Talk about battery power and people's attention automatically turns to electric vehicles, but in reality, this is one sector of a rapidly growing market. With this growth, there is an increasing need for young people to enter the sector and help design and make the power plants of the future.

In this episode, we talk with Jonty Deely Williamson, who heads up learning and development at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC)

Previously a science teacher, he has worked in Learning & Development for more than a decade in the rail construction, high-speed rail, food manufacturing and battery manufacturing sectors.

Working on various projects including the Elizabeth line, HS2 skill development, installation of a new food manufacturing line, and supporting skills from operatives to directors, his role at UKBIC is to develop battery manufacturing skills and training courses at all levels for the UK.

UKBIC is a key part of the UK government-funded Faraday Battery Challenge, which has been delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, with the aim of building a high-tech, high-value, high-skill battery industry in the UK.

So sit back, grab 50 minutes to yourself and enjoy Designed for Life, in conversation with Jonty Deeley Williamson.

Thanks as always to The Edge Foundation for making these conversations possible.

In this episode, we talk with Nick Ford, founder of the design studio Pipsqueak and IP development specialist. Nick talks us through his school education, which took place at a time when neurodiversity was not so easily recognised or accounted for.
Several very diverse jobs followed as Nick sought to find his way in the world of work from a mechanics role that wasn't quite what he thought it would be to a cleaner in an engine machine shop and a motorcycle courier.

Whilst it is safe to say that none of these roles offered Nick what he was looking for, he gave each role his all, picked up information, and learned from each one.
All of the above eventually led to the creation of a company that designed and made working showpieces and exhibits for museums. It was leading up to the Millennium, and a lot of business and money was available to mark the start of a new age. Sadly, Nick and his business partner failed to see the inevitable shutting off of this ready income stream. The once highly profitable business quickly lost cash flow, and the company had to close as a result. Thanks must go to Nick for being so open about how this happened and for sharing the learning and scars that live to this day.

And so, finally, to Pipsqueak. I won't tell you how this new company got its enigmatic name—it's a great story that we include in the pod—but I would implore you to look at the diversity of projects that this design company involves itself in at https://www.pipdev.co.uk.

We cap this conversation off by discussing Nick's newly established company, Patentferret, created to help smaller designers and entrepreneurs protect their IP, a problematic field for many. We also discuss how Nick has helped over twenty school students with work experience and has used design principles to create a structure around this work, linking school students with university undergraduates seeking a working studio experience.

This is a wide-ranging and, I believe, really enthralling conversation with a designer who loves what he does and is leaving a legacy that continues to develop and grow through his work.

So sit back, put those earbuds in place and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Nick Ford.

As always, thanks to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.

www.pipdev.co.uk

www.patentferret.co.uk

In this episode, we start a series in which we will talk with Design & Technology Association Trustees about their careers to date and the reasons why being a Trustee of the Association and being connected to its work is important to them.

We start this series by talking with Bill Williams, Chair of D&TA Trustees.

Bill is an experienced CEO across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. He was formerly a member of the Board of Group Lotus plc, the CEO of the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in London, and is presently the Group CEO of Alloy Fabweld, a UK group of manufacturing and innovation companies based in Essex.

During his career, he has worked in the automotive and motorsport industries (including Formula 1 and MotoGP), as well as the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors. He holds an MBA from Cranfield, is an Honorary Fellow of University College London (UCL), a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

He commenced his career by completing a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyre Company and is deeply passionate about apprenticeships and the need for design and technology in the national curriculum.

Bill is currently in his third year as Chair of the Association and has been a Trustee for over six years.

So relax, grab 51 minutes to yourself and enjoy Designed for Life - In conversation with Bill Williams.

As always, huge thanks to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of the podcast.