Tell me about your career journey and how it led to your role today?
My career journey has definitely not been a straight line to the digital infrastructure industry. I started in the Royal Air Force, dedicating 23 years as an engineering officer managing maintenance teams for key aircraft like the Hercules and C-17. This role was crucial for maintaining the UK’s air transport capabilities and overseeing surveillance operations that kept strategic assets in prime condition.
After my military service, I transitioned into civilian life, taking a key role as the head of engineering at Gatwick Airport. Here, I was responsible for the upkeep of extensive infrastructure, from runways to terminals, translating my skills from military aircraft to the complexities of civilian airport management.
I then moved to Merlin Entertainments, stepping into the role of engineering director at a critical time when the company was overhauling its safety protocols following a significant incident. My job involved managing maintenance and safety across 130 theme parks in 27 countries, which taught me how to handle crisis situations and standardise safety processes on a global scale.
From theme parks, I moved to the National Grid, where I focused on modernising operations within the UK’s essential gas and electricity infrastructures. This role demanded a strategic approach and deep engagement in operational efficiencies critical to everyday life.
My most unexpected career move came when I was approached by Pure to join the data centre industry. I wasn’t a technical person in the traditional sense, but my extensive experience in large-scale engineering and infrastructure management made me a perfect fit. I started by establishing key processes and training teams, eventually taking over as CEO when the founder departed.
If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS. Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts.
Funding conditions: If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.
A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).
Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant. Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.
Data protection statement – how we will use your information
The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles. The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’
General Data Protection Regulation: Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice
Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].
