National Composites Centre

Peter has extensive experience in composites and technology leadership, having held a number of senior engineering and business leadership positions in large multinational companies and SME’s in the aerospace industry. He has been involved in composite technology and capability development for over 20 years.

He is a passionate believer in using new technology to bring value, and is committed to supporting the UK composite manufacturing industry’s growth, and increasing its contribution to the economy.

Peter was Executive Director of the National Composites Centre from May 2010, leading the setup of the centre, and from June 2011 took up the permanent position as Chief Executive.

Tom is responsible for encouraging and engaging companies to participate in the activities at the centre, as well as principally responsible for all PR, marketing and funding/partnership opportunities. He is assisted by Mary Page as Business Development Co-ordinator, and Graham Harrison, who is Funding and Partnership Manager.

Tom is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. His last role was as Business Director at Tods Aerospace in Crewkerne, Somerset, a well-respected design and build SME for structural and non-structural composite parts. Prior to this, he was involved in composites in the mass transit and marine defence sector.

Rob was previously the Managing Director of Beagle Aerospace in Christchurch, Dorset, a private equity-backed component manufacturing and repair business that was formerly part of Ti and Smiths Aerospace and is involved in both metallic and composite repairs. Rob spent the majority of his career in a composite manufacturing business in Cambridgeshire that worked with a wide range of business sectors.

Dr Dan Kells
Research Manager

Michelle Armitage
Head of HR

Ken Mitchell
Financial Controller

A physicist and chartered engineer, Dan is an internationally acknowledged expert in structures and materials. During his career he has worked for a number of major manufacturing companies and has been formally and informally associated with many prestigious universities. Dan has direct experience of the aerospace, commercial aviation, automotive, land and marine sectors and has been involved in the commercial exploitation of several major research projects.

At the NCC, Dan’s responsibility is to lead the engineering team: to develop resources and deliver projects to meet the needs of our customers.

Michelle is a senior HR and Development professional with over 20 years experience. She has worked within various sectors such as Engineering & Manufacturing, Utilities and Retail/Sales both in the UK and overseas. In her early career she worked in both generalist HR roles as well as developing specialist expertise in assessment and development. A Chartered member of the Institute for Personnel and Development Michelle also has a psychology degree from Plymouth University and a post graduate certificate in Executive Coaching from Portsmouth University.

Michelle is responsible for leading people management strategy and practice at the NCC. People policies are manifest in the way we work every day. The NCC is a fun, innovative and stimulating place to work. We work hard and attract, retain, develop and engage the best minds in the field.

Ken is Financial Controller and Company Secretary. Working closely with the University Finance team, the NCC Finance team is responsible for all aspects of the commercial and financial management of the NCC.

Ken is a chartered Engineer and chartered accountant (PWC) with previous experience at BAeSystems, Airbus and UltraPRT, working in a variety of roles including Internal Audit, Composites Strategy development, A350 Wing Project Controller and Financial Controller.

Professor Mike Hinton
Technology Director

Mike has accumulated over 40 years of expertise in the Security and Defence sectors. His academic credentials span a wide range of technologies, with particular emphasis in materials and structures. He brings operational experience and a depth and breadth to the NCC.

He has both a strong technical reputation (ranging from acceptance as a deep academic, to acceptance as an expert on issues surrounding front line equipment) and an appreciation of business strategy, management and operational matters. At the NCC, Mike will focus and lead our technology development activities, working closely with academia, government and industry.

NCC staff

Mary Page
Business Development Coordinator

A PR & Communications specialist with extensive experience in driving effective PR campaigns in multi-sector environments from a background of journalism and political research. Proven record across full communications life cycle, engaging and influencing key stakeholders, including media, local and national government to deliver measurable results.

My primary role at the NCC is to enable the Business Development Director to encourage and facilitate new members from both large and mid-sized multinational original equipment manufacturers as well as innovative and creative UK SME's working in the composites industry or related supply chain. As well as providing both a proactive and reactive communications, events and NCC tours management service.