Fulmination 2025 Programme
DAVID BROWN
David is the Chief Inspector of Explosives and head of the Explosives Inspectorate at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). David has background in virology and worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate prior to joining HSE in 2005 as a specialist inspector in the Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit. Since 2021 David had been responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Explosives Inspectorate. David recently became an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Explosives Engineers in recognition for the work he has done to enhance HSE’s ability to support the explosives sector and protect workers and the wider public.
DAVID MYRTLE
David Myrtle is currently one of HM Specialist Inspectors of Health and Safety (Explosives) at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). He joined the HSE in 2009 after 24 years working at the Public Analyst Laboratory for Greater Manchester, during which time he joined the Royal Society of Chemistry and attained the status of Chartered Chemist and Chartered Scientist. He spent his first 5 years at HSE in the Field Operations Directorate, carrying out inspections and investigations in a variety of industrial and agricultural premises in Lancashire. In 2014 he moved to the Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Directorate (CEMHD), joining CEMHD7, the Explosives Inspectorate, as a Regulatory Inspector. Since joining CEMHD he has visited many explosive sites across the majority of the explosives sector in Great Britain. He acts as a COMAH Intervention Manager for COMAH establishments in the sector and routinely carries out inspections and investigates incidents and concerns. He became a Technical Member of the Institute of Explosive Engineers in 2019 and a Specialist Inspector in 2023. He continues to learn about the explosives sector and grow as an Inspector.
ANDREW HOGBEN
Managing Director Chemring Countermeasures Limited Andy Hogben joined Chemring Countermeasures Limited in 2014 after a successful 27-year military career with the Royal Navy. Bringing specialist military skills to Chemring, he became the Business Director for Global Sales and Marketing in 2016 before taking up the position of Managing Director in 2018. Today he leads a world leading FTSE 250 defence company within the global Chemring Group, employing over 400 colleagues at the High Post site on the outskirts of Salisbury. Chemring Countermeasures designs, develops, and manufactures cutting edge technology air and naval decoys that are exported globally.
ANDREW HOGBEN
JOHN WOODWARD
John has worked as a consultant to the demolition industry for over 35 years, before taking retirement in 2018 when Mike Kehoe purchased C&D Consultancy. John continues to work with Mike at C&D Engineering Consultants Limited, as and when required, but now spends more time relaxing with wife Jill, raising money for numerous charitable organisations, and coarse fishing. He is an Honorary Fellow and Past President of the Institute of Demolition Engineers and was instrumental in setting up its demolition degree qualification. He wrote and delivered the NDTG Demolition Manager Course as well as acting as trainer throughout the World on demolition and asbestos related matters. John wrote the UK guidance for demolition of towerblocks, having demolished well over 160 blocks in his career, and he still holds membership of The European Federation of Explosive Engineers. John was a member of the panel tasked with writing the UK British Standard for Use of Explosives in Construction and is currently working with the HSE to deliver industry guidance to clients through demolition seminars across the UK and is a member of the panels writing both the NFDC UK Guidance for Explosive Demolition of Structures and the European Demolition Association Guidance for the use of Explosives in Demolition. John has delivered presentation on explosive demolition projects throughout the World and his presentation at Fulmination is related to his personal experiences with managing demolition exclusion zones.
David Crofts
David is Head of MBDA UK’s Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence, International Capability Manager for Lethality, and member of the company’s Technical Expert community with over 35 years domain experience with MBDA and previously BAE Systems & Royal Ordnance. David acts as Design Authority for warheads manufactured in UK and France, and is responsible for their Safety and Suitability for Service at all stages of the lifecycle. He has over 35 years’ experience in research, design development, qualification and manufacture of warheads and munitions for UK MoD, French DGA, US Navy and export customers. Member of two Advisory panels to UK MOD covering Warhead and Effects Research. Recreational Scuba Diver with over 25 years’ experience in technical wreck diving and with an associated interest in military history, and particularly the safety of weapons embarked on platforms.
ANDY OPPENHEIMER
Andy Oppenheimer AIExpE MIABTI is an independent CBRNE and counter-terrorism analyst, former editor of CBNW Journal and Jane’s NBC Defence, and author of IRA: The Bombs and the Bullets (2008). From 2001 he has written hundreds of articles, published five books, presented at conferences and professional seminars worldwide, and appears as an analyst on TV news and documentaries. In January 2025 he became Editor of the Felix Fund Bomb Disposal Charity Newsletter.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Oppenheimer
PHILIP GILL
Principal Propellant Chemist – Roxel UK. Phil is an R&D scientist with 20+ years’ experience in the life assessment and formulation of propellants and explosives. Research focus is on: (i) life assessment of propellants; (ii) understanding the mechanistic relationships of raw ingredient specification and formulation processes; and (iii) development and validation of materials and physical/chemical processing and ageing models. Phil joined Roxel UK in 2021, having previously worked in academia.
SHAUN DOOLEY
Shaun Dooley CEng RSci FIExpE Shaun began working for the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment in 1986, he was based at the firing ranges on Foulness Island, Essex. He became an Assistant Scientific Officer in 1990, supporting work on novel explosives trials in support of IEDD (Improvised Explosive Device Disposal). He was transferred to AWE Aldermaston in 2001, where he set up a successful ballistics range in support of unique trials on fragmentation and in the same year became a member of Institute of Explosives Engineers. Since 2008, he has been the focal point at AWE in the development and use of the NOS (National Occupational Standards) for Explosives Substances and Articles. Out of this, AWE was able to grow four ‘role profiles’ which are the basis for assessing staff competence. He became a Chartered Engineer in 2020 and since then has represented AWE at the multi- agency Sector Skills Strategy Group (SSSG). It was this group that requested the creation (through CoEEM) of three OME apprenticeships; HNC, Degree and MSc. Shaun sat on the trailblazer to write the apprenticeships, the first of which (the degree) started in September 2018. This first group graduated in July 2023. The same year, Shaun was nominated as Head of Profession for Explosives Engineering and devotes time to mentoring staff to help them ‘grow’ in a way that is suitable for an explosive’s environment. So far, he has sponsored 8 Level 6 OME degrees, and 12 HNCs and has recently rekindled the Standards Setting Body to chair a review the ESA NOS. He was awarded Fellowship of IExpE in May 2024 and describes this as the highlight of his professional career, after working at AWE for 38 years. “There are no new mistakes, only forgotten lessons”.
THOMAS GRANT
Gaynor Kavanagh
Dr Gaynor Kavanagh (formerly Olliver) - PhD BSc (Hons) CChem MIExpE Gaynor is part of MBDA UK’s Technical Expert community specialising in energetic materials, representing MBDA at Sector Skills Strategy Group (SSSG); WTS Expert Working Groups on Energetic Performance, Vulnerability, Formulation, Characterisation and Qualification; Chair of “Ageing” Expert Working Group for Insensitive Munitions European Manufacturing Group (IMEMG). Focused on IM responses for energetic material manufacturers. Contributor to research programmes by helping scope and define requirements needed to achieve exploitation into future munitions. Also active in the wider industry as a mentor for Women in Defence (WID) and Women in Explosives working group (IExpE). Gaynor has over 25 years’ experience working on a range energetic materials. 11 years with the Warhead team at Bolton and previously 16 years In-Service-Surveillance (ISS) of Tri- Service Munitions at DERA/QinetiQ. At QinetiQ Fort Halstead Gaynor managed and worked in both the chemical and mechanical explosive laboratories, developing a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of failure modes which could affect energetic formulations and impact system safety and suitability for service (S3). Prior to joining DERA, Gaynor completed a PhD in rheological and structural characterisation from King’s College in London, gaining key skills required for the development, optimisation and evaluation of new formulations for future service use.
ROLAND ALFORD
Roland is a part-time PhD student and is also the CEO and Chief Technical Officer of Alford Group. He obtained his first degree at UCL in Mechanical Engineering and is a chartered engineer. He has been an explosives engineer since 2002 although his exposure to explosives dates back to his childhood when we learned from his father, Dr Sidney Alford. Roland's fields of expertise include designing explosively driven tools for EOD, IEDD, explosive breaching and demolition which are widely used by police and militaries around the world. He has been actively involved in industrial demolition since 2016 when his company successfully demolished the remaining boiler house at Didcot following a tragic industrial accident. He has since undertaken other major demolition work including the explosive demolition of Hazelwood Power Station in Australia.
NATHAN FLOOD
Dr Nathan Flood works at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as a HM Principal Specialist Inspector of Health and Safety (Explosives). He has studied and worked in the explosive sector for over 15 years, during which time he has undertaken a MSc & PhD and worked as a Research Fellow in Explosive Chemistry at Cranfield University. Dr Flood has worked at HSE since 2018 and is currently a Specialist Team Leader and manages a team consisting of Specialists in topics that cover the whole sector. He also participates at a number of government and industry technical and strategic working groups and is a Charted Chemist.
COLIN KING
Colin King has nearly 40 years of operational EOD experience, specializing in the disassembly and analysis of live munitions. Colin served as a bomb disposal officer in the British Army, with operational tours including the Falklands, Gulf, Bosnia and Kosovo. He instructed at the British EOD School and spent many years in military intelligence, also leading the first British team to train Afghan deminers before his final tour with the Gurkhas. For 17 years, Colin wrote the leading technical reference works on landmines and EOD for Janes Information Group. He is now the Chief Intelligence Officer of Fenix Insight Ltd, a weapons intelligence company that have pioneered approaches to EOD and ammunition exploitation in more than 30 countries.
ANDY HUBBLE
Andy Hubble MIExpE is the Managing Director of Star Symphony Drone Shows and Star Fireworks, who are proudly sponsoring the Networking Event at this year’s Fulmination. A long-standing Member of the Institute of Explosive Engineers, Andy has been immersed in the fireworks industry for over 30 years and has led Star Fireworks since 2002. Andy’s extensive career includes eight years as Chair of the trade association representing the professional display sector, as well as serving on the Council of the Institute, where he represented the firework industry. A highly skilled designer of award-winning firework displays, he also runs a specialist explosives consultancy service, primarily for the fireworks and pyrotechnics industries. His consultancy focuses on COMAH, storage, and transport regulations. Furthermore, Andy has acted as an expert witness in firework-related cases, providing evidence in serious criminal cases, including those involving manslaughter. He is also a surveyor for the leading firework and events insurance broker, Precision Broking. Star Symphony Drone Shows, an exciting venture from the Star Fireworks team, has transitioned from traditional firework displays to captivating drone light shows on a global scale. Their impressive portfolio includes performances across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Ras Al Khaimah, Malta, Germany, the USA, and various locations throughout the UK. Star Symphony is proud to be one of the first companies to introduce pyro drones to the UK—drone light shows enhanced with small pyrotechnic displays, all fully authorised by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.
HUGH MCCLUSKIE
Squadron Leader Hugh McCluskie graduated from RAF College Cranwell in 2003. His early Engineer Officer career had an armament focus with tours at Coltishall, 5131(BD) Sqn, RAF Wittering before tours at HQ Air Command in Explosive Safety and Armament & Survival Equipment Role Office in Capability Delivery and Development. An on aircraft tour with Merlin Helicopters allowed McCluskie airworthiness responsibilities and the opportunity to work operationally in Afghanistan with the aircraft. McCluskie’s Operational tours were completed in Falkland Islands as OC Arm Eng Flt/JSEOD as well on Op HERRICK as the DArmO in Kandahar Airfield and subsequently in Kabul as the EOD Mentor for the ANP whilst working for the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan. Promoted to Sqn Leader in Jan 19, McCluskie was posted to RAF Cosford as OC Aerosystems Training Squadron responsible for the training and development of engineering airmen and officers. Deployed onto Op RESCRIPT in Mar 20 for 6 months during the initial stages of the COVID 19 Pandemic. Moving back into the Armament world, McCluskie was posted to Defence Ordnance Safety Group as one of the Air Weapon Safety Advisors. Posted in Jul 24 as Officer Commanding 93 (Expeditionary Armament) Squadron, McCluskie now commands the RAF’s OME specialist squadron responsible for worldwide armament support for operations and exercises.
DANIEL TURNER
After completing a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering I joined Roxel UK as a Design Authority more than 11 years ago. In that time I have worked on the development and qualification of several rocket motors, including insensitive munitions testing and evaluation. Through this, I have taken on responsibility as Roxel UK’s IM Technical Authority which has enabled me to undertake research projects to enhance our IM capabilities in the current generation of rocket motors as well as exploitation on next generation.
STUART CHARLES
Stuart has strived to improve the health and safety of people at work and those affected by work activities for more than 25years. Stuart joined the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 1997 and has regulated across a broad range of industry sectors from Health and Social Care to heavy engineering and steel making. Stuart moved into the explosives sector in 2015 and is now HM Principal Specialist Inspector of Health and Safety (Explosives). Stuart is currently Team Leader for Southern GB Operational Team of HSE’s Explosive unit.
STEVE HOLLAND
Steve Holland MIExpE FRGS Steve Holland has run SJH Projects Ltd since 2002. Prior to that his background was in the high performance materials industry, starting at BAe Space Systems. A later project to develop a blast resistant baggage container in the aftermath of the Lockerbie bomb, combined his background in novel materials, the military and an understanding of explosive effects. This model has been pursued under SJH Projects with a number of novel designs brought to market. SJH also undertakes the independent planning, control and reporting of testing for others, from small stand-alone equipment such as litter bins through to full scale military vehicle underside blast testing. SJH also undertakes consultancy on the vulnerability of buildings to blast effects, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and the associated Vehicle Dynamics Assessments. The problem solving with novel materials has also found its way into supporting the world of expeditions – which is both interesting and has no money.
TONY GRATTAN
Tony Grattan graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1989 from Robert Gordon University and subsequently returned there to complete his Master of Science Degree in Offshore Engineering in 1991. His career started the same year working for a global oilfield service company. Throughout his 35 year career he has contributed at various levels within operations, engineering and business development teams of multiple companies. He lived in Texas for many years, working with the original pioneering company who first brought shaped charge technology to the oilfield. Throughout his career he has developed novel technology within the industry and is a named inventor on 27 patents, largely all involving explosives and the application of explosives in the oil and gas industry. Tony is a proud member of the Institute of Explosives Engineers after being awarded his diploma in 1994. The paper Tony is presenting is an insight into the history and technology he has experienced and contributed to during his career.
RHYS JOBBINS
NICHOLAS HALL
Short Biography: Nicholas Hall BA; FSA; AIExpE Nicholas Hall was born in Norwich in 1951. After taking a BA Hons. in the History of Art [Courtauld Institute, 1972] he joined the Armouries, HM Tower of London. In 1978 he moved to Hampshire County Museum Service as Keeper, developing and running to local museum duties across Hampshire, later taking responsibility for Fort Nelson, bought from the MoD by Hampshire County Council. He negotiated a lease for the Royal Armouries to occupy Fort Nelson from 1988 to create a museum of artillery, becoming Keeper of Artillery. The museum opened in 1995. Nicholas introduced ‘live interpretation’ using both volunteers and actors to explain and dramatise objects from the artillery collection and to interpret the history of the Fort. He arranged regular firing demonstrations of artillery both original and replica, using visiting re- enactors, staff and volunteers managing explosives storage, handling and the training and monitoring of all those involved in firing events, including trials and television work. There was regular daily blank firing at Fort Nelson, mostly using a WWII QF 25 pounder. But there were frequent special events, such as ‘Guns Through The Ages’. Nicholas pursued a vigorous collecting policy, greatly enriching the collection; the last 14- inch naval gun built in Britain was a particular success, requiring careful project management to move from Nottingham and install at Fort Nelson. Nicholas enjoyed [on the whole] working on numerous documentary television programmes, carrying out several trials using specially- constructed replica artillery pieces. Research interests include the Victorian artillery revolution and Tudor ballistics. Major contributor to Dr Alexzandra Hildred’s Weapons of Warre [Mary Rose Trust 2011]. This contains the results of a series of firing trials conducted on replica Tudor artillery with Dr Alexzandra Hildred and Royal Armouries colleagues. Nicholas has published papers in specialist journals, such as ‘The French QF ‘75’ [M1897] in Arms & Armour [the Royal Armouries journal]. Since becoming Curator Emeritus in 2016, Nicholas has continued with some television work; carrying out research and giving lectures, and of course acting as an adviser to the Royal Armouries.
STEPHEN MILLERD
Stephen Miller MSc CEng FIExpE At the age of 17, he joined the Territorial Army (UK Reserve Forces) and qualified as a Bomb Disposal Engineer, while still at school! Later becoming a higher qualified EOD Engineer, Combat Engineer and Ammunition Specialist. The Royal Armaments Research and Development Establishment (RARDE) - Part of the UK Ministry of Defence, recruited Steve as a research scientist in their warheads and terminal effects department at Fort Halstead, where he was involved with: Defeat of Concrete, Anti-Armour Warheads, Large Calibre Kinetic Energy Penetrators, The ‘Old Fort’ in house high explosive facility, Explosives Technical Support to various projects, Explosives Competencies, Oil Rig Decommissioning, and the development of Increased Performance Explosive Perforating Tools for the Oil Industry. Outside of his main employment Steve started doing presentations and demonstrations of pyrotechnic special effects. This lead to a much deeper interest in the subject of pyrotechnics special effects and explosives in general. Steve has since provided explosive special effects for numerous film productions, stage shows and live battle simulations. This personal and professional interest in explosives lead Steve to pursue membership of the Institute of Explosives Engineers. In 1997 he became a full Member of the Institute and was invited to join the Institutes Council, where he served until stepping down in 2005. Steve re-joined the Institute Council in 2017 till 2023. The Institute of Explosives Engineers gave Steve a wider view of many aspects of the explosives industry and related technologies, materials and techniques. This wealth of knowledge and understanding now means that Steve is regarded as a subject matter expert and works as an expert witness on explosives use and misuse for both UK and international courts. Steve also delivered lectures and demonstrations on explosives and related subjects to various and varied audiences, including schools (as a STEM Ambassador) conferences, YouTube, television, and radio appearances. In 2016 Steve became a Chartered Engineer through the Institute of Explosives Engineers and is now a mentor and assessor for others seeking similar professional registration. In 2021 Steve earned an MSc in Explosive Ordnance Engineering and was recognised as a Fellow of the Institute of Explosives Engineers due to his long-term support and services to the explosives industry.
GLENN WEAVER
COSIMO NASTASIA
Alex Greaves
Alex joined BAE Systems in 2023 as an Energetic Material Scientist. He is currently working within the Energetics R&D team focused on advancing PBX formulations, with a specific role to increase throughput of PBX filled products. With previous experience in the paints industry, Alex has used his understanding of mechanical and thermal techniques to analyse the physical and chemical properties of quicker curing formulations. The project goal is to combine the new quicker curing formulations with novel resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) techniques to reduce the cost of curing and increase output of PBX products.
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