Silverstone Technology Cluster's "Ask the Expert"

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", SilverstoneTechnology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape

In this episode,  Jeannie sits down with Emma and Paula from the University of Buckingham for a clear, honest look at the state of apprenticeships today. Join us to explore the biggest misconceptions that still surround apprenticeships, why status and perception remain stubborn challenges, and what sets supportive employers apart from those who struggle.

Emma and Paula share insights into the pressures apprenticesface, the realities of balancing work and study, and what “quality” truly means in an apprenticeship programme. They discuss the role of regulation, the changes needed over the next five years, and how apprenticeships can respond to emerging skills and technologies.

They also share how the university is developing itsapprenticeship offer for the future.

Meet our Experts:

Emma Ward, Head of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships have been a large part of my work history, Istarted working in the apprenticeship industry over 20 years ago as a Tutor/Assessor for a corporate national training provider.  I moved up the ranks training as a Lead Quality Assurer and holding the position of Operational Manager for the West Midlands.  Most recently I left Buckinghamshire Council after 7 years to join the University there I Coordinated the Apprenticeship delivery and taught apprenticeships across multiple disciplines.

I am passionate about learning and supporting others toachieve their career goals. 

I am the University Ofsted and ESFA nominee and am a funding and quality expert in the apprenticeship sector.

Paula Seddon, Business Development Manager,Apprenticeships

I joined the University of Buckingham in 2021 as the FacultyQuality Manager in the Faculty of Computing, Law, and Psychology. In July 2024, I transitioned to my current role as Business Development Manager, where I am excited to work alongside Emma and Jenny to further expand our Apprenticeship Programmes.

Starting my career in the 1980s on a Youth Training Scheme,I deeply appreciate the value of 'Earn while you Learn' opportunities. I believe Apprenticeships provide invaluable pathways for employees who might not follow traditional university routes.

With extensive experience in Customer Relationship, AccountManagement, and Customer Success roles within the Telecoms Expense Management sector, I have developed a strong passion for building positive relationships.I love engaging with people, making this role a perfect fit for me.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠TC Group⁠⁠. TC Group’s anAccountancy Age ‘Top 20’ firm of business advisors and accountants, providing quality financial advice andstrategy, enabling you to achieve your business growth goals, safeguard your wealth, and maximise your tax efficiency. Our teams’ experience and expertise mean we understand the challenges and opportunities you face at a local, national, and even international level. We’ll invest time in getting to know you so we can provide proactive and tailored advice, supporting you in making the right decisions both now and in the future. We pride ourselves on offering more than thestandard compliance services and straight-forward number crunching. Through our UK-wide network, we offer a multitude of functional accountancy and specialistbusiness growth services along with personal financial solutions and legal advice, providing our clients with a unified “one-stop-shop” approach, saving you both time and money. With TC Group by your side, no matter how complex yourfinancial situation may be, we have the resources and expertise to help you navigate it successfully.

Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape. In this episode, we take a practical look at the key things businesses should be thinking about when it comes to commercial property — from understanding your costs to making smarter decisions around your lease. We explore why property so often becomes a major overhead without getting the attention it deserves, and how early planning around lease events can create more flexibility, better negotiating power, and meaningful savings. We also break down the lease terms tenants frequently overlook — including repairs, break options, rent reviews, and end‑of‑lease liabilities — and share real examples of where businesses have avoided unnecessary costs by tackling these issues early. Alongside leasing insights, we touch on the reliefs and tax opportunities many businesses miss, such as Business Rates reliefs and Capital Allowances on fit‑outs and property investment.

Meet our Expert: Tom Dymond, Partner - Head of Property at TC Group Tom Dymond’s a Chartered Surveyor and Partner - Head of Property at TC Group. A long-standing member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Tom holds an RICS-accredited degree in Land Management from De Montfort University, Leicester. With extensive experience spanning the early 2000s to today, Tom advises a diverse range of clients — from ambitious, fast-growing enterprises to some of the UK’s largest corporate organisations. He’s recognised for his straightforward approach, delivering high-quality, practical property advice that drives measurable benefits and efficiencies across portfolios of all sizes. Throughout his career, Tom’s led and developed multiple teams of Chartered Surveyors and Property Professionals. He takes particular pride in mentoring emerging talent, many of whom have gone on to achieve RICS accreditation and establish successful careers within the property sector. Tom founded and continues to lead TC Group’s rapidly expanding Property Services division – a unique and growing practice built from the ground up – and has assembled a talented and ambitious team dedicated to delivering first-class advice and support to a national client base. Outside of work, Tom’s a keen sportsman and enjoys football, golf, and travelling with his family. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠TC Group⁠⁠. TC Group’s an Accountancy Age ‘Top 20’ firm of business advisors and accountants, providing quality financial advice and strategy, enabling you to achieve your business growth goals, safeguard your wealth, and maximise your tax efficiency. Our teams’ experience and expertise mean we understand the challenges and opportunities you face at a local, national, and even international level. We’ll invest time in getting to know you so we can provide proactive and tailored advice, supporting you in making the right decisions both now and in the future. We pride ourselves on offering more than the standard compliance services and straight-forward number crunching. Through our UK-wide network, we offer a multitude of functional accountancy and specialist business growth services along with personal financial solutions and legal advice, providing our clients with a unified “one-stop-shop” approach, saving you both time and money. With TC Group by your side, no matter how complex your financial situation may be, we have the resources and expertise to help you navigate it successfully. Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.

In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Prout and Charles Hill from Cottons Group to explore how asking the right questions of your accountant can lead to smarter, more profitable business decisions. The conversation covers project profitability, cash flow, R&D tax credits, growth planning, efficiency, and how accountants can support your business beyond compliance. Practical, relatable and insight-led — this episode will help you spot opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, and plan for the future with confidence.

Meet our Experts:

Charles Hill

Charles has built up considerable experience over the past 10 years specialising in advising and assisting entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses with their forward strategy and compliance requirements. Charles qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant with Cottons in 2016 after graduating with a degree in Economics, and after a 5 year stint working with a portfolio of SME’s in a variety of sectors at a top 12 firm, returned to Cottons in 2022 to contribute to its continued expansion.Charles not only enjoys forming strong relationships with his clients through a thorough understanding of their business and future goals, but also building teams in order to provide exposure for those training with him.In his spare time, Charles enjoys spending time with his young family and in the mountains; be it skiing, cycling or hiking. He is also a keen follower of Rugby Union and certain motorsport.

Luke Prout

Luke joined Cottons in June 2024 as a Tax Partner and has over 20 years’ experience in providing tax compliance and advisory services to all sizes of business, their owners, within the UK and also internationally. Prior to joining Cottons, Luke spent 6 years as a Partner of a Top 40 accounting practice and before then spent 13 years at a Top 15 practice. Luke’s expertise spans a wide array of tax areas, including Company Tax, Income Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax, VAT, Inheritance Tax, and Employment Taxes.Luke is a ‘hands on’ partner and takes great pride in delivering the best outcome for his clients and works very closely with them to achieve the personal and business goals. Luke’s role is to ensure that the clients of Cottons are looked after and also steering the tax services from a strategic viewpoint.Outside of work, Luke is married and has a young family to keep him on his toes and spends his spare time as much as he can on his bike riding through Northamptonshire.

This episode is brought to you by Cottons Group. Established as one of the UK’s leading independent accountancy firms, Cottons Group supports businesses of all sizes with expert financial advice, audit, tax, and business consultancy services. With a strong focus on building lasting client relationships, their team combines technical excellence with practical insight to help organisations grow with confidence. From start-ups to established enterprises, Cottons Group delivers tailored solutions designed to optimise performance, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities. By partnering closely with their clients, they empower businesses to make informed decisions, drive efficiency, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-changing marketplace.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.

Today, Jeannie sits down with Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG. WMG blends cutting-edge research with real industrial partnerships. In this episode, we explore how students, SMEs, and major manufacturers work with WMG to solve real problems, build new skills, and push innovation forward. From Waste to Race to the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we discover WMG’s national impact.

Meet our Expert:

Professor Kerry Kirwan is Dean of WMG and a Trustee of The Alan Turing Institute. Formerly Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at University of Warwick, Professor Kirwan provides expert investment, policy and strategy advice to international agencies, funders, and governments as the Chair of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Group at WMG.

He has also served as Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing and Strategic Director of the Industrial Doctorate Centre at WMG.

A Warwick Engineering Doctorate alumnus, Kerry specialises in circular economy, sustainable materials, polymer processing, and industrial applications. Driven by a passion for sustainable manufacturing, he has extensive experience in developing planet-friendly materials and has lent his expertise to a wide range of projects, including Waste2Race —a sewage-powered racing car.

His work has seen him win the British Science Association’s Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture and the IOM3 Thornton Gold Medal Link.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape. In this episode, our host Jeannie speaks with Jason Lancaster, Principal of Northampton College, about how Further Education providers and employers can work together to build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.Jason shares how FE-employer partnerships are tailored to meet business needs, what makes them succeed, and the opportunities available for employers. We also discuss the challenge of inspiring young people — and how your approach can make all the difference.Tune in for practical insights on connecting education with industry to shape a stronger future.Meet our Expert:Jason studied electronic engineering before starting his career as a part time teacher at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (now Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group).He spent ten years at the College, moving into management including introducing new provision in construction and telecommunications and having responsibility for a wide range of curriculum areas. In this time, he oversaw ongoing improvements to students’ outcomes as well as introducing significant new provision for full-time, part-time and apprenticeship students in construction and telecommunications.He left the College in 2008 to move into consultancy across the FE and skills sector. For the following years, he undertook a wide range of roles including as an Ofsted inspector, interim manager and supporting a range of colleges and independent learning providers improve their provision. This included supporting several providers to improve their grades and the standard of their provision. In 2017, he joined Northampton College as interim Vice Principal for Performance Improvement, working with the team to secure it’s ‘Good’ Ofsted grade and overseeing the College’s apprenticeship provision.Since leaving the College in late 2019, he has held senior leadership roles at both Stoke-on-Trent College and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. At Stoke-on-Trent College as Deputy Principal, he supported the College on its continuing journey towards achieving Ofsted grade 2 after a very long period of challenges. At NSCG, he led the development of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology including developing a comprehensive curriculum and leading the design of the new £18M Hub building.This episode is brought to you by Cottons Group. Established as one of the UK’s leading independent accountancy firms, Cottons Group supports businesses of all sizes with expert financial advice, audit, tax, and business consultancy services. With a strong focus on building lasting client relationships, their team combines technical excellence with practical insight to help organisations grow with confidence. From start-ups to established enterprises, Cottons Group delivers tailored solutions designed to optimise performance, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities. By partnering closely with their clients, they empower businesses to make informed decisions, drive efficiency, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-changing marketplace.

Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern businessand the advanced engineering landscape.

In this episode we speak with Clare Keegan from The Open University to explore how businesses can tap into academic expertise to drive innovation and growth. Clare explains the power of Knowledge Exchange, Innovation Vouchers, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) — revealing how these initiatives help organisations turn ideas into real-world impact.

Meet our Expert: Clare Keegan.

Clare works in the Research and Enterprise team at The Open University and helps to create new markets for inventions, intellectual property, innovation and ideas that come from a range of professional and academic staff. Clare can also assist in helping create partnerships with industry for funding bids such as Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. The University also runs a scheme to fund small projects with new partners each year and Clare can assist businesses in the eight key sectors identified in the new Modern Industrial Strategy. For more information contact [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by Cottons Group. Established as one of the UK’s leading independent accountancy firms, Cottons Group supports businesses of all sizes with expert financial advice, audit, tax, and business consultancy services. With a strong focus on building lasting client relationships, their team combines technical excellence with practical insight to help organisations grow with confidence. From start-ups to established enterprises, Cottons Group delivers tailored solutions designed to optimise performance, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities. By partnering closely with their clients, they empower businesses to make informed decisions, drive efficiency, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-changing marketplace.

Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.

In this episode of , we’re joined by Etienne Dodane, aerospace innovator and founder of Drone Applications Ltd, to explore the rapidly evolving world of drones — and why what we see today is only the tip of the iceberg. Etienne reveals the unseen layers of this transformative industry and its limitless potential across air, land, and sea. We they discuss how drones are reshaping sectors from defence to healthcare, and why public perception still lags behind reality. Discover the commercial opportunities, technological challenges, and the next frontiers in autonomous robotics.

Meet our Expert: After an early career as a military and commercial pilot, Etienne transitioned into aerospace and automotive plastic engineering, later complementing his technical expertise with an MBA, DBA, and training in law and project management. He has led transformation projects for SMEs and global organisations, driving M&A, pioneering innovations in robotics and plastics, and championing sustainable, high-speed manufacturing solutions worldwide.Etienne has held key roles including Executive Board Director at the SMMT, Chairman of the UK Logistics Forum, member of the UK Automotive Council, and Champion for Future Mobility at the Silverstone Technology Cluster. Today, he has returned to his aviation roots as founder of Drone Applications Ltd, specialising in UAV research, multispectral and thermographic analysis, and advanced payload integration to boost safety and productivity across industry.

This episode is brought to you by Cottons Group. Established as one of the UK’s leading independent accountancy firms, Cottons Group supports businesses of all sizes with expert financial advice, audit, tax, and business consultancy services. With a strong focus on building lasting client relationships, their team combines technical excellence with practical insight to help organisations grow with confidence. From start-ups to established enterprises, Cottons Group delivers tailored solutions designed to optimise performance, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities. By partnering closely with their clients, they empower businesses to make informed decisions, drive efficiency, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-changing marketplace.

Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.

This episode, we're thrilled to have James Whitelock fromThinkincircles as our expert guest. James brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and unpacks what makes an EVP truly effective, how to align it with your company’s culture and values, and why it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of your employer brand. We’ll explore practical steps to create a compelling EVP that resonates with current employees and attracts top talent, helping your business not only fill roles but keep the right people engaged and motivated for the long term. Today’s episode tackles essential topics such as crafting compelling communication strategies that resonate with candidates and discovering what makes your business stand out in a competitive market.

Meet our Expert:
James Whitelock is the Managing Director at ThinkinCircles, a leading marketing agency specialising in recruitment and talent acquisition. With a passion for leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative marketing techniques, Jameshelps businesses build strong employer brands and drive growth. Known for his expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, and client relationship management, he has a proven track record of delivering impactful marketingsolutions tailored to the recruitment/staffing and HR sector. James is also a thought leader in the industry, regularly sharing insights on marketing trends, recruitment technology, and business development.
He is also the host The Marketing Rules Podcast, Chair for The Association ofRecruitment Marketing Agencies (AoRMA) and co-founder of The Recruitment Curry Club.

This episode is bought to you by Total Materia. This episodeis brought to you by Total Materia. Total Materia is the world’s most comprehensive materials database, trusted by engineers and manufacturers across industries to accelerate product development, ensure compliance, and optimiseperformance. With unmatched coverage of metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics, Total Materia provides instant access to reliable material properties, international standards, and advanced tools for material comparisonand selection. Their intuitive platform empowers design, R&D, and quality teams to work with confidence, reducing risk and saving valuable time at every stage of the process. By delivering accurate data and powerful solutions, TotalMateria helps companies innovate faster, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s global market.

This episode was recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bruce Keir and KatieWaddy from TC Group.

With new employment legislation on the horizon, manybusiness owners are feeling anxious about the potential impact. Bruce and Katie help cut through the noise, tackling common concerns and misconceptions while offering practical advice for employers.

Whether you’re worried about increased admin, unsure how to update policies, or simply want to get ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights to help employers navigate legislative change with confidence.

Meet our experts:

Bruce Keir:

Bruce leads TC Group’s HR Client Advisory services forbusinesses across the Midlands and North, supporting clients of all sizes in getting the very best from their people.

A highly accomplished HR professional, Bruce holds a Level 7Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and brings hands-on experience across the full employee life cycle.

Bruce is motivated by continuous learning, making a positiveimpact, and building strong, collaborative relationships. Whether he’s shaping high-level HR strategy or tackling people challenges on the ground, Bruce brings clarity, confidence, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping businesses, and their people, thrive. 

In his own time, you'll find Bruce spending time with hiswife and three young children and watching or taking part inas much sport as possible. He also serves as TC’s resident quizmaster. 

Katie Waddy:

With over nine years’ experience in HR, Katie has built her career from the ground up, gaining practical insight at every level and a strong understanding of what helps businesses and their people succeed.

She’s worked with both SMEs and large organisations,delivering HR projects and overseeing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to performance, engagement, retention, and exit. Her approach to the client experience is very much rooted in integrity, collaboration, and approachability.

Whether a company manages HR independently or has anin-house team, Katie brings clarity, perspective, and renewed energy to their people strategies. From handling sensitive employee relations cases to embedding cultures of recognition and trust, she builds relationships that havea lasting impact.

Katie’s especially passionate about wellbeing and buildinghigh-performing cultures where people feel supported, valued, and empowered. Above all, she thrives on helping businesses get the best out of their people,aligning individual potential with organisational and commercial goals.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠TC Group⁠⁠. TC Group’s anAccountancy Age ‘Top 20’ firm of business advisors and accountants, providing quality financial advice andstrategy, enabling you to achieve your business growth goals, safeguard your wealth, and maximise your tax efficiency. Our teams’ experience and expertise mean we understand the challenges and opportunities you face at a local, national, and even international level. We’ll invest time in getting to know you so we can provide proactive and tailored advice, supporting you in making the right decisions both now and in the future. We pride ourselves on offering more than thestandard compliance services and straight-forward number crunching. Through our UK-wide network, we offer a multitude of functional accountancy and specialistbusiness growth services along with personal financial solutions and legal advice, providing our clients with a unified “one-stop-shop” approach, saving you both time and money. With TC Group by your side, no matter how complex yourfinancial situation may be, we have the resources and expertise to help you navigate it successfully.

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.In this episode we’re joined by Trevor Shaw, Tax Director of Business Advisors & Accountants TC Group, to unpack the vital role taxation plays in business success.Trevor explains how tax affects everything from growth planning and risk management to recruitment and international expansion. We discuss why businesses shouldn’t shy away from tax — and how, when approached proactively, it can become a powerful tool for building value. Trevor shares practical insights on current tax trends, the importance of long-term thinking, and how businesses can stay ahead of changes without being overwhelmed. Whether it’s using Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) to retain top talent or navigating the complexities of R&D tax relief, Trevor offers guidance that’s clear, honest, and incredibly timely.Meet our Expert: Trevor has been a Tax Director at TC Group since 2017, bringing deep expertise and a strategic mindset to the complex world of taxation. He works closely with a diverse portfolio of clients, from owner managed businesses to multi-national groups, across a wide range of sectors. With a strong focus on aligning tax strategy with both commercial and personal objectives, Trevor delivers tailored advice that supports immediate business needs while keeping an eye on longer-term goals. His approach is rooted in understanding each client's unique position, helping them navigate ever-evolving tax legislation with clarity and confidence. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠TC Group⁠⁠. TC Group’s an Accountancy Age ‘Top 20’ firm of business advisors and accountants, providing quality financial advice and strategy, enabling you to achieve your business growth goals, safeguard your wealth, and maximise your tax efficiency. Our teams’ experience and expertise mean we understand the challenges and opportunities you face at a local, national, and even international level. We’ll invest time in getting to know you so we can provide proactive and tailored advice, supporting you in making the right decisions both now and in the future. We pride ourselves on offering more than the standard compliance services and straight-forward number crunching. Through our UK-wide network, we offer a multitude of functional accountancy and specialist business growth services along with personal financial solutions and legal advice, providing our clients with a unified “one-stop-shop” approach, saving you both time and money. With TC Group by your side, no matter how complex your financial situation may be, we have the resources and expertise to help you navigate it successfully.To view the video of this episode please click here.