The podcast provides listeners with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in the defence industry.
Together, Dan and Jamie bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the podcast, providing listeners with a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a range of issues related to the defence industry.
Dan Bryant is the Managing Director of the IWH Group, a consultancy focusing on the Defence, Maritime and Aerospace sectors. He is a former Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy and a veteran of the Iraq War.
Jamie Pindard started out as part of an international team within a large defence contractor, he spent 11 years leading the commercial efforts of Artemis Optical Ltd, a high-tech SME within the A&D arena. Most recently, Jamie has taken the role of VP Sales & Business Development for Optical Systems at G&H Photonics since their acquisition of Artemis in July 2023.
Dan Bryant’s first career was in the Royal Navy where he undertook appointments as a Logistics Officer in surface ships, submarines, UK and international headquarters and training establishments. A veteran of the Iraq War, he left the RN to pursue a career in commercial shipping and logistics. He is the Managing Director of the IWH Group, a consultancy focusing on the Defence, maritime and aerospace sectors.
Since leaving University in 2009, Jamie’s career has been focussed within the Aerospace and Defence market. Starting off as part of an international team within a large defence contractor, he has spent the last 11 years leading the commercial efforts of Artemis Optical Ltd, a high-tech SME within the A&D arena. Most recently, Jamie has taken the role of VP Sales & Business Development for Optical
Systems at G&H Photonics since their acquisition of Artemis in July 2023.
Anne is a Royal Navy Veteran who served as a Logistics and Supply Chain Specialist; leaving in 2012. Since leaving the Armed Forces she has worked within the Defence Sector as an independent Consultant and working for SMEs where she has always championed women in defence. In 2018 she joined Allan Webb Ltd (AWL) and as a member of the AWL Board she leads a number of initiatives to create an inclusive culture that supports all of our personnel and ensures Armed Forces Veterans are given the opportunity to demonstrate when they can bring skills transferable skills into the wider Defence Sector.
With over 28 years as a Royal Navy Logistics Officer achieving promotion to Commodore, Ellie is an Executive Coach, a Public Speaker and an Adventure Activities Leader and Instructor, using her wide-ranging leadership experience to enhance the quality of life and workplace performance of both individuals and teams.
Ellie read Modern History at Oxford Uni, before joining the Royal Navy in 1993 in the first wave of women to serve on the same terms as men following the integration of the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
She founded a highly successful professional network for Naval Servicewomen in 2013 and was subsequently awarded the MBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List.
Her commitment to supporting other women and the Defence’s Diversity and Inclusion agenda was further recognised when she was awarded The Spirit of everywoman.com Award in 2013, WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star Champion Award in 2018 and a Vice Chief of the Defence Staff’s Commendation in 2022.
Jess is the Director of Social Value for Compass One which brings together the specialist expertise of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s ESS, Healthcare and One Retail sectors. Passionate about the climate, social mobility and wellbeing, Jess and the Social Value team in Compass One help develop approaches to integrate social responsibility throughout the business, creating positive change for colleagues, clients and community, through the organisation’s climate, social and wellbeing promises.
Lucy served in the Royal Navy as a Logistics and HR specialist for 23 years serving at sea and operations globally and is a veteran of the Iraq War and conflict in Afghanistan.
From 2021, she led the Naval Servicewomen’s Network representing the 3,200 servicewomen and acted as a Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence in addressing recommendations made by the Atherton Report in July 2021. For her work and dedication to improving Diversity, she was awarded an OBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List. More recently, Lucy has embarked on a civilian career remaining in the Defence Sector to deliver training solutions.
Nick Hurst is a serial-entrepreneur with a proven track record across a number of market segments, from FMCG to high-tech industries.
Nick successfully built and sold businesses such as Burts Chips in the FMCG sector and turned around Artemis Optical in the Aerospace and Defence industry achieving £9 million in a sale in 2023 (14x EBITDA). Nick's expertise is in optimizing operations, aligning teams, and creating a vision that drives success.