I had been working in academia for a long time before joining Analysys Mason in 1997. After my first degree in mechanical engineering at UMIST I worked as a research assistant in the aeronautical engineering department at the University of Manchester, my work being funded by the Defence Research Agency. My work there led to a PhD in 1995. At this time we were starting to use the Internet for communications and joint-working across universities, but it’s probably fair to say we had no idea what would happen in the following decade in terms of how the Internet would change our lives.
After university I joined Shell Research as an explosions scientist, working in a group modelling the likely impact of gas explosions on oilrigs and other installations. This was a fascinating time but still research-based and I decided after two years it was time to move into the commercial world. I saw Analysys Mason was looking for highly numerate people and my career took off in a new direction shortly after that. Ten years on and I now lead the Broadband & Media practice at Analysys Mason working with a great team of dedicated people who are truly interested in their subject.
My first project was for a new global satellite operator assessing the demand for broadband in almost every country around the world. Within a few weeks of joining I was in Seattle with the client in a situation that was in stark contrast to my previous life! It was challenging yet stimulating – a description that I think neatly explains the kind of work we do here.
Analysys Mason has given me the opportunity to work in Europe, USA and Asia, on numerous and varied projects. More recently my work has focussed on the evolution of fixed networks, looking at how technology, market and regulatory factors will shape the future. The convergence of the telecoms and media worlds is at the heart of this, and is a major topic of interest for me. Recently I’ve led some fascinating projects including working with the BBC on iPlayer.
I now represent my company at industry conferences typically every 2–3 months, and last year presented on topics including ‘The battle for the future of the Internet: net neutrality’, ‘Content and telecoms convergence’ and ‘Next generation access: user demands, technology and regulation’.
During my time at Analysys Mason I’ve married, had three children, and still (just about!) manage to maintain a range of hobbies and interests that include mountain biking and road cycling, photography and coaching junior football. I love the Peak District and the Alps, have a deep interest in product design, have a weakness for classic cars and intermittently dabble in stone sculpture.
