Peter Giddings

Experience

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  Honed Coaching

  Jan 2003 - Apr 2016

  Bicycle coach and bicycle position analyst

  I ran a successful coaching business, specialising in performance cycling. Over 13 years I refined my coaching, mentoring and knowledge transfer skills to support my athletes in implementing effective and time-efficient training that enriched their busy lives. I understand the balance between what is proven to be most effective and the highly personal relationship each athlete has with their training.To compliment my coaching, I provide professional bicycle positioning services using video motion capture and muscle function, flexibility and postural stability assessment. Show less

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  University of Bath

  Apr 2007 - Aug 2010

  PhD researcher

  Fundamental research into design, analysis and prototype manufacture of morphing carbon composite structures for aerodynamic flow-control in aerospace applications.Expert in modelling and characterisation of piezoelectric actuators, carbon composite materials and the effects of manufacturing processes on component performance.Finite element analysis of composites, piezoelectric actuators/sensors, thermal effects and dynamic behaviour using Ansys FEA software.I published 4 journal articles and spoke at several conferences while personally communicating my research to the Royal Aeronautical Society, The Independent newspaper, The House of Commons Select Commitee for higher education as well as exhibiting in the National Science Museum. Show less

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  Freelance

  Nov 2009 - Apr 2015

  Sports Technology Journalist

  I write feature articles that highlight and explain, in simple and exciting language, the cutting edge technologies used to give professional athletes the winning edge. I mix clearly explained facts with the compelling stories of the riders, scientists and creators behind the innovations to capture some of my enthusiasm for sports technology in writingI write product reviews and grouptests that are supported by objective data from bespoke lab-based testing that I design and analyse. I strive to bring objectivity to product testing by correlating the measurements that matter with user-based reviews to give clear consumer information.I have contributed to print and on-line titles including ProCycling, CyclingPlus and TriPlus magazines as well as the Cylingnews.com and TeamSky.com. Show less

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  CTG Ltd

  Oct 2011 - Dec 2013

  Research and Technology Engineer

  I researched multifunctional composite materials and developed the innovative components that they enable across aerospace actuation and primary structure.I conceived, developed and IP-protected novel solutions to product-specific challenges spanning a range of technologies with key interests in magnetic composites, wear resistant composites and thermoplastic composites.I actively supported other engineering teams with technical assistance and coaching to ensure that the R&T team's output was converted to product improvements and aid development of junior engineers.I established and maintained a network of personal contacts and collaborators within European and North American businesses, Universities and research institutes to ensure access to the latest research. Show less

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  National Composites Centre

  Apr 2014 - now

  I set strategy and provide technical leadership for the Energy business unit, with particular focus on industrialising offshore wind, hydrogen distribution technology and developing a circular economy for composite materials. I have built a profile within the UK wind industry as a technical leader with clear focus on building commercially viable businesses based on innovative technologies. I have helped author the UKs Industrial Growth Plan for offshore wind and am Chief Engineer for Wind at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. I'm an engaging presenter and speaker and have chaired panel discussions and multi-day wind conferences to bring out important messages and shape the narratives in our industry. I help ensure great ideas make it to market by actively translating between academic and industrial innovators, sitting on steering boards for national academic networks and regional investment funds.I have been Chief Engineer on innovative composites development projects that have demonstrated: -Invention of a composite wind turbine tower that saves £1M and 60% of the CO2 emission per tower-Subsea valve cover for 3000m water depth that was cost-neutral and reduced mass by 50%-Offshore lifting beams that could save and EPC firm £18m annually-Development of a new manufacturing process for Ceramic composites that reduces cost by 80% I have built and mentored a supportive team of 4 engineering leads to develop the strategy for their specialisms and develop their engineering leadership styles. I have supervised and learnt from 4 doctoral students and mentor talented engineers from across the business throughout my time. Show less I led the technical execution of a £37M capital acquisition and engineering development program that transformed the NCC into one of (if not the) best equipped composites R&D facilities in the world. I formed and led a team that peaked at 80 staff to specify, procure and commission 10 cutting-edge pieces of manufacturing equipment including modification and new-build of suitable facilities. My team developed the design, prototype and validation value streams for each technology to ensure they created value for our customers. This included globally unique equipment to manufacture the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow Show less I led research in Automated Fibre Placement to expand industrial use of AFP and realise the benefits to factory productivity, component performance and manufacturing quality AFP can deliver.The AFP team developed robust process understanding to guide manufacturing development for NCC customers across common material systems. We extended the UK capability in AFP through industrially-led research in key themes including robot control, novel heating strategies and data-driven process definition. Show less

  • Chief Engineer - Energy

    Jan 2020 - now

  • Chief Engineer - ICAP Programme

    Dec 2016 - Jan 2020

  • Engineering Capability Leader - Automated Fibre Placement

    Oct 2015 - Dec 2016

  • Research Engineer

    Apr 2014 - Oct 2015
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  NAFEMS

  Mar 2016 - Apr 2024

  Chairman - Manufacturing Process Simulation Working Group

  I lead a new and energetic working group whose mission is:“to promote the development and use of virtual manufacturing tools within the product design cycle to improve outcomes in industrial manufacturing processes" It is my pleasure to play my part is this group of experts and help form a strong virtual manufacturing community to deliver this mission.