Silverstone Technology Cluster's "Ask the Expert"

Jeannie
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Welcome to Ask The Expert, the podcast from Silverstone Technology Cluster where innovation meets insight. Twice a month, we sit down with industry leaders, trailblazing founders, and seasoned professionals from across the world of Advanced Engineering, Electronics, and Software to dig into the challenges and opportunities shaping modern business. Each episode zooms in on a new theme — from AI and electrification to leadership and scaling — with expert guests sharing the tools, trends, and thinking that drive real progress. 🎧 Tune in and get inspired.

  1. The India Opportunity: Brothers by Choice, Partners in Growth

    FEB 18

    The India Opportunity: Brothers by Choice, Partners in Growth

    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 Ask The Expert, Jeannie speaks with Samit Naik and Riccardo Paterni of Synergy Pathways about why India is one of the most exciting growth markets for UK advanced engineering and technology businesses. They explore India’s rapid expansion, strong demand across sectors, and what it really takes to succeed — from trust and cultural understanding to long-term, relationship-led strategy. Meet our experts: Riccardo Paterni- Founder of Synergy Pathways My motto is "Growth Through Knowledge for Action &Action for Knowledge - Stimulating Critical Thinking, Facilitating Practical Action!" I define myself as an 'ideas and practices implementation entrepreneur' focusing on concretely contributing to fulfil the potential of growth and continuous improvement of small to mid sized organizations. I do that by identifying, understanding and releasing the real potential of people from a cross cultural global perspective: stimulate the unleashing of creativity and genuine innovation. All of this driven by an aware sense of authenticity and self-knowledge practiced on a day to day basis.  Connecting companies and people across countries and continents to progress together has become a way to value and constantly develop my know-how and my experience.  My expertise in particular focuses on unique methods of organizational and people development, for example I co-founded MindUP enhancement Psychology ® specialised with an innovative “Data Driven Performance Focused” method to boost performance in sport and organizational settings. I also co-founded and manage RPM an Italian Motorsport formal network made of about 30 SMEs companies across Italy that characterize the Italian Motorsport Industry. This leads me to focus also on knowledge transfer from the motorsport industry to and from other fields such of automotive, aviation, aerospace, biotechnology and others. I am an author and speaker and conferences facilitator these dynamics.    Samit S. Naik- Founder of Synergy Pathways I am an innovation entrepreneur known for my expertise and leadership in strategy, innovation and operations. With a background in business and technology, I excel in driving international organisation’s business development growth and delivering impactful solutions. Passionate about fostering international collaborations, I focus on Niche Tech Transfers, trade and manufacturing solutions in India for European companies in the field of Defence, Aerospace, Food , Automotive & Motorsports. 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.

    20 min
  2. Rethinking Apprenticeships: Challenges, Realities, and the Future

    FEB 11

    Rethinking Apprenticeships: Challenges, Realities, and the Future

    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.

    25 min
  3. Getting Smart with Your Commercial Property

    JAN 27

    Getting Smart with Your Commercial Property

    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.

    13 min
  4. Are You Asking Your Accountant the Right Questions?

    JAN 7

    Are You Asking Your Accountant the Right Questions?

    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.

    35 min
  5. Building the Future: How WMG Powers UK Manufacturing

    12/03/2025

    Building the Future: How WMG Powers UK Manufacturing

    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.

    21 min
  6. Bridging Education and Industry

    11/19/2025

    Bridging Education and Industry

    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.

    26 min
  7. Unlocking Potential through Partnership with The Open University

    11/05/2025

    Unlocking Potential through Partnership with The Open University

    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 Enterprise-OU@open.ac.uk 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.

    12 min
  8. Uncovering the hidden potential of the Drone Industry

    10/15/2025

    Uncovering the hidden potential of the Drone Industry

    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.

    39 min
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About

Welcome to Ask The Expert, the podcast from Silverstone Technology Cluster where innovation meets insight. Twice a month, we sit down with industry leaders, trailblazing founders, and seasoned professionals from across the world of Advanced Engineering, Electronics, and Software to dig into the challenges and opportunities shaping modern business. Each episode zooms in on a new theme — from AI and electrification to leadership and scaling — with expert guests sharing the tools, trends, and thinking that drive real progress. 🎧 Tune in and get inspired.

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