturing techniques and quality control monitoring of the Aerpac APX 33 blade type.

Dewind - Germany

· Audited and managed their supplier of wind turbine blades and performed product verification testing of the blades against specification requirements, prior to delivery to Germany and mainland Europe.

NKK Corporation - Japan & JFE (NKK merged with Kawasaki and created JFE)

· Audited and managed their supplier of wind turbine blades and performed product verification testing of the blades against specification requirements, prior to delivery to Japan.

NGUP Holding B.V. & NGUP Manufacturing Technology Ltd

· Asked by the MD of Dutch based NGUP Holding B.V. to set up a UK based company on their behalf, to manufacture 40m + wind turbine blade moulds.

· Set up the company and began sourcing premises, personnel, materials / component suppliers and preparing for production.

· A 4 month delay on the first order (due to commercial and technical difficulties obtaining a license to manufacture the blade design) placed the Dutch parent under significant financial pressure. As a result, development of the UK arm was unable to proceed.

GE Wind Energy - Almelo, Holland

· Initially contracted to improve pre-fabricated component quality and fit of components within various blade moulds at their Dutch wind turbine blade manufacturing facility.

· Trained American employees on all aspects of wind turbine blade manufacture, prior to the set-up of a production facility in Pensacola, Florida.

· After completion of process improvements and training, was contracted to act as the temporary Quality Manager, pending appointment of a replacement. Responsible for overseeing process quality control activities throughout the manufacturing process, reviewing all process and product non-conformities and implementing corrective actions to reduce / minimise recurrence.

On-line Logistics, Birmingham

· Successfully developed and implemented a HSMS based on OHSAS 18001 1999 - particularly pleasing given no prior exposure to the Transportation and Logistics Industry.

NOI Scotland Ltd, Fife

· Helped improve product quality and created a training manual for their wind turbine blade manufacturing process, which was later used in the Group's manufacturing facilities across Germany and Spain.

Mastif Supplies Ltd, Fife

· Set up and implemented a QMS to BS EN ISO 9001 2000, which was successfully certified by BM Trada.

· Set up and implemented a HSMS based on OHSAS 18001. Continued to act as company Quality / Health & Safety Advisor, providing advice to senior management, assistance with process improvements and continued development and maintenance of their management systems.

Industrial Pipework Ltd, Fife

· Set up and implemented a QMS to BS EN ISO 9001 2000.

Ocean Power Delivery Ltd, Edinburgh

· Part time Quality / Health & Safety Manager from June 2002 until July 2003, before being invited to join the company full time.

IMG Offshore Ltd, Aberdeen

· Part-time Quality / Health & Safety Adviser since May 2005.

· Set up and implemented a QMS based on BS EN ISO 9001 2000. Awarded certification by DNV in August 2006 (maintenance of certification ongoing) and successfully audited in February 2007 by the Association of Composite Repair Suppliers (ACORES). IMG is now an ACORES approved supplier.

· Provide Quality and Health & Safety assistance to IMG Offshore Ltd and the other Group companies - IMG Offshore in the UAE, and Seamless Coatings Ltd in Birmingham.

· Currently developing and implementing IMG's HSMS based on OHSAS 18001 2007.