Silverstone Technology Cluster's "Ask the Expert"

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.
Join us for a conversation with Georgina and Mary from the Open University and Helen from Intake Talent as we explore how students are successfully transitioning their skills into the workplace.

We discuss the OU’s careers support, employerpartnerships, and funding for internships, while Helen shares how she’s helping bridge the skills gap and embrace sustainable, green career pathways.

Meet our experts:

Georgina Hawkins is the Employer EngagementManager for STEM at the Open University's Careers and Employability Services.Over the past seven years, she has built up over 170 employer relationships and hosted numerous events both face-to-face and online, facilitating meaningful interactions between students and employers.

Before joining the Open University, Georgina spent fouryears at Nottingham Trent University as part of their careers team. Her diverse experience includes roles at prominent organisations such as TUI, Virgin Active, and Marie Curie, as well as gaining experience within SMEs. Georgina ispassionate about creating opportunities that connect students with employers, with a particular focus on Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability.

Mary Older is the Placement Manager at the OpenUniversity’s Careers and Employability Services. Mary’s role centres on working with employers to create meaningful work experience opportunities for studentsand graduates. While her focus is primarily on internships, she is keen to create and offer new experiences that work for both students and organisations, such as micro-internships and work-shadowing.

Prior to working at the Open University, Mary worked inemployability advice and guidance, supporting people in receipt of benefits into sustainable employment. She has always been passionate about supporting people from underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds, and maintains this focus in her current role.

Helen Cannon has over 17 years’ experience in recruitment and is the co-founder of Intake Talent. With a personable, detail-driven approach, she partners with organisations on everything from workforce planning and recruitment strategy to succession planning and social value initiatives. Passionate about early careers, Helen also works closely with schools and colleges to connect young people with meaningful opportunities and bridge the gap between education and employment.

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.

 Any queries? Please email:

careers-service [email protected]

To watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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 are joined by Dominic Hopkins and Ruth Sheret from HCR Hewitsons to unpack the legal challenges and opportunities of buying and selling across borders.

From post-Brexit regulations and cross-border contracts to protecting your confidential information and navigating product recalls—this episode is packed with actionable advice and sharp legal insights for any business working internationally.

Meet Our Experts:

Dominic Hopkins, Partner, HCR Law – DisputeResolution and Technology

Dominic is a litigation lawyer with over 35 years ofexperience of advising and representing businesses in the resolution of disputes.  He acts for both domestic and foreign companies commonly on complex issues arising in cross-border supply chains and in technology related cases.  Dominic is recognised by the ‘Legal 500’ as a member of their ‘Hall of Fame’ and by the Chambers & Partners 2025 Guide, as ‘Senior Statesperson’ for Litigation in the Midlands.

Ruth Sheret, Partner, HCR Law -  Insurance, Risk and Regulatory

Ruth is an experienced regulatory lawyer with a particularfocus on product manufacture, distribution, and retail. She advises clients on matters including product safety and standards, labelling, and advertising compliance. When issues arise, Ruth supports clients with corrective actions,PACE interviews, and, where required, represents them in court.

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 watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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 Johanna Archer from UK Export Finance to explore how UK businesses can grow through international trade. Johanna shares expert insights on the most active export markets, managing payment risks, and how UKEF supports both seasoned and first-time exporters — including backing contracts of all sizes. Whether you're already exporting or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you go global with confidence.

Meet our expert: Johanna has worked with UK Export Finance for over 11 years, helping businesses across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire to access finance for international trade. Jo offers small and medium sized businesses the ultimate liaison between government departments, chambers of commerce, banks, insurance brokers and other private market financiers with guidance on export finance matters. Jo is an expert about trade finance and insurance products available to help companies achieve an appropriate risk/reward balance when exporting. Prior to joining the department, Jo held a series of managerial roles at KPMG and Grant Thornton, which was followed by nearly a decade as a relationship manager for Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland managing a multi million pound portfolio.

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.

https://www.business.gov.uk/export-academy/

To watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of coaching in the STEM sector. We discuss the Lab-to-leadership program and uncover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of your team. We'll explore the process of coaching and share valuable tips on how to tap into the skills and talents your team already possesses.

In this episode, we also shine a light on the issue of burnout among CEOs and founders. Learn about the toll that constant pressure and high expectations can take on mental health and discover the benefits of getting outdoors for much-needed respite and rejuvenation. Tune in to discover the new Clearworks Outdoors program, designed to help busy professionals reconnect with nature and find balance in their hectic lives. Join us as we explore the importance of self-care and the positive impact of incorporating outdoor activities into your routine.

Meet our Experts:

Aly King-Smith | Founding Director, Clearworks Coaching Ltd

Aly founded Clearworks in 2013 to develop confident senior leaders in STEM, Biotech, and Pharma. With a commercial career in pharma and vaccines (Searle/Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur), and 20 years in behaviour change, Aly is an Executive Coach to the C-Suite leaders and founders. She has growing focus on coaching senior leaders outdoors to address the current burnout epidemic. Aly also leads the diverse team of expert coaches & facilitators at Clearworks.

Fiona Pawley | Associate Coach and Facilitator, Clearworks Coaching Ltd

An Inclusive Leadership Coach, specialising in STEM, Engineering, and Motorsport, Fiona supports technical experts in becoming intuitive, confident leaders. Focusing on building leadership flexibility, courage, and engagement, empowering engineering teams to articulate their vision and attract top talent.  A highly experienced facilitator, passionate about collaboration and impactful group experiences, including the Financial Times, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Ericsson.

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.

If you would like to watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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 engineeringlandscape.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, we sit down with a founding member of the Silverstone Technology Cluster to explore how marketing is evolving in the advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors. From branding a high-tech business park to engaging a diverse ecosystem of over 90 companies, our guest offers a front-line view of what it takes to market innovation in a technical world.

We dive into topics like understanding customer needs incomplex ecosystems, building a digital presence in niche industries, and aligning place-based marketing with national innovation strategies. You’ll hear how Silverstone Park is positioning itself as a “campus for future innovation,”why storytelling matters in technical fields, and how collaborative marketing is driving growth across the cluster.

Meet our expert: Chantal-Lawren Welch serves as theMarketing Manager at Silverstone Park, a leading advanced engineering and technology campus located at the heart of the UK’s motorsport and innovation sector. In her role, she plays a pivotal part in promoting the park's status as a 'campus for future innovation', overseeing strategic marketing initiatives and representing the park at key industry events. Her efforts include showcasing the achievements of Silverstone Park's tenants and fosteringcollaborations within the Silverstone Technology Cluster. Chantal’s work ensures that Silverstone Park remains a prominent hub for technological advancement and innovation.

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 decisionsboth 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 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 your financial situation may be, we have the resources and expertise to help you navigate it successfully.

If you would like to watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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 sit down with ex-military expert Mike Jones, who shares his valuable insights on implementing strategic initiatives in the business world. Drawing from his experience navigating unpredictable environments in the military, our guest provides practical tips on how to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing business landscape. Tune in to learn how to apply military strategies to your business and achieve success in the face of uncertainty.

Meet our Expert: Mike Jones is a former British Army soldier, leading teams in volatile and uncertain conditions, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, before training future leaders at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. His experience shaped his deep understandingof adaptive strategy, decentralised decision-making, and execution under uncertainty.

After transitioning from the military, Mike founded LBI Consulting, a specialist consultancy that helps senior leaders move beyond static planning to a strategy that works in reality. His expertise lies in emergent strategy, mission command principles, and systemic thinking, helping organisations break free from rigid frameworks and embrace dynamic execution.

He has advised major organisations across industries, from infrastructure and healthcare to global corporations and elite sports teams, challenging conventional strategic thinking and helping them bridge the gap between strategy and execution in unpredictable environments.

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 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 watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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 unpack the complexities of R&D taxcredits with Felix Medd, Head of R&D at TC Group. From common pitfalls to the perks of getting it right, we share practical tips and insider insights on navigating this often-misunderstood area. We also explore the importance ofaccurate calculations, the nuances of legislative and technical definitions, and why expert guidance can make all the difference. Whether you're new to R&D claims or looking to refine your approach, this episode will help ensure your business maximises its entitlement—while staying fully compliant.

Meet our expert: Felix Medd – Head of R&D at TC Group 

Felix Medd is Head of R&D at TC Group, bringing over sixyears of specialised experience in the R&D sector. He began his career as an Analyst before progressing to lead a dedicated Enquiry Defence team at a London-based tax consultancy. 

Throughout his career, Felix has managed a broad portfolioof clients across a wide range of industries, including software, manufacturing, defence, and financial services. He's developed deep expertise in HMRC legislation and compliance processes, successfully defending approximately £10 million in client claims, many of which stemmed fromthird-party submissions. 

Working alongside ex-HMRC inspectors, qualified accountants, and technical specialists, Felix has supported businesses nationwide during HMRC compliance checks and investigations. He’s regularly engaged with HMRC’s Head of R&D Operational Compliance, contributing valuable industry insight and advocating for improvements in the enquiry process. His input has also driven enhancements in internal training, claims methodology, and reporting standards. 

Felix holds a background in M&A from his early career inHong Kong and brings a blend of commercial awareness and technical acumen to his role at TC Group. Outside of work, he’s an avid scuba diver and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt.

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 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.

If you wish to watch the video version of this episode please click ⁠here⁠.

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 delve into the world of sustainabilityfor small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). What does sustainability mean for SMEs and how can they implement it in their business practices? Join us as we explore the importance of sustainability, the benefits it can bring to SMEs, and practical steps on how to incorporate sustainable practices into your business operations.

Meet our expert: Charles Ross-Smith is co-founder of Pointer Consultancy Group, focussed on enabling positive business change through impactful consulting and investment. Charles is an aeronautical engineer by training with his career starting in the Civil Service. He then joined Frazer-NashConsultancy group initially focussed on requirements management and systems engineering for several large and complex procurement projects.  He then moved into Project, Programme, Bid and Change Management, responsible for the delivery of £multi-million tenders and projects in the public and private sectors.  Charles has expertise across a wide range of defence and civil sectors including air, maritime, land, communications, civil nuclear, synthetictraining and rail. He co-founder Pointer in October 2018, applying these skills and experience to help small companies become more sustainable and purpose lead start-ups succeed.

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.

If you wish to watch the video version of this episode please click here.

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 delve into the world of apprenticeships- from the different types available to the length of commitment required. We discuss how to get started on the apprenticeship journey, as well as the support available to both apprentices and the businesses they work in. Tune into learn more about this valuable pathway to gaining hands on experience and valuable skills in your chosen field and attracting the right apprentices to your business.

Meer our expert: Stephen Bowen – Milton Keynes College Group

With nearly 20 years’ experience in education and supporting people back into work, Stephen has spent the last three at MKCG engaging with employers and offering solutions to their recruitment needs.

His passion is producing the best next generation of talentthrough Apprenticeships to give companies a future proof workforce with the latest knowledge available. Working mainly in the Digital sector and guiding the recruitment and onboarding process through tricky levy and funding options,Stephen wills that every workforce is primed for success.

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.

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 delve into the world of apprenticeships- from the different types available to the length of commitment required. We discuss how to get started on the apprenticeship journey, as well as the support available to both apprentices and the businesses they work in. Tune into learn more about this valuable pathway to gaining hands on experience and valuable skills in your chosen field and attracting the right apprentices to your business.

Meer our expert: Stephen Bowen – Milton Keynes College Group

With nearly 20 years’ experience in education and supporting people back into work, Stephen has spent the last three at MKCG engaging with employers and offering solutions to their recruitment needs.

His passion is producing the best next generation of talentthrough Apprenticeships to give companies a future proof workforce with the latest knowledge available. Working mainly in the Digital sector and guiding the recruitment and onboarding process through tricky levy and funding options,Stephen wills that every workforce is primed for success.

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.