The last few months have seen a number of new hires at MPS and we have grown both the project and commercial teams to work on the delivery of our demonstrator project in Spain next year and build capacity to support the considerable traction we are seeing in the market.
Nikki-Ann started only a few weeks ago in the role of HSEQ Manager. Let’s clear up the obvious question first! HSEQ stands for Health, Safety, Environment and Quality. She is responsible for the team that ensures that the company operates safe systems of work and complies with all of its statutory obligations. We caught up with her and asked her a few questions about what attracted her to Marine Power Systems and to find out a bit more about what she does.
What attracted you to the role at Marine Power Systems?
I was aware of MPS’ endeavours from its early years, encountering them first when working for Swansea University. I have watched MPS develop and grow, and I enjoyed reading about their progress in the renewable energy sector. When a role came up that matched my previous experience and was related to my research in marine renewables, I jumped at it!
The fact that MPS is making a real contribution to energy transition and delivering a more sustainable energy supply is also important to me. Plus, it was clear that the team was built on a shared passion for renewable energy and they were a bunch of self-motivated, competent and conscientious people.
The kind of people I like working with.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have hit the ground running through working with project and department managers on the health and safety aspects of the Demonstrator Project due to be deployed at BiMEP in Spain. I enjoy working with different teams to help ensure we are taking an integrated approach to ensuring our processes support the best possible project delivery as well as meet our statutory obligations.
I am also taking time to learn how MPS operates and what their wider processes and procedures are so that I can build a suitable and scalable approach to quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems around their existing processes and procedures. The business is growing rapidly, and we need to think about delivery at increasing scale in the future rather than just the projects we are delivering right now.
How do you think your previous experience and approach benefits Marine Power Systems?
My academic background includes a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and following that, research into marine energy while working at the University. I then spent over six years working for a large fabrication and heavy machining company, working with a great team to manufacture large bespoke items to very specific client requirements. That required a real attention to detail and the ability to adapt to very bespoke projects. When it comes to marine energy you must be flexible in your approach to problem solving but at the same time ensure the highest standards of HSEQ management and control are met.
What about when you are out of the office?
It seems that a lot of the team here at MPS have a connection and passion for the outdoors. Maybe I am similar in that respect. I spend a lot of time on the coast, and I volunteer as a Coastguard Rescue Officer. I love coastal walks with the family, and I am a keen paddle boarder. Next stop is to learn to surf!