Our
Agenda

Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer. In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation. Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.

Graeme is the Director & Chief Executive of Places for London. With career spent largely in operational and project management, Graeme joined Transport for London from Capita in 2004, initially to manage the operation of the central London Congestion Charging scheme. After a number of years as Director of Congestion Charging & Traffic Enforcement, Graeme led a TfL-wide transformation programme that included the creation of TfL’s first commercial development function. Taking on the role of Director of Commercial Development, Graeme led a new approach to property in TfL that culminated in the creation of a wholly owned commercial property subsidiary in 2022. Places for London is now a £1.7bn company that has 1,500 commercial tenancies across London and a pipeline that will see over 20,000 homes built across London, largely delivered through joint ventures with leading developers.

The Crown Estate is a national landowner with a diverse portfolio focussed on supporting the UK’s net zero transition; biodiversity and nature recovery; as well as regeneration opportunities and economic growth across the country. Established by an Act of Parliament as an independent commercial business, it has generated more than £3.2 billion in profits to HM Treasury for the benefit of public spending over the last ten years. Prior to The Crown Estate, Dan held a number of senior positions at the global property and infrastructure group Lendlease, including Group Chief Operating Officer and the dual roles of Chief Executive Officer, International Operations and Chief Executive Officer, Europe to oversee the disciplined expansion of Lendlease’s businesses in Europe, Americas and Asia. Dan has actively championed sustainability throughout his professional life. Between 2001 and 2004 he was CEO of The Hornery Institute, a not-for-profit established by Lendlease employees and shareholders to focus on more equitable, resilient and sustainable communities. He has previously served as a director of the Green Building Council of Australia and more recently as Chairman of the UK Green Building Council. In addition to his role at The Crown Estate, Dan is currently a Trustee of the Raspberry Pi Foundation and a Director of The Hornery Institute, trading as Studio THI.

Michèle Dix is a civil engineer with over 45 years’ experience, specialising in transport, in the public and private sector. She started her career with the Greater London Council before joining Halcrow Fox and becoming the Board Director for Urban Transport. She joined Transport for London in 2000 as the Director of Congestion Charging. In 2008 she became the Managing Director for Planning with responsibility for strategic planning and analysis, borough partnerships and the development of major projects across London. Michele also represented the UK on the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). In 2015 she became the Managing Director for Crossrail 2. Michele retired in 2021 and has since held a number of non-executive roles as a Director for the Major Projects Association, Crossrail International and the Restoration and Renewal Programme, an advisor on University College London’s Major Infrastructure Delivery MBA Board and as an ICE policy fellow.

Professor Sarah Sharples is Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport. She is a Professor of Human Factors in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and from 2018 to 2021 was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People. She has led research in transport, manufacturing and healthcare, and currently leads the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Connected Everything Network Plus. She founded and is co-director of the EPSRC Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), and has led research programmes examining implementation of new technologies in rail, highways and aviation. She was President of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors from 2015 to 2016.

Ankita is a Program Manager at Safetipin. She has a background in architecture and urban planning and works on data analysis, representation and formulation of recommendations for creating safe public spaces. Ankita also manages projects and partner relationships. With a keen interest in research on urban mobility, her work focuses on issues of gender and urban mobility. She is an alumna of CEPT University, Ahmedabad and has worked with L&T Constructions for over 3 years before joining Safetipin.

Gary Bray is a dynamic and results-driven business leader with extensive experience in transformative technology companies in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. As the Commercial Director at Roadside Technologies, he specializes in delivering next-generation sensor technology across multiple market verticals, driving business growth and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels. With a strong background in mobility, infrastructure, and connected technologies, Gary has held key leadership roles at both multinational organisations and technology start-ups, spearheading multimillion-pound projects and shaping business strategy. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Highway Engineers and holds an MSc in Civil Engineering. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Gary is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge solutions for a smarter and more connected future

Steve Erdal is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Wordnerds, a flexible AI-powered customer feedback analysis platform offered standalone or as a managed service. With a background in Corpus Linguistics, Steve has been dealing with the problem of understanding language at scale for over ten years. Wordnerds unites AI experts, data scientists, linguists and customer feedback experts to deliver next level understanding of customer feedback. In his spare time, Steve enjoys getting things off high shelves and being hopelessly outwitted by his two children.

Ian Coddington is a seasoned professional currently serving as Jacobs National Highways Client Account Lead. With a strong background in innovation and infrastructure, Ian has been instrumental in driving forward projects that enhance digital connectivity and sustainable transportation. His expertise in client management and project leadership has made him a key player in the industry, consistently delivering impactful results. Ian’s dedication to improving public infrastructure and his collaborative approach have earned him recognition and respect in his field.

I am Head of Growth at Low Carbon Materials (LCM), a green tech start-up/SME and Earthshot Prize Finalist (2022). We manufacture carbon negative aggregates to enable reduced embodied carbon in high emitting construction materials including asphalt and concrete. Net zero asphalt and concrete are a reality! I have been with LCM since November 2022. Before that I was a Professor of Chemistry at Durham University, where I had been an academic for 29 years.

Jenny Kavanagh is at the forefront of aviation’s transition to zero emissions, leading the commercial exploitation of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for aviation as Chief Strategy Officer at Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS). With extensive experience in aerospace engineering, programme leadership, and corporate strategy, Jenny works closely with industry and government to help drive the regulatory, infrastructure and commercial frameworks needed for hydrogen-powered flight. A mother of two, she is passionate about the aviation industry’s ambition to decarbonise and to help create a cleaner world for future generations.

Matt is Head of Carbon Strategy at Heathrow where he is responsible for the development and delivery of its net zero carbon plan and works with colleagues from across the airport and wider sector to deliver solutions to aviation decarbonisation. Matt is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

As the Director of the Digital Twin Hub, Justin Anderson is dedicated to fulfilling the Hub’s mission by aligning and amplifying the Digital Twin ecosystem, with the goal of accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions that address system-level challenges. Prior to his role at the Digital Twin Hub, Justin served as the Global Head of Technology COE at KPMG International, where he was responsible for assessing the impact of technology on various industries, supporting the firm’s Digital Transformation program, and providing training on emerging technologies to a global team of 80,000 consultants. Justin’s passion for technology and its intersection with policy, business, and society is evident in his establishment of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence, which serves as the authoritative voice within the UK Parliament on all matters related to AI. Additionally, Justin has played a key role in developing BSI PAS 212, a standard for data interoperability that has been widely adopted in Smart City programs worldwide. Justin also serves as a member of the BSI Innovation Committee, contributing his expertise to further advancements in technology and innovation.

Sophie Moule brings extensive experience in technology, data, and outcome-driven strategies to her new role in UK public sector procurement, where she is keen to apply innovative approaches to drive better results. With a strong background in PE tech, she has deep expertise in using data, OKRs, and digital tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Now moving into public sector procurement, she is passionate about innovation and understands the importance of transparency in delivering meaningful impact. Her values closely align with Bloom Procurement Services, particularly in promoting social value, sustainability, and the inclusion of SMEs to create more responsible and effective procurement solutions.

Appointed in 2017 as London’s first Chief Digital Officer, Theo leads on London-wide digital transformation, data and smart city initiatives at City Hall. His role involves: Strategic leadership on the digital transformation agenda for London’s public services, across the GLA group and the wider public sector. Convening on behalf of the Mayor, across London local government to support the take-up of innovative, technology, and data-led approaches to service delivery and public engagement. Developing and promoting partnership between the public, private and community sectors to enable and support the development of new public service-oriented technology and innovation.

Andrew is Smart Cities Director, Europe at Jacobs. Operating at regional, city, community and asset-level, his team works on some of the most exciting digital masterplanning, service design and technology demonstration projects globally, from digitalisation of the U.K. Parliament, to the Glasgow City Region 5G Innovation Testbed, to King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia. Prior to Jacobs, Andrew spent 14 years in senior data and digital roles in two of the most advanced city governments in the world, Dubai and London. He is a member of the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance Steering Group and has led efforts for World Economic Forum to produce model policies in areas like open data and whole-of-lifecycle infrastructure management.

As Head of Adoption, Engagement and Innovation at Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Bridget’s passion lies in how to bridge the gap between people, policy and technology to revolutionise the planning system and built environment. Her current role is focused on how to accelerate the adoption of a modern planning system including the scaling of the PropTech Innovation Fund – the largest UK Government investment into the sector to date

Rita Rinaldo has been with the European Space Agency since 2001. She is currently with the Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness Directorate. She is currently in charge of the Applications Projects and Studies Division, where she is responsible for the initiation and management of space-based applications projects in many vertical sectors, including maritime, energy, mobility and agri-food. She has a long experience in interfacing user communities and establishing partnerships with players including corporates, industrial associations, institutions/public bodies to promote innovation in the sustainable utilisation of space. She is engaged in supporting space and non-space companies in initiatives for developing commercial space solutions based on satellite telecommunication and navigation technologies or satellite data generating high socio-economic impact.

Colin is the Chief Digital Officer for Glasgow City Council and provides leadership for Glasgow’s Digital Strategy, which contains three missions: A Fair and Empowered Digital Society, An Inclusive Digital Economy, and Sustainable and Innovative Digital Public Services. Colin is also the Chief Technology Officer for the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, a local government agency hosted by COSLA to support digital transformation across all 32 Scottish local authorities.

Steve is Director of Projects and Programme Delivery within the Environment Agency and is responsible for the operational leadership of our approach to programme and project management. Steve leads the delivery of circa 1000 projects creating new or refurbished assets, the core of which protect communities from the risk of flooding. Steve also leads the collaboration of our six primary contractor and consultant national frameworks. Through these, we aim to utilise the breadth of industry skills and experiences as part of our aim to learn from the best and deliver more sustainable and efficient projects that benefit people and their local environments. Steve is Co-chair of the Infrastructure Industry Innovation Partnership (i3P), a group of Infrastructure Clients and Delivery Partners that evolved from Crossrail and now works across the infrastructure sector, aiming to drive collaborative innovation in addressing today’s challenges with tomorrow’s solutions. Steve has a background in construction and engineering having worked for Tarmac Construction / Carillion for 20 years. He is the Head of Project Delivery Profession at the EA, actively supporting the ongoing development of staff and colleagues. Steve is married to Karen with two ‘children’ Tara and Jack (26, twins). Steve enjoys football, music, food, and work, not necessarily in that order.

Nick is CEO of OptimiseAI which he co-founded as a spin out from Cardiff University in 2023. OptimiseAI has gone on to win the 2024 Wales tech startup of the year and secure clients such as Network Rail, University of Wales, Luton Airport, and others. He is also a commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales. Nick is passionate about utilising technology such as AI and digital twins to improve the sustainability of the built environment.

Mat Hunter is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plus X Innovation, building collaborative communities of innovators and entrepreneurs in cities across the UK. Through a rich mixture of workspace, specialist facilities and innovation programmes, Plus X Innovation’s hubs help place based economies to thrive. Mat brings more than 30 years of global innovation experience to Plus X Innovation. A designer by training, Mat started his career in Silicon Valley, consulting to startups and corporates while at pioneering consultancy IDEO, where he became Partner. He then spent 5 years advising UK Government on design and innovation, as Chief Design Officer at the Design Council, developing innovation programmes for the Home Office, Department of Health, and independent foundations, before entering the world of real estate and regeneration. Mat has frequently lectured at leading business and art schools including Royal College of Art, Imperial College and London Business School, he is a graduate of Central St Martin’s & the Royal College of Art, Honorary Fellow at Arts University Bournemouth and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.

Ann Frye is an international specialist on the mobility needs of people with disabilities and older people across all transport modes and the pedestrian environment. She works as an expert advisor on both international and UK projects on accessibility, including developing and establishing best practice in delivering accessibility and mobility options for people with physical, sensory and neurodiverse issues. Her current roles include working as the Senior Expert, Transport, for the European Commission funded project AccessibleEU and working as the UK Government Ambassador for Disability and Accessibility in Aviation. She has worked on accessibility for the United Nations and has led expert working groups for the US Transportation Research Board (TRB), the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) as well as the European Commission. Ann has worked in this field for over 30 years; until 2006 she headed the Mobility & Inclusion Unit in the UK Government Department for Transport where she delivered a programme of research, legislation and policy to promote the mobility of disabled and older people in all areas of transport. She is a Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. She is also an honorary Transport Planning Professional.

Daniel brings over 25 years of experience building and scaling technology businesses. Spanning the entire corporate lifecycle, from IPOs to acquisitions, this has equipped him with a strategic perspective and unique understanding of applying technology at scale. A passionate advocate for innovation, Daniel possesses a deep understanding of the Transportation and AdTech landscape, having been a key leader across numerous sectors including travel, transportation and affiliate marketing. Throughout his career, Daniel has been a champion for groundbreaking technologies in AdTech, Transportation and related sectors. He is not only an expert in scalable infrastructure, ad serving, machine learning, and cloud-based architectures – all crucial for building high-performance, data-driven solutions – but also a proven innovator with several pending patents to his name for innovative online tracking techniques. This technical prowess is further complemented by experience in VC fund raising and working with large corporates in the real-time data and cloud computing space. As CTO, Daniel is dedicated to harnessing the power of technology and artificial intelligence to revolutionize transport information. His proven leadership, combined with a strong technical background, deep technical knowledge, experience securing funding and collaborating with major corporations, and a pioneering spirit in online technology, makes him instrumental in driving the company’s technological vision and innovation.

Gordon is the CEO of the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC), responsible for running the organisation and leading the call for inclusive research when designing products and services. Before that, Gordon was CEO of Community Southwark for seven years (a membership and infrastructure organisation). During that time, he led and developed an organisation dedicated to animating, supporting, and championing voluntary and community organisations to give communities the skills to fulfil their potential. Prior to that, he was deputy director of the Institute of Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) and head of research for the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA). Gordon has held a number of public appointments with the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency as well as a number of charity trustee roles. He is currently the chair of the 999 Club, a homelessness charity in South London.

Rob Chesworth is Head of Strategic Land at The Crown Estate, which involves a portfolio of more than 30 sites nationally with a GDV of £14bn and the potential to deliver 28,000 new homes and more than 5m sq ft of space to support innovation, employment and new businesses. Prior to this, Rob was Head of Strategy at The Crown Estate, responsible for the development of group and business unit strategies as part of a wider transformational programme.

Patricia’s strategic advisory and non-executive work spans disciplines, sectors and geographies. The common thread is connecting: ideas and possibilities, places and people, opportunities and ambition. Her work has been a significant catalyst in urban change, beginning in 1990’s London where she leveraged private sector interest, especially real estate partners, in active stewardship in the improvement of the built environment. This led to game-changing initiatives, including landing BIDs into the UK, and championing tangible action on public realm, critical to liveability and quality of life, and fundamental to London’s economic competitiveness. She sits on a range of profit and not-for-profit boards and is a strategic adviser to a range of land owners, developers, local authorities and infrastructure bodies as well as chairing a variety of partnership boards.

Judith Phillips is Professor of Social and Environmental Gerontology within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Judith held the position of Deputy Principal for Research at Stirling from 2016 to 2024. Alongside her DP role between 2020 and 2024, Judith was Research Director for the Healthy Ageing Challenge delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Before joining the University, Judith Phillips was Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Director of the Research Institute for Applied Social Sciences at Swansea University which sought to strengthen social sciences across the University and embed a social science perspective in Engineering and Medicine. She was also Director of the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research for Wales and the School for Social Care Research in Wales. Following a geography degree at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, she went to study at Stockholm University, Jesus College, Oxford and UEA, Norwich, where she worked as a researcher and a lecturer before joining the Centre for Social Gerontology at the University of Keele in 1993. Judith returned to Wales in 2004 to set up the Centre for Innovative Ageing at Swansea University. She holds several Fellowships in recognition of her contribution to Gerontology including a Gerontological Society of America Fellowship since 2004 in recognition of outstanding achievement and exemplary contributions to the field of Gerontology. Judith has been an active member of the British Society of Gerontology for 40 years and was its President between 2008-10. In 2021 she was awarded BSG’s highest honour the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of her significant and lasting contribution to Gerontology. In 2013 Professor Phillips was awarded an OBE for services to older people Her professional standing is reflected in her election to various Councils of the Academy of Social Sciences (2019-2025); The Learned Society of Wales (2015-2018); Global Social Initiative on Ageing (Deputy Director, since 2017). She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Steve’s multifaceted background positions him as a leader in sustainability initiatives, strategic advisory roles, and environmental advocacy. He is a dedicated campaigner with a focus on public affairs, sustainability, and environmental issues. His work focuses on transitioning companies, councils, and communities towards a sustainable future. Steve contributes to achieving net-zero goals and sustainable development in his current role as an independent sustainability innovation and strategy advisor for Bloom Procurement Services through strategic thought leadership and inclusion of sustainability within supply chains. He has a long history of campaigning against polluting industries and spearheaded the national network against fracking in the UK for five years. His pivotal role in the national advocacy campaigns was as a policy advisor and public affairs lead, collaborating with cross-party politicians, and NGOs – including Liberty, WWF, Friends of the Earth, and Rain Forest Trust. Steve also led a consortium to buy the fracking company he campaigned against and was part of the leadership team that delivered the transformation away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and finding solutions for net zero. This circular approach integrated environmental and social value into the local and wider economy, emphasising sustainability and responsible energy practices. Steve continues to design tangible actions and events within the community, working in collaboration with non-profit organisations, businesses and grant funders. Steve assists with broadcast and print media advocacy both at regional and national levels. His close connections with MPs, members of the House of Lords, and other policymakers continue to drive evidence-based sustainability advocacy through APPGs, online sessions and Select Committees.

Richard is an experienced leader, founder, and managing director of Social Value Business and Social Value Quality Mark CIC. SVB is one of the UK’s leading social value consultancy and accreditation organisations. With 15 years of experience across the UK and EU, he has shaped social value policies, frameworks, and measurement tools for the public, private, and third sectors. He has authored 30+ social value reports, helping organisations uncover over £5 billion in hidden value, and has supported 100+ clients in embedding social value principles. His expertise includes value-based strategic development, organisational change, maximising Social Return on Investment (SROI), integrating social value into tenders and procurement processes, social value auditing, stakeholder engagement, monetisation, and impact measurement. Richard has developed key methodologies used across industries, including the Social Value Maturity Matrix, National Social Value Index, and Total Value frameworks. Richards’s clients include The Cabinet Office, Crown Commercial Services, International PLCs, and national charities such as the YMCA, NSPCC, and Shelter. He collaborates with Oxford, Cambridge, and Cranfield Universities to develop social value and social enterprise management best practices and support research and innovation in the field. Richard specialises in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, social and economic value, market research, training, and mentoring. He has led large-scale, multiple partners and multiple million-pound social value initiatives and advised organisations on embedding and maximising social value within tendering and procurement strategies to drive measurable impact. Furthermore, Richard has led the Social Value Quality Mark to become the most rigorous audit and accreditation organisation for Social Value across the UK.

Paul Campion has been the CEO of TRL since July 2019. TRL is a world-renowned research, consultancy and software company which started life as the UK Government’s Transport Research Laboratory and has been working to make transport safer, cleaner and better for over 90 years. Previously Paul was the CEO of the Transport Systems Catapult, a not-for-profit organisation created by the government as part of the catapult network to grow the UK economy by supporting the growth of innovation in transport systems. Paul’s earlier career was spent in a wide variety of roles at IBM helping companies and industries to transform through the application of new technology. He has done professional, management and executive jobs at UK, European and Worldwide level in the UK, USA, France and Switzerland.

Dr Joanna White is Director for Research, Development and Innovation at National Highways, where her teams provide technical advice, assurance and leadership on research, innovation, intelligent transport systems, connected and automated vehicles, energy and road design. As a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jo is the National Highways professional lead for this capability. Jo is a huge advocate of STEM activities with schools and is passionate about inspiring people to get into the transport industry. Outside of her work at National Highways, Jo is a Trustee of the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund.

Director and innovation professional with 25 years’ experience in the UK infrastructure industry with specialisms in systems thinking, digital, corporate venture capital, process and platforms. UK expert in the BSI, CEN and ISO innovation management standards committees contributing to ISO 56001:2024 and related suite of standards. Delivering innovation management advice for clients worldwide on Gigi projects, government departments and SME companies.

With extensive experience delivering high-quality cybersecurity solutions across diverse industries, Evan is a trusted expert in all aspects of security. He actively contributes to the industry as a 2024 ERA ENISA Speaker in Rail Cybersecurity and as a leader of Complete Cyber, recently selected as one of the SMEs for the prestigious High Speed Two (HS2) Project. Beyond his technical expertise, he is deeply committed to promoting cybersecurity awareness and enhancing the industry’s reputation.

Tim began his career as an architect in the UK, where he managed projects from initial concept through construction completion for both homes and commercial buildings. This experience honed his ability to maintain technical precision while effectively coordinating diverse teams of contractors, engineers, consultants, and clients. Later at Design Council, Tim led innovation programmes for public and private sector clients. A standout project examined workplace impacts on employee health, conducted in partnership with Impact on Urban Health. The initiative focused on uncovering insights about employer knowledge, workplace culture, and working conditions. Tim now leads a tech startup that provides critical data infrastructure for insurers and property owners to quantify the value of nature-based retrofits in mitigating physical risk and improving climate resilience.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Steve’s multifaceted background positions him as a leader in sustainability initiatives, strategic advisory roles, and environmental advocacy. He is a dedicated campaigner with a focus on public affairs, sustainability, and environmental issues. His work focuses on transitioning companies, councils, and communities towards a sustainable future. Steve contributes to achieving net-zero goals and sustainable development in his current role as an independent sustainability innovation and strategy advisor for Bloom Procurement Services through strategic thought leadership and inclusion of sustainability within supply chains. He has a long history of campaigning against polluting industries and spearheaded the national network against fracking in the UK for five years. His pivotal role in the national advocacy campaigns was as a policy advisor and public affairs lead, collaborating with cross-party politicians, and NGOs – including Liberty, WWF, Friends of the Earth, and Rain Forest Trust. Steve also led a consortium to buy the fracking company he campaigned against and was part of the leadership team that delivered the transformation away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and finding solutions for net zero. This circular approach integrated environmental and social value into the local and wider economy, emphasising sustainability and responsible energy practices. Steve continues to design tangible actions and events within the community, working in collaboration with non-profit organisations, businesses and grant funders. Steve assists with broadcast and print media advocacy both at regional and national levels. His close connections with MPs, members of the House of Lords, and other policymakers continue to drive evidence-based sustainability advocacy through APPGs, online sessions and Select Committees.

Richard is an experienced leader, founder, and managing director of Social Value Business and Social Value Quality Mark CIC. SVB is one of the UK’s leading social value consultancy and accreditation organisations. With 15 years of experience across the UK and EU, he has shaped social value policies, frameworks, and measurement tools for the public, private, and third sectors. He has authored 30+ social value reports, helping organisations uncover over £5 billion in hidden value, and has supported 100+ clients in embedding social value principles. His expertise includes value-based strategic development, organisational change, maximising Social Return on Investment (SROI), integrating social value into tenders and procurement processes, social value auditing, stakeholder engagement, monetisation, and impact measurement. Richard has developed key methodologies used across industries, including the Social Value Maturity Matrix, National Social Value Index, and Total Value frameworks. Richards’s clients include The Cabinet Office, Crown Commercial Services, International PLCs, and national charities such as the YMCA, NSPCC, and Shelter. He collaborates with Oxford, Cambridge, and Cranfield Universities to develop social value and social enterprise management best practices and support research and innovation in the field. Richard specialises in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, social and economic value, market research, training, and mentoring. He has led large-scale, multiple partners and multiple million-pound social value initiatives and advised organisations on embedding and maximising social value within tendering and procurement strategies to drive measurable impact. Furthermore, Richard has led the Social Value Quality Mark to become the most rigorous audit and accreditation organisation for Social Value across the UK.

Mat Hunter is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plus X Innovation, building collaborative communities of innovators and entrepreneurs in cities across the UK. Through a rich mixture of workspace, specialist facilities and innovation programmes, Plus X Innovation’s hubs help place based economies to thrive. Mat brings more than 30 years of global innovation experience to Plus X Innovation. A designer by training, Mat started his career in Silicon Valley, consulting to startups and corporates while at pioneering consultancy IDEO, where he became Partner. He then spent 5 years advising UK Government on design and innovation, as Chief Design Officer at the Design Council, developing innovation programmes for the Home Office, Department of Health, and independent foundations, before entering the world of real estate and regeneration. Mat has frequently lectured at leading business and art schools including Royal College of Art, Imperial College and London Business School, he is a graduate of Central St Martin’s & the Royal College of Art, Honorary Fellow at Arts University Bournemouth and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.

Sophie Moule brings extensive experience in technology, data, and outcome-driven strategies to her new role in UK public sector procurement, where she is keen to apply innovative approaches to drive better results. With a strong background in PE tech, she has deep expertise in using data, OKRs, and digital tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Now moving into public sector procurement, she is passionate about innovation and understands the importance of transparency in delivering meaningful impact. Her values closely align with Bloom Procurement Services, particularly in promoting social value, sustainability, and the inclusion of SMEs to create more responsible and effective procurement solutions.

Results-driven accomplished leader with over 22 years of experience in starting businesses and scaling them. Serial entrepreneur with product development background, advising Fortune 500 companies and startups on AI, digital, commercial and product strategy. Track record of international expansion and helping businesses with market and customer analysis. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, improving profitability, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with a passion for delivering AI, digital and technology product and solutions. Expert in defining business vision and adept at board collaboration, consistently achieving commercial goals.

Specialising in risk and scheduling software, with three years of experience helping construction teams navigate project uncertainties. Recently specialising in weather risk management, working closely with contractors and clients to identify, apply, and proactively manage one of the most persistent and unpredictable challenges in the built environment. As part of EHAB, the world’s first construction weather risk management solution, Kate and her team collaborate with leading UK contractors and clients delivering innovative solutions to improve project success. By leveraging cutting-edge data, AI-driven forecasting, and advanced risk modeling, EHAB helps the industry move beyond outdated contingency planning—providing accurate, actionable insights that prevent costly delays. The business mission is clear: enhance how the construction industry manages weather risk, transforming what has traditionally been an uncontrollable variable into a measurable, mitigable factor. With weather-related disruptions costing the industry millions each year, her goal is to redefine risk strategies, ensuring greater resilience, efficiency, and financial stability for every project.

Julian Jackson is Founder and CEO of VisionBridge (visionbridge.org.uk), a social enterprise that champions assistive technology innovation and supports the development of particular technologies that will make a measurable difference to people’s quality of life; this includes digital wayfinding such as Waymap (waymapnav.com). Waymap’s digital wayfinding solution is scaleable, innovative and appropriate for all abled and differently-abled citizens across multiple sectors. It offers a seamless, safe, sociable and sustainable assistance for those requiring extra help in moving around the built environment. VisionBridge is delighted to support Waymap’s continuing evolution.”

Jennifer works as Business Development Manager in the public sector transport team at Amazon Web Services. Prior to this, Jennifer worked in the UK Public Policy team leading the transport portfolio primarily focused on transport decarbonisation. Her career has focused on transport and energy policy, having previously worked at the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Department for Transport.

Chris is a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, where he helps public sector transport customers to make the best and most efficient use of cloud technologies. He has worked with both national and local bodies and organisations across rail, road, and aviation, and on projects ranging from Internet of Things and digital twins to data strategy and data centre exits.

Joshua Wood is FYLD’s Strategic Account Director, driving digital transformation across the construction, transport, and utilities sectors. With over a decade of leadership experience in the utilities and transportation industry, Joshua brings deep operational expertise and a passion for innovation to safety-critical industries. At Thames Water, he managed complex operational budgets, led large teams, and implemented sustainable, safety-focused operations. Now at FYLD, Joshua is focused on delivering AI-driven solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and operational performance, helping clients achieve measurable results and accelerate growth. Joshua is known for his strategic vision and commitment to empowering organizations through smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.

From an early career as a heavy plant mechanic in the mining industry, Steve moved into the technology industry. As the Founder and Director of Scottish start-up Digiflec, he is now leading the development of cutting-edge data collection systems and digital twin applications, all while ensuring its status as a trusted distributor of Lidar manufacturers.”

Dr. Kantarakias is the Founder of Didimi, the platform that allows architects and engineers to collaborate without losing data. Previously he worked at Palantir Technologies as a Deployment Strategist. He holds a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London, where he was a President’s Scholar.

Steve Phipps is a Senior Materials Engineer with Balfour Beatty and currently Head of Materials Engineering for Balfour Beatty Vinci on HS2 Area North. Steve has over 30 years’ experience in highways and high-speed rail construction, including the technical management of concrete and cementitious products. Steve sits on Britpave Council, contributing to many of their technical guidance and best practice publications. Steve has recently led the technical working group responsible for developing industry guidance on the use of digital monitoring and measurement.

Neil Henderson is a visionary leader in technology, web development, and project management, with over 20 years of experience shaping the future of digital media and virtual tours. As the Founder and Managing Director of The Virtual Tour Experts, Neil has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering immersive virtual experiences that make spaces more inclusive and accessible for all. Under his leadership, The Virtual Tour Experts has delivered groundbreaking virtual tours for globally significant sites, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault—praised by Bill Gates—and prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge. His commitment to accessibility has transformed the UK rail industry, setting new standards for inclusive travel through immersive 360° content. A driving force behind the company’s mission, Neil blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of human-centred design. His work has earned The Virtual Tour Experts B Corp certification, solidifying its reputation as a socially responsible leader in digital innovation. Neil’s selection for the Future of Air Mobility Accelerator by Connected Places Catapult underscores his role in shaping the future of transportation through emerging technology. From advancing accessibility in public transit to redefining digital engagement, Neil continues to push the boundaries of what virtual experiences can achieve—ensuring that technology serves not just as a tool for exploration, but as a catalyst for inclusivity and meaningful impact.

Rux Energy is founded and led by Dr Jehan Kanga, who discovered the advanced materials in their PhD at the University of Sydney, and following a trailblazing career at KPMG Australia has risen to become one of Australia’s most influential clean tech leaders, chairing the Hydrogen Industry Committee of the $250M Automation Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre and leading consortia decarbonisation projects in maritime and aviation across UK, Singapore and Australia. They have built strategic links to over 100 key industrial hydrogen groups over the last two years since the end of the pandemic and are now gearing the company for scale

Kailash is the Founder and CEO of SpatialCortex, a safety technology company developing sensors and analytics that help workplaces protect staff from injuries, proactively, in safety critical sectors including transportation, railway, construction and maritime.

Richard Osborne is Chief Technology Officer at Purple Transform. He has 25 years’ experience in the IT industry in a variety of technical, consulting, business development and sales roles.

Matthew Morgan, Director and Co-Founder: With over 20 years’ experience in writing and communications, Matthew is responsible for setting the charity’s strategy with the Board of Trustees, overseeing its research and commercial services, and delivering lasting impact with the Quality of Life team. In making health and wellbeing central to the way we create and care for our homes and communities, he seeks to foster greater understanding and cooperation between local communities, the built environment industry and government at a local and national level.

Chloe leads Trees-as-Infrastructure, an initiative of Dark Matter Labs, in the UK – driving urban systems change at the intersection of natural ecosystems and institutional frameworks. A partnership-driven designer, she brings a strategic and interdisciplinary approach to transforming cities. Chloe holds degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy from Oxford, as well as an MSc in Urban Planning and City Design from the UCL Bartlett School of Planning. Prior to her current role, she led research and analysis at Dark Matter Labs, contributing to a wide range of strategic projects.