My official title is Business Development Director. I work primarily with aerospace customers, helping them to navigate complex technical requirements and offer consultancy based on my decades of experience with our products. At Castlet, we specialise in electro-mechanical and high-tech electronic equipment, and prototype equipment for commercial production as well as military applications – including the Mk.8 and Mk.9 Ventilator Respirators. 

It’s a role that’s very hands-on – over the years, I have worked in almost every department at Castlet, from panel wiring and high voltage testing at levels up to 150KV, to site service, design engineering and sales. My experience gives me a unique perspective because I’ve seen each product inside and out. 

What inspired you to start your role at Castlet? 

Before joining Castlet, I was an electrical contracting engineer for about six years. I had built a solid foundation for my career, but wanted to embrace a new challenge. 

I then started working at Castlet as an electrician /  panel wirer and then gradually worked my way through every department, including panel wiring, test cage engineering, site service engineering and eventually into sales and business development. What drew me to Castlet was the opportunity to get deeply involved in the technical side of things and build something meaningful over the long term. 

My journey at Castlet has been a long and varied path. The one area of the business that I haven’t touched is the drawing office… but at this stage of my career, I’m focused on securing the company’s long-term success rather than starting fresh in a new department! 

Experiencing multiple departments, especially working as an engineer, has given me a thorough understanding of both the products and the people behind them – a perspective I think is invaluable. 

What is your expertise in the industry? 

I’ve spent decades working on ESP (electrostatic precipitator) equipment, and I know what works best in terms of controls and settings. This hands-on experience, having visited more than 200 different sites across the globe, gives me a particular insight that’s rare in the industry. 

Now, my focus is mainly on aerospace, where I have also built up a wealth of experience over the years. This is my current focus in terms of bringing in new business for the company, but I do work closely with the ESP and industrial sales team in my day-to-day role to share my expertise. 

How are you transferring this knowledge to the next generation of engineers? 

As more engineers who have a similar level of experience to me are leaving the industry, sadly it is slowly shrinking number of engineers. At Castlet, we’re tackling this knowledge gap by sharing our expertise with up-and-coming engineers. We hire apprentices early on in their careers and train them up on all areas of the business, and I regularly go out on site with them to build up their knowledge of specific sites.  

The culture is like a family. People genuinely care about one another. Many of our employees have been here for years, and that continuity creates trust and loyalty.  

At Castlet, it’s not just about work – it’s about supporting your colleagues and making sure the company thrives long-term. I’ve had the opportunity to give back to Castlet in many ways, which means a lot to me. 

What’s your most rewarding career moment to date? 

My most memorable moments at Castlet have been projects I have worked on or new products I have introduced that have led to wider company success. 

A significant moment in my time working at Castlet happened recently, and that was the business’s transition to an Employee-Owned Trust. I gained a real sense of satisfaction knowing that I can give back what I have got out of the company and knowing that this will help the business as it continues to thrive. 

What do you think sets Castlet apart in the industry? 

For me, it’s our combination of knowledge, expertise, and experience. We’ve seen virtually every problem there and developed bespoke software and system requirements for our customers. That depth of experience, combined with our collaborative culture, makes Castlet unique. 

Diversification will be key. We’re expanding in aerospace, with a focus on further research and development for new British-made alternatives to existing overseas products. I am dedicated to supporting innovation and growth across our aerospace offering, and I am currently working on some exciting projects to secure long-term orders for our aerospace products, including the Mk.9 Ventilator Respirator. 

With the shrinking domestic market, we know there will be challenges ahead as we shift to service and maintenance models, but there are new build opportunities abroad which present opportunities. Castlet is prepared to adapt, innovate, and maintain long-term success in the evolving industry landscape. 

And finally, what do you like to do outside of work? 

I’ve recently taken up beekeeping. In fact, I recently rescued a swarm of bees from just outside our office in Lincoln, rehoming them without any harm or disruption to our team! 

I also enjoy gardening, and I manage an allotment. It’s been a great way to explore new interests outside of work and stay active. 

At Castlet, we value the expertise and dedication of team members like Ian, whose experience spans decades and departments, ensuring our company remains at the forefront of engineering innovation. 

Get in touch with Ian and the team today to find out how we can help you with bespoke aerospace, ESP or industrial solutions.