Simon started in industry as a Technician Apprentice with Courtaulds Plc in 1983 and has over 35 years of multi-disciplinary and cross-sector experience in manufacturing and engineering both in the UK and Middle East.

He joined SWMAS as a Manufacturing Specialist at its creation in 2002 and since then has designed, delivered and managed manufacturing support programmes both nationally and in the South West of England.

Instrumental in creating the Exelin Group in 2013, and now as CEO, he leads the strategic development and delivery of the group which includes SWMAS, the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre, Exelin Consulting and Point Infrastructure (trading as Hinkley Basecamp).

Simon is passionate about manufacturing in the UK and an advocate for South West business. Motivated by making a positive difference to the sector, his main focus is on leading SWMAS in its role as interface between public sector industrial strategy and industry.

Specialisms

UK and South West Industrial Policy & Economics

Public Sector Programme Design & Delivery

Manufacturing Business Strategy & Operations

Creative Thinking & Problem Solving