Join Hydrogen South West

David is Director for Strategy & Corporate Affairs at NCC, the UK’s leading innovation centre for advanced materials, engineering, and manufacturing, driving innovation led solutions to tackle global challenges. His focus is on shaping initiatives that advance innovation, strengthen supply chains, and deliver measurable benefits to the UK economy and society.

James is Bristol Airport’s Public Affairs Lead and has 20 years’ experience of working in infrastructure policy. Bristol Airport has taken a leading position on sustainability, being the first UK airport to commit to achieving net zero airport operations by 2030, and was one of the founding members of Hydrogen South West.  The Airport has hosted an industry-leading trial of hydrogen ground equipment and is working in unique partnerships with the aerospace sector to accelerate the arrival of hydrogen flight in the UK.

Matt is Head of Net Zero & Sustainability at Wales & West Utilities. He is responsible for decarbonisation and sustainability activity for the organisation, which looks after the pipes that keep gas flowing for 7.5m people across Wales and South West England.

Laura is hydrogen lead for Arup’s West business (South West and Wales) with a PhD in sustainable chemistry. Laura is an experienced leader in hydrogen, research, innovation, public strategy and policy, and project delivery, across the entire value chain developed through roles in both the public and private sector - in Arup, UKRI and Government.

Simon is an Aerospace Engineer with over 25 years experience developing fuel systems, landing gears and wings for Airbus aircraft. He is Head of Hydrogen Fuel Systems Architects at Airbus in Filton, leading the UK hydrogen fuel systems activities and collaborating with UK and international partners to develop the skills and capabilities for hydrogen aircraft development.

Julian is Chief Systems Engineer at Costain, who deliver pioneering solutions that transform the infrastructure ecosystem across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets. With over fifteen years of technical experience in defence, aeronautics, and airborne operations, his work includes supporting all aspects of systems architecture for government aeronautics contracts, developing cost effective, in-service aircraft solutions, with a dedication to innovation.

After 10 years working as the external face of Hinkley Point C, the new nuclear power station, David Eccles now leads Hydrogen South West, directing its activities as an independent consultant

Chris is the lead for Strategic Partnerships within HSW. Chris has both large corporate and SME experience in the advanced engineering sector and has built up a strong network in energy transition, particularly in the SW. Chris is actively encouraging HSW Members to engage in key "E" Fuels potential projects in the SW, building on the regions' unique energy infrastructure potential.