Welcome to Tech West England Advocates

For the last 20 years Craig has been running a successful Freight Forwarding Strategic Growth Consultancy that assists Freight Forwarders with fast track growth plans and is one of the leading experts in the sector. Having built up a global team of Freight Forwarding Industry Recruiters Craig has now taken Headford to the next level.

Craig Headford works very closely with his clients in assisting them to find key personnel and M&A opportunities that match their growth strategy. Craig prides himself on sourcing the top 3% in the sector and also shares his clients passion for growth and increased profits.

The Freight Forwarding professionals that set up profitable offices, trade lanes, specialist divisions and consistently hit their targets. All backed up by a team of specialist freight forwarding industry executive search consultants and M&A Advisors.

Craig and his team can assist with Mergers & Acquisitions, Executive Search & Media please visit HeadfordGroup.com and we will be delighted to help you double your EBIT.

Bora Bayram is a recent graduate of the London School of Economics, where he earned a BSc in Economics and Economic History with Upper Second Class Honours. Highlights from his time in education include a comprehensive dissertation on food’s role as a technological innovation along with rigorous quantitative and essay-based courses. Bora has served as Communications Coordinator at Tech West England Advocates where he spearheaded the development of a report that was submitted to the Treasury Select Committee’s inquiry into SME Finance by engaging with various stakeholders to reflect their experiences. He is managing social media promotions for the Tech mission to Hong Kong, where he will provide communications support on the ground. He was also Features Editor at LSE’s award-winning student newspaper, The Beaver, where he led a team of writers and produced engaging long-form content focused on investigations.

Senior energy analyst specialising in the commodity market. Harkesh’s insight into the Birmingham tech infrastructure and Indian heritage has led his interest in joining the Tech India advocates in order break barriers and improve trade across two markets with considerable history

Matthew is a distinguished data and tech consultant, specializing in digital transformation, data management, and data consulting. He holds an MBA from the University of Birmingham and an Executive Learning degree in Leading Digital Transformation from London Business School. He is an active member of the West of England Tech community, dedicated to driving technological innovation. Matthew’s career journey commenced in commercial banking and seamlessly transitioned into the dynamic domain of data and tech consulting. Through extensive international exposure across Europe, China, and South America, he has cultivated a profound understanding of diverse markets and their intricate challenges.

Fueled by a passion for forging cultural connections through technology, Matthew serves the role of a China Ambassador within Tech West England Advocates. Originating from the sister cities of Birmingham and Bristol, Guangzhou, he commits himself to nurturing cross-cultural innovation and collaboration, acting as a vital bridge between Tech West Midlands and China. Matthew asserts, with conviction, that in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the mastery of technology and data is not merely advantageous but an absolute prerequisite for sustainable growth and competitive success.

Rob Harrison is a tech entrepreneur that has led product strategy, engineering and growth at start-ups, scale-ups and large enterprises. He brings a passion for technology innovation, business and individuals mentorship and advocacy to support growth in the South West of the UK.

Rob joined Sophos as the Vice President of Products & Services in 2021, following the acquisition of Capsule8, where he was previously Chief Product Officer. Rob is responsible for leading the development and growth of Security Operations products and services, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR). With over 20 years’ experience, Rob has a track record of delivering high growth and profitability across technology organisations within the cybersecurity, financial services, telecommunication, aerospace and defence industries. His passion for innovation in the technology industry has led to the development of a number of products and solutions that have broken new ground within their markets.

Ama is a communications and communities specialist, who is a passionate about the tech sector’s potential to revolutionise access to skills and jobs in developing economies.

Ama’s professional expertise includes being the South West Engagement Manager for Tech Nation, and leading the marketing on a regional business support project led by the universities of Exeter and Plymouth, and the Met Office. She is also a member of a number of international tech-focused organisations, including the Tech Ghana Advocates.

A familiar face in the Devon tech scene, Ama is keen to help the West of England showcase its rich variety of expertise and capability, and facilitate a wider range of global opportunities.

Russel has been working on projects for big brands such as Netflix, Puffin Books and Sega, designing and creating web pages across various regions worldwide and working with both clients and stakeholders. Being an individual who enjoys experimentation, he has been responsible for creating new functionality to web pages. Russel has a BA Graphic Communication & Typography at Plymouth University and FdA Graphic Design with Interactive Multimedia at City of Bristol College.

Mark Evans CEO of Kbase Connect, a CQP (Chartered Quality Professional) and a CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor). Mark’s journey as an Electronics/Software Engineer started after joining a manufacturing start-up as Employee No.2. One of his primary roles was to design and develop bespoke software systems with a strong emphasis on risk control mechanisms. These systems would become instrumental to the success of the organisation and ultimately a buyout 9 years later by an American Conglomerate for 10’s of Millions of dollars, which in turn elevated the company to the status of the world’s largest Drink and Snack vending machine manufacturer.

During and after the acquisition, Mark worked closely with the USA HQ in Missouri to build transatlantic Six Sigma programmes and unified Computer Systems. In June 2000 Mark incorporated Kbase Connect Ltd, specialising in the design, development of a bespoke “Software as a Service” tools and solutions in the areas of Compliance, Governance & Policy Management Solutions. Over the last 23 years, Kbase has engaged with organisations of all sizes and at the highest levels of business for some of the world’s largest organisations, working to meet the demands of FTSE 100 boardrooms in global rollouts and bringing to life the visions of entrepreneurs in digital form.

Leading the West of England Institute of Technology, a partnership of 5 academic partners and 13 employers to deliver skills training to over 2,000 students by academic year 23/24. Focusing on supporting employers in the level 4 and 5 skills arenas, with technical skills and education in the areas of health engineering and digital. Institutes of Technology are the Department of Education’s flagship for higher technical skills and qualifications and will be the cornerstone of the higher technical reforms. There are 21 IoT’s being created across England to support skills. The West of England IoT is one of the top performing IoT’s in the country and is well regarded for its work with employers on the future skills agenda.

Previously Claire was the National Centre for Computing Education: Programme Manager – GCSE Accelerator programme responsible for a £34m education programme supporting secondary school teachers to be confident and competent in the delivery of the GCSE computer science curriculum. Part of the National Centre for Computing Education leadership board and linked to Raspberry Pi Foundation and BCS the Chartered Institute for IT, for the development of the content and the awarding process.

She has also managed significant Apprenticeship Provision and STEM Engagement activities, and is well placed to support on the Skills requirements of a future digital workforce.

Shannon D’Arcy is the Associate Brand Manager for huboo, contributing to the vision of revolutionising the way the world’s fulfilment needs are met with the best quality tech, people and build a trusted multichannel fulfilment provider.

Huboo is one of the fastest-growing eCommerce fulfilment companies, empowering brands, fuelling growth and fulfilling ambitions! We excel at taking business stock and storing, picking, packing, and delivering goods automatically through our innovative hub model and unique tech.

Our network of fulfilment centres across the UK & mainland Europe fulfils eCommerce orders from all over the world. Our international fulfilment solution means that your business can grow on a global scale, using our unrivalled network of domestic and international couriers.

Shannon has a specific interest in building an authentic network and sharing the brand story that customers can relate to and believes that transparency and empathy are the key pillars for building a brand people understand and trust.

David is former Head of Pensions and Head of Transformation at Hargreaves Lansdown. David has more than 20 years experience in the Financial Services industry. A Chartered Manager with excellent team and project leadership, high calibre team development and problem-solving. David now advises and invests in early stage FinTech ventures. David is a strategic Advisor for FinTech West, an Advisory board member to the department of Accounting, Economics and Finance at University West of England where he also guest lectures for the FinTech MSc. In 2019 David Co-Founded the Bristol Technology Festival to help promote the Bristol technology sector.

Having worked in food and drink sales and development for 20 years, Ben has a genuine knowledge and passion for the Food & Beverage sector, both in the UK and overseas. A background in bakery and food manufacturing, Ben has practical experience of how Tech can be applied to streamline processes and improve customer outcomes. Ben has export experience and is a DIT Export Champion for the South West of England.

Dr Claire Mould began her career as a teacher, before working as a Senior Relationship Fellow focusing on neurological studies, specifically the link between emotional intelligence and cognitive intelligence. Claire has had several research papers and books published exploring theories of development and learning and effective leadership and management strategies.

In 2000 she drew on innovative digital learning platforms to set up her own learning and development company, and took this experience in tech systems into the education, health and social care sector. Becoming CEO of a charity providing housing, education and complex mental health support to homeless young and vulnerable individuals and utilising tech based strategies to support and keep in touch with homeless young people. After that Claire then became CEO of Cintre, a charity that provides residential care and community based support for adults with complex mental health needs and learning disabilities introducing tech focused initiatives to nurture independence.

In May 2021 Claire joined Bespoke Consultancy and Education as Director of Strategy, and has been heavily involved in exploring accessible and affordable Virtual Reality as a Tech for Good learning tool. Claire also sits on the Board of the Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network, and involved in a Digital Devon training project.

Yiannis is the Founder & CEO of Birmingham Tech CIC, a community initiative designed to inspire the next generation, help businesses ScaleUp, and create an environment where people can collaborate and celebrate success.

Yiannis has over 17 year’s experience in marketing and technology, where he’s helped a number of innovative organisations successfully scale. His career started at B2B SaaS company Rant & Rave, who he helped grow from a challenger brand to a market leader that eventually sold for £50m. Following this, he was chosen as the UK Chair for the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) which is the largest community of CX professionals in the world.

He holds a number of NED roles, including on the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Digital Skills Partnership and Bruntwood Sci-Tech’s Birmingham Board – he’s also the Technology Ambassador for the IoD (Greater Birmingham Branch), part of the team at the UK Tech Cluster Group and a member of Tech Nation’s Visa Advisory Board.

Yiannis is a seasoned speaker and has spoken at many of the top business schools and has been invited by Salesforce, HubSpot and Google to speak at their events. During his career, he has also been named Central England’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Outstanding Tech Individual of the Year and awarded a place in the prestigious Marketing Academy.

Chris a former NHS CEO, has worked with hundreds of NHS and commercial health and care organisations in the UK to take their health tech export offer to operators, developers, investors, governments and health services in the target markets of India, China, SE Asia, the Middle East and other countries. This was in his role as a senior consultant healthcare specialist (and briefly interim Managing Director) with Healthcare UK based at the Department for International Trade (DIT) for the last ten years. He is an experienced executive coach and mentor and has a passion for using technology to improve health and care worldwide.

Until January 2021, he was the DIT Ambassador for the Ageing Society Grand Challenge of the UK government’s Industrial Strategy. He has been responsible for the development of a detailed set of international UK marketing offers, including digital health, NHS Innovation, clinical services (most recently diabetes, oncology, cardiac services and mental health), training and education and healthcare infrastructure.

In 2021, Chris was Head of NHS Collaborative Exports working with the Department of Health and Social Care, Healthcare UK and NHS England and NHS Improvement to set up the NHS Export Collaborative with the NHS and healthcare Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs). The NHS Export Collaborative was announced in the NHS Long Term Plan to support NHS Trusts, ALBs and other bodies to export UK innovations in healthcare and was launched in September 2021.

Chris worked for 25 years as a CEO and senior leader in the NHS both in a Trust and as a commissioner. Chris also worked in a predecessor of NHS England and NHS Improvement (the NHS Executive) and in 2012 was seconded to the then Department of Health to develop NHS Global (which led to the creation of Healthcare UK).

Phil has over 35 years of experience in International Trade. A Market Specialist Advisor for the Technology Sector, Phil provides help, support and services to UK Tech companies looking to grow their business in overseas markets, with services that include advice, research, trade missions, exhibition support and training.

Phil works with a network of experienced export advisers in the UK and with Commercial Officers in British Embassies and Consulates around the world in a role which involves export trade advice and coaching as well as market penetration and commercialisation strategies including FDI, ODI, JV’s etc.

Phil has also worked for Innovate UK’s SME innovation support programme and has extensive experience of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region having worked with some highly innovative, cutting-edge technologies from SME’s and Blue Chip companies.

A dedicated environmentalist, Phil is particularly passionate about Green-Tech and sustainable environmental solutions and has been invited to present on this subject to various business groups.

Annalisa Checchi is a Managing Associate at Foot Anstey LLP and provides advice to a variety of businesses on a broad range of legal and business affairs including drafting, negotiating and completing a wide range of commercial agreements. She specialises in intellectual property and technology non-contentious matters for international and national clients from the private and public sector.

With over 20 years of experience, Annalisa fully understands the challenges her clients face and she strives to help them overcome these. She is able to draw on significant in-house experience from her previous roles, in particular her last in-house role where she provided support to a variety of marketing and advertising agencies for a US publicly listed group of companies. This experience gives her excellent commercial awareness, an understanding of how clients approach risk mitigation and an ability to deliver legal advice in her clients’ language.

Jonathan Davis advises Salamanca Bank and other clients on the technical, commercial and practical implementation of low carbon business facilities, services and infrastructure. He draws on 18years’ experience of energy systems to oversees the full life cycle from conception and design through to construction and monitoring.

Previously Jonathan worked as Head of Midas Energy, part of the Midas Construction Group, he implemented new approaches into traditional construction, delivering commercial advantage, improved system performance and substantial carbon reductions. He has worked extensively in the renewable energy sector since 2003.

Initially an electrical engineer, he grew one of the first PV installation companies in the English South West which evolved into an award-winning, clean tech, energy project consultancy.

The future of technology in Wales is growing rapidly and TWA is here to support these areas and the biggest challenges tech companies will face along the way – diversity, digital skills, immigration, infrastructure and access to funding.

Paul has thirty years’ experience in Aerospace, Defence, Naval & Energy markets – and high technologies associated with these industries.

Paul comes with suite of senior Director an Vice President roles in BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Exostar and Airbus, and has been involved in the creation of new ventures such as a service company supporting the Royal Air Force as the AirTanker as a board director.

Paul has recently supported GKN Aerospace in achieving over £124m net funding for aerospace and manufacturing technologies in the UK, Sweden, US and Europe with a focus on Additive Manufacturing (£25m), a new technology centre for Industry 4.0 £60M which included a prime role with the Aerospace partners BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and BAE Systems but also Nissan and GSK. In addition a grant of £54M will be awarded to allow GKN Aerospace to lead Hydrogen Hybrid Propulsion. He has also initiated and delivered in the first weeks of the pandemic a response the the UK Government’s call for ventilators – and set up the Ventilator Challenge UK alliance with the HVM Catapult, F1 companies, Automotive and Aerospace primes with a result of over 14,400 ventilators in 14 weeks, a 100x scale up of UK supply chain and enabled by Digital Manufacturing and supply chain, ready for the next spike in the pandemic.

Over 30 years in the technology sector with asset management, professional services, and industry experience. Substantial experience acting as an Independent Director on the boards of 10 technology companies since 2004. Based in Hong Kong from 1994 to 2018, extensive knowledge of the technology industry in Asia including India, Greater China, SE Asia, Korea, and Japan. Founding Partner of HSBC’s Asian Venture Capital business. Previously, Chairman of the Venture Committee of the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Since returning to the UK in 2019 applying these skills by acting as a NED or advisor to growing technology companies. Ambassador for High Tech Industry and Tech Ventures to The Institute of Directors; Expert in Residence at Imperial College Enterprise Lab; and Business Review Panelist at SETsquared Bristol. Chartered Director, Fellow Chartered Accountant and Hong Kong SFC Licensed Investment Representative from 2000 to 2018.

Chris is the Tech Lead for the South of England supporting HSBC UK’s Relationship Managers bringing the best of the bank to their tech clients from start up, through scale up and beyond.

hris manages a portfolio of mid-market tech business based in the South West with their day to day banking, financing requirements and international growth plans. He has 15 years experience in corporate coverage with HSBC UK and covers the tech sector with some of the most exciting and interesting business in the South West.

Jacob’s personal interest in technology extends to helping start up, scaleup and established companies that have a technical aspect to their operations. From establishing financial reporting systems, to compliance work and research and development tax credits, Jacob has helped many companies navigate the financial aspects of their business. Jacob also provides advice to directors at board level and looks to create mutually beneficial introductions and relationships between clients and contacts.

Richard has been an active business leader and ambassador for the South West of England since 2006. He is passionate about promoting the West of England Tech eco-system within the Global Tech Advocates community to enable innovation and collaboration to support Scaling Up and Going Global.

Richard is Managing Director of Hewlett Rand, a Training and Digital Learning consultancy specialising in training Leadership, Management and Sales teams to improve performance and results. Hewlett Rand also runs Dragonfly Academy an in-house programme to equip Tech SME Top Teams with the skills to support their scale up journey.

He has a keen interest in Tech for online training, accelerating team performance and business outcomes. Richard is also a Director of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau supporting anglo-sino trade development.