Fulmination 2027 Speakers | Fulmination 2027

Speakers

Please see below all of the speakers already confirmed for 2027.

Name : Stephen Miller
Company: AWE
Job Title: Explosives Engineer
Topic Title: Shaped Charges 101

Personal Bio: At the age of 17, Steve 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.

Abstract: An introduction to Shaped Charges (accompanying a series of articles in ‘Explosives Engineering’), covering the basics, discussing the various concepts and elements that affect the performance of shaped charges and how we can tune the physical features of shaped charges to achieve the desired target effects.
As with the articles, this presentation will dispel some myths and misconceptions, look into the equations that define shaped charge performance, what affects physical features have on shaped charge performance and how different initiation systems can be used to boost performance and adjust other factors of interest.

Name: Colin King
Company: Fenix Insight Ltd
Job Title: Chief Intelligence Officer
Topic Title: EOD Challenges in Ukraine

Personal Bio: Colin King has 40 years of operational explosive ordnance disposal (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 has pioneered approaches to the disassembly, analysis and disposal of ordnance in more than 30 countries.

Abstract: An update to Fulmination 2025 presentation.

Fenix has worked in Ukraine several times during the current conflict, recently completing another deployment. These operations have included the recovery, render-safe and exploitation (breakdown and analysis) of new and unusual Russian munitions.

The presentation illustrates the extraordinary breadth of the technical threat, along with the EOD-related consequences for a post-war return to normality. The talk is illustrated with unique imagery from front-line areas and intimate detail of the weapons themselves. The result is a startling revelation of the residual risk, concluding that western EOD assets are woefully ill-prepared for the situations they may face.

Name : Stephen Miller
Company: AWE
Job Title: Explosives Engineer
Topic Title: IExpE Professional Registration

Name : Steven Holland
Company: SJH Projects Ltd
Job Title: Managing Director
Topic Title: Making Brain Waves

Personal Bio: 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.

Abstract: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) has become known as a signature injury from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The emerging prominence of this issue is partly attributable to improvements in protection and coverage of body armour. Better protection of blast sensitive organs in the torso has exposed an issue for the brain that was always there, but obscured.
The presentation will discuss the injury mechanisms and show some research using a synthetic headform to measure the intracranial pressure waves and how it compares with cadaveric data. Such tools will allow for comparative testing of protection systems.
It will then finish with a look at how head protection on the battlefield is likely to change and how it might balance a wide range a conflicting practical and performance requirements.

Name : Liam Kidman & Maj Andrew Boyce
Company (Liam): British Army – 11 EOD&S Regt RLC
Company (Maj Andrew): 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment
Job Title (Liam): Squadron Duty Officer, 11 EOD Regt RLC
Job Title (Maj Andrew): Operations Major
Topic Title: Bomb Disposal Bronze and Silver Commanders during four Major Incident in the UK

Personal Bio: Liam Kidman – Professional Biography

Location: Near Cardiff, South Wales

Nationality: British

Liam Kidman is a proud Fellow of the IExpE and IEng. A strategic, adaptable, and results-driven leader with over 20 years of distinguished service in the British Army. Rising through the ranks from Private Soldier to Captain, Liam has demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational command, and crisis management expertise, particularly within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search disciplines.
Currently serving as Second-in-Command of 721 EOD Squadron, 11 EOD & Search Regiment RLC, Liam leads a team of over 150 specialist personnel, ensuring operational readiness, professional development, and inter-agency collaboration. His leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity, composure under pressure, and a commitment to developing others through education and example.
Key Achievements
Leadership Excellence: Promoted through every rank, earning the Royal Warrant and commission.
Operational Innovation: Secured £135,000 in funding for operational and training improvements during a Defence-wide financial crisis, enhancing capability and resilience.
Training Transformation: Designed and implemented new instructional methods, increasing qualification pass rates from 25% to 66%, delivering cost savings and boosting readiness.
Strategic Influence: Advised senior commanders (1★ and 2★) on Corps-wide professionalisation and training policy.
International Expertise: Deployed to Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Bermuda, and Thailand, providing technical leadership in EOD operations and fostering international collaboration.
Royal Protection Operations: Trusted to conduct operations safeguarding the British Monarch and senior UK dignitaries.
Professional Recognition: Consistently rated “Outstanding” in annual reports, described as “setting the Corps standard for professionalism” and “influencing beyond rank.”

Career Highlights

As a Captain and Ammunition Technical Officer, Liam has:
Commanded over 150 personnel delivering national EOD and Search capabilities.
Acted as Silver/Bronze Commander for major incidents, coordinating inter-agency responses with police and civil authorities.
Enhanced interoperability with regional police forces and delivered international EOD support operations.
Mentored junior leaders and championed professional accreditation through the Institute of Explosive Engineers (IExpE) and the Engineering Council.
Previously, Liam served as a Senior EOD Operator and Technical Instructor, earning an “Outstanding Instructor” rating. He contributed to the Force Professionalisation programme, supported high-profile bomb disposal operations, and presented professional research at the Fulmination 2023 Institute of Explosive Engineers Conference.
Education & Professional Development

MSc Executive Leadership and Strategic Studies (expected Dec 2026) – Henley Business School, University of Reading ILM Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Leadership & Management CMI Level 6 & 7 Diplomas in Management & Leadership Diploma of Higher Education – Defence Academy UK (Military Studies) Royal Military Academy Sandhurst – Late Entry Officer Commissioning Course Professional Memberships & Registrations:
Fellow, Institute of Explosive Engineers (FIExpE) Incorporated Engineer (IEng) Engineering Technician (EngTech) Awards & Honours Master General of Logistics Commendation (2023): For securing critical funding, life-saving intervention for a veteran, and charitable service.
RLC Corps Colonel Commendation (2012): For technical and operational excellence in EOD operations.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Recognising 20 years of exemplary service.

Core Skills

Personal Interests

Liam is passionate about property development, charity work, professional development, and outdoor fitness.
Liam Kidman exemplifies professionalism, innovation, and dedication, consistently delivering results in high-pressure environments. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to others.

Major Boyce has served for 18 years in the British Army with 14 served as an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO). As a Staff Officer, he has held appointments in Army Headquarters, DE&S and CSOC (former UK StratCom) managing the Army’s ammunition stockpile and delivering specialist EOD capability. In service of the Field Army, he has served with 33 Engineer Regt (EOD&S) and several times with 11 EOD&S Regt and has deployed on Operations to Afghanistan, Iraq and MACA Operations in the UK and NI. In his current role as the Operations Major for 11 EOD&S Regt he is the principal manager for the delivery of EOD&S support to the Civil Authorities, and provision of Ammunition Technical Support to the Field Army, ensuring key strategic enabling activities and UK resilience remain no-fail activity.

Abstract: Maj Andrew Boyce and Capt Liam Kidman both work for 11EOD&S Regt RLC. Maj Boyce as the Regimental Duty Officer and Capt Kidman as the Squadron Duty Officer. Within the last 14 months they have coordinated the Render Safe Procedure on four Major Incidents in the UK. A German Sprengbombe Cylindrisch (SC) 250kg Air Delivered Weapon (ADW) at Tilbury Power Station, an Organic Peroxide Explosive task at St Leonards, Hastings and two German ADWs, 45 miles apart in Exmouth and Plymouth, called in during the same afternoon. They will brief on the continual dynamic risk assessments they made throughout each task and will discuss when they needed to escalate risk and the decision-making process they go through before sitting in on Tactical and Strategic Coordination Groups.

Name : Carl Robson
Company: Igne UXO
Job Title: Head of Compliance and Quality Assurance
Topic Title: Explosive Legacy: Managing UXO in a Changing Build Environment

Personal Bio: After serving as a bomb disposal operative in the British Army, I moved into construction site management before combining both disciplines in the unexploded ordnance sector. With experience spanning military EOD and construction delivery, i am hugely focused on raising standards across the industry driving improved compliance, consistency, and safer outcomes for modern construction projects.

Abstract: Construction projects increasingly encounter unexploded ordnance (UXO) risks, particularly in historically impacted areas. This talk explores how evolving construction practices, tighter timelines, and regulatory changes are reshaping UXO mitigation strategies. Attendees will gain insight into modern risk management approaches, emerging technologies, and practical lessons for safely navigating UXO challenges in today’s construction environment.

Name : Stephen Ingram
Company: Mines Advisory Group
Job Title: Global Technical Advisor
Topic Title: MAG’s Approach to Innovation in Humanitarian Mine Action

Personal Bio: A former British Army Ammunition Technical Officer, Steve has worked with both the HALO Trust and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), leading operations and providing technical oversight across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Since 2023, he has served as MAG’s Global Technical Advisor (HMA). In this role, he is responsible for global technical compliance, operational safety, and the development of standards, training, and mechanical clearance capabilities. He also represents MAG on IMAS Review Boards, drives research and development initiatives, and leads the harmonisation of global Standard Operating Procedures.

Abstract: For more than three decades, MAG has worked in communities affected by landmines, explosive ordnance and poorly managed weapons and ammunition. Across these programmes, a consistent set of operational challenges continues to slow humanitarian response, increase risk to personnel and limit how quickly land can be safely returned to communities. Despite progress in standards, methods and information systems, core constraints remain, including identifying where contamination is most likely, distinguishing hazards from debris, safely excavating buried ordnance and managing the large scale destruction of weapons and ammunition.

At the same time, advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and geospatial analysis present new opportunities to address these challenges. Drawing on operational experience, MAG has identified six priority areas for innovation: predictive prioritisation, precision hazard detection, smart mechanical systems, efficient excavation, industrialised destruction and scalable digital systems. These priorities reflect real operational needs, and progress will depend on collaboration between humanitarian organisations, research institutions, technology companies and operational partners to deliver practical, field ready solutions that improve safety, efficiency and recovery for affected communities.

Name : Andy Hubble
Company: Star Fireworks LTD
Job Title: Managing Director
Topic Title: Fireworks, Drones and Technology – industry update

Personal Bio: Andy Hubble MIExpE is the Managing Director of Star Fireworks and Star Symphony Drone Shows. 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.

Abstract: TBC

Name : Andy Hogben & Steve Messam
Company: CHEMRING GROUP PLC
Job Title (Andy): CMM Managing Director
Job Title (Steve): Group Health and Safety Director
Topic Title: Learning from Incidents – A Chemring Perspective

Personal Bio Steve:

Born in Ilkeston, schooled in Long Eaton/Spondon I served my apprenticeship with British Rail Engineering Ltd in my hometown of Derby. I later moved into the Water Industry where my planning and communication skills were soon recognized as a Safety Advisor working for WTi. I later attained Registered Safety & Health Practitioner status before joining EEF West Midlands as a Senior Tutor Consultant. Four years later along with Colin Rider, we formed Messam & Rider Ltd a bespoke HSE Consultancy. September 2009 I joined BAE Systems Surface Ships heading up their Safety, Health & Environmental function. September 2016 I was recruited by Rolls-Royce as VP HSE Marine and following a successful period found myself promoted to Director HSE Global Business Services. 2021 I joined Chemring Group as their Group HSE Director responsible for the continued development and assurance of the HSE Journey to Zero Harm Strategy.

Throughout my professional career I have worked hard to foster the right relationships at all levels to help create a safe and collaborative environment for everyone. This approach has led to a number of successful cultural change programmes two of which have been recognised at the highest level within their respective organisations.

Personal bio: Andy

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.

Abstract:

Presented by Steve Messam, Chemring Group Health, Safety & Environment Director and Andy Hogben Managing Director Chemring Countermeasures Limited, this presentation provides an overview of investigations conducted into incidents at the Chemring Countermeasures facility in 2022 and 2025. The focus will be on the systematic approach taken to analyse these events, identifying lessons in People, Process, Equipment and Organisation, then embedding learning from events across the Chemring Group. An insight will be provided into the methodologies employed for root cause analysis, including how human factors, equipment performance, procedural adherence, and organisational structure contributed to the incidents. The session will also outline steps for remediation and future prevention, emphasising the importance of a holistic investigation strategy that integrates lessons learned across all domains

Speakers

Thank you to all previous 2025 sponsors