What is your role at Ada Mode?
I joined Ada Mode in January 2026 as Head of Nuclear. I have over 20 years’ experience as a consultant in the nuclear sector, having worked for a number of large, multi-disciplinary engineering consultancies since joining the nuclear sector as a Graduate Environmental Scientist way back in 2005.
Building upon my academic background in Earth Sciences, I have developed a passion for energy transition, decarbonisation and nuclear energy as source of secure, clean and reliable electricity production. I’m an active member of the UK’s Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) professional community and have had the privilege of working with clients across the full nuclear lifecycle.
At Ada Mode, I have a remit to support business growth, work winning, undertake business development and marketing activities, technical delivery and oversight, client relationship management and pursuit of new ventures. It’s very varied and dynamic, which really suits how I like to work!
What does an average day look like for you?
Well, it’s certainly the case that no two days are the same! From speaking to clients about the ongoing delivery of their work scope, to holding discussions with prospective clients and collaborators about new opportunities, developing marketing content and attending events on behalf of Ada Mode, there’s always plenty going on. This requires a combination of face-to-face, online and other digital interactions, such as through LinkedIn, and is ultimately about speaking to people to ensure successful outcomes and happy clients!
Where do you see the industry heading in the next 3-5 years?
The nuclear sector, both in the UK and globally, is now in somewhat of a resurgence. Nuclear energy is increasingly being recognised for its virtues, and the key role it can play in global decarbonisation of energy systems and wider industry, as well as ensuring security of electricity supply and supporting economic growth. With public perception of nuclear energy improving all the time, and with costs and delivery timeframes better understood, we will see widespread build-out of new nuclear power at different scales, from Smal Modular Reactors (SMRs) up to Gigawatt (GW) scale.
There are numerous jigsaw pieces that need to come together, in order to create the optimum conditions for nuclear development. Whilst government policy alignment and backing are crucial, so are access to suitable sites and gaining planning consent, having sufficient funding provisions and commitments, ensuring technological maturity, progressing through licensing and permitting processes, and establishing a ‘social license’ with the host community. Indeed, the 2025 Nuclear Taskforce findings report and subsequent Prime Minister’s strategic steer, have ensured that there is a strong focus on ensuring that the UK fulfils its ambition to be a great place to develop new nuclear infrastructure. Recent publication of the Advanced Nuclear Framework further supports this commitment to nuclear energy as a low carbon, secure, scalable and investible source of power for our ever-increasing electricity demands, including from data centres.
Beyond worldwide civil nuclear power sector growth and development, there is also widespread investment in other nuclear applications. This includes through the AUKUS defence programme, to support global non-proliferation, nuclear propulsion solutions for global maritime shipping, and also for the production of critical radio-pharmaceuticals, which are needed by the medical sector in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
It’s a very exciting time to be part of the nuclear sector, and Ada Mode is really well placed to play a key role in this, especially as tailored digital solutions are more widely adopted and sought after by nuclear sector operators and developers.
What are your top three books/podcasts?
- Jack Reacher series by Lee Child – the gripping tales of Jack Reacher, a former Military Police Office, and his adventures roaming the US taking on odd jobs, investigating suspicious and dangerous situations, and sorting them out!
- Digital Apollo by David Mindell – the story of how human pilots and automated systems worked together to deliver the lunar landings in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Behind The Glass podcast – hosted by Sam Fane, providing insights in the motoring world and Sam’s personal car journey, which is also chronicled via YouTube
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Alongside spending time with my young family, I’m a keen sportsperson, enjoying regular road runs, tennis and padel with friends, golf outings, cycling to work and also skiing trips. I’m also an avid car enthusiast and motorsport fan, attending car shows and events, and following Formula 1 on television.
