James Pawsey
Introducing James Pawsey one of our Senior Mechanical Design Engineers! We asked James a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I’ve recently transitioned from a Mechanical Engineer to a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at CAN. This shift in my role means I’m stepping up to showcase my skills while mentoring younger, less experienced engineers – a new and exciting challenge for me. Working on a large project with a dynamic team of about 20 engineers is great. The diversity of experience and knowledge we bring to the table creates a vibrant team atmosphere and makes collaboration enjoyable. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here.
Additionally, CAN excels in employment development. The opportunities for growth are fantastic, and they genuinely encourage us to achieve our professional goals. I’m currently working on my chartership application, thanks to CAN working hard on rolling out their Professional Development Scheme, which has recently been accredited by the iMechE. It’s empowering to be part of a company that invests so much in its employees’ future.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I have worked at CAN for 2.5 years.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
Adjusting to the work style in the nuclear industry was a challenge for me initially. Before CAN, I was used to a product turnaround of 8-12 weeks, but here, the projects are more complex and involve extensive analysis, safety design, and detailed reporting. At first, it felt like I wasn’t doing much engineering, but soon I realised that these discussions and reports are integral to creating a clear and effective design before diving into the CAD work. This meticulous approach might not suit everyone, but I thrive on the detail. It’s intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding.
What do you do at the weekends?
I’m often hopping between bars and restaurants, enjoying the local scene. To balance it out, I like to play tennis and workout in the home gym I built in the garage.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have a knack for making my annual leave stretch impossibly far. I’m always on holiday! Recently, I was in Berlin for the Euro24 build-up, which was an incredible experience. I flew back on the Sunday, rushed back to Southampton, and watched the final at St Mary’s stadium. Then, it was straight back into work the next day. Balancing work and travel is an art I seem to have mastered!
SENIOR MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER VACANCIES – APPLY NOW
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear visits Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College hosted an exhilarating Physics Tournament on Tuesday 9th July. The event welcomed over 40 Year 10 students from the following schools: Thornden, Crestwood, Mountbatten, and Wildern. The tournament aimed to inspire and challenge young minds while showcasing the exciting possibilities within the realm of physics.
Teams of students competed against each other in a race to unlock a series of boxes. To achieve this, they had to decipher a range of intricate physics puzzles, testing their knowledge, ingenuity, and teamwork. Throughout the challenge, the participants demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities and unwavering determination.
“I was really impressed with the methodical approach that the Year 10 teams took to what was a very challenging set of puzzles. I was particularly encouraged by how the students tackled problems together as a team, rather than panicking and losing concentration. Engineering is all about working in teams with people of different skillsets, backgrounds and methods; so a challenge like this was the perfect opportunity to develop these skills. Based on my experience on Tuesday, the future of STEM in the UK seems very bright!”
Matt Fowler, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Cyclife Aquila Nuclear
After an intense competition, an all-girls team from Thornden emerged victorious. The team showed remarkable efficiency, unlocking their box in an astounding time of 34 minutes.
– Press release written and published by Barton Peveril Sixth Form College (Physics Tournament Showcases Future Scientists | Barton Peveril Sixth Form College (barton-peveril.ac.uk))
CAN x Always Another Way
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear has been working alongside Always Another Way in recent years. Always Another Way is a charity set up to improve mental wellbeing in West Cumbria, particularly in Copeland and Allerdale.
Their aim is to provide comprehensive and tailored mental wellbeing support through a range of services including coping strategies, connect groups, alternative therapies, colour coded (LGBTQ+) groups, mental wellbeing courses and personal therapy. All of these services are free and funded by donations and support from the wider community.
As part of our social value commitments, CAN has been supporting Always Another Way with general assistance, marketing advice and donations. Our marketing department has been working closely with the charity to support them with their social media and website presence, enhancing their profile and ensuring their messages are communicated clearly and consistently. In this way, we are helping them to raise awareness of the services they offer. It is truly wonderful to see the amount of work they do to help others in need, we are very fortunate to get to work with them.
Lyn Cavaghan, Executive Officer shares her thoughts on the partnership, she says:
“We have had the pleasure of partnering with Cyclife Aquila Nuclear, who have significantly supported our organisation in various ways. They have provided invaluable assistance and guidance with bid preparation and grant writing, attended our AGM and Vision Day for our team, which helped define our new mission, continued social media support, and made a very generous donation. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing our work and impact locally. We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to our cause, which has enabled us to better serve our community and achieve our goals.”
We are excited to continue working with Always Another Way and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them as they continue to grow!
* Always Another Way with the Fri Connect Group visiting the bees!
Rupert Dillow
Introducing Rupert Dillow our Senior Legal Counsel! We asked Rupert a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am the Senior Legal Counsel here at Cyclife Aquila Nuclear. I deal with everything legal for the business. Contracts with our customers and supply chain are a particular focus in my role. I really enjoy working collaboratively with others to get these contracts right for the benefit of everyone involved.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I have worked here for three years.
What advice would you give someone joining the business?
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear’s key values are to be elite and ethical in everything we do. You need to adopt this mindset and approach early on to succeed. Everyone here is super friendly and will give you their time, including senior management. This culture empowers each of us at Cyclife Aquila Nuclear to flourish, grow and innovate.
What do you do at the weekends?
To relax, there is nothing I enjoy more at the weekends than sitting down and reading a nice set of terms and conditions.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Most of my talents revolve around my phenomenal legal skills but I can also do a triple back flip* (terms and conditions apply).
Gary Butler
Introducing Gary Butler our Technical Manager! We asked Gary a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
It has evolved significantly over the years that I have been with Aquila. Initially I was one of three engineers in a start up business, wore a lot of hats and got involved in every element of engineering project delivery. I spent years leading the delivery of numerous engineering Projects and helping to shape the way that happened, developing our engineering process along the way.
As the business expanded, my role has moved towards technical support for the wider engineering team and our whole portfolio of Projects. That doesn’t mean I have all the answers though. A large part of my role is developing and coordinating the TAC (Technical Authority Committee) and other technical disciplines we now have in the business. That involves collating our vast combined knowledge and experience and connecting that with live Projects or our engineering process, establishing or improving best practice. This also extends into preparing the team to support future Projects and commercial directions.
The most enjoyable part of working at Cyclife Aquila has always been, and continues to be, the variety of work we get involved in. As an engineer, I love the challenges we are given, trying to seek out the ‘best’ solution for that Project which balances the various success factors of the job. We do provide bespoke engineering to the nuclear industry, but that can look incredibly different from one Project to the next. Not just in the actual hardware but the clients, applications, contract formats, design phases etc.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I started at Cyclife Aquila late 2011, just after the company was incorporated. So I’m heading towards 13 years now.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
Talk to the people around you, and across the wider department as much as possible. Either in person or on the Teams Engineering Channels. There are lots of us spread across different buildings, but we have so much experience in the department now that somebody has probably been there and done it.
What do you do at the weekends?
I parked up a few cars when my son was born that I haven’t driven since. There is currently an Austin Metro Turbo and Porsche 924S from the 1980’s and a 1950 Feguson tractor constantly drawing attention for some TLC. The reality though for the moment tends to be running around in the Welsh countryside with a 5 year old, establishing a garden/orchard and working on a lovely but old house that we moved into a few years ago.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I seem to be able to move impossibly large, awkward or heavy objects using only myself (occasionally my wife too) and our car. A staircase, three seater sofas, 12 foot dining table, a car trailer (without using a towbar), two upright pianos and a 200kg of stone mantlepiece have all made their way home without a van or trailer. Perhaps this is just another reflection of my love for using engineering to overcome a challenge.
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear at BNMS Belfast: Pioneering Innovation in Nuclear Medicine, Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear’s participation at the BNMS (British Nuclear Medicine Society) conference in Belfast underscores a crucial commitment to innovation, research, and development in the realm of life-saving nuclear therapeutics and diagnostics. This presence highlights the company’s pivotal role in ensuring the timely availability and safe handling of nuclear materials crucial for nuclear medical advancements.
Bridging Innovation and Safety in Nuclear Medicine
The BNMS conference serves as a central hub for professionals and organisations dedicated to nuclear medicine. CAN’s engagement at this event is driven by a clear objective: to support and enhance the landscape of medical treatment procedures that rely on nuclear technology.
Advancing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies
Nuclear medicine is a critical field that encompasses a range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), and various radiopharmaceuticals used in treating conditions such as cancer. CAN’s expertise in managing and innovating within the nuclear sector positions them as a key player in the development of these life-saving technologies.
Ensuring Safe and Secure Research Environments
A core aspect of CAN’s mission is to provide safe and secure facilities for the research and development of nuclear diagnostics and medicines. Handling radioactive materials requires stringent safety protocols and state-of-the-art facilities to prevent contamination and ensure the well-being of researchers and patients. CAN’s facilities are equipped with advanced technology to manage these risks effectively, supporting the continuous innovation of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Supporting the UK’s Nuclear Medicine Infrastructure
CAN’s commitment extends beyond individual research projects to support the broader infrastructure necessary for the UK’s nuclear medicine sector. Their involvement at BNMS Belfast highlights several key initiatives:
- Collaboration with Research Institutions: By partnering with leading research institutions, CAN helps drive forward groundbreaking studies and the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic radioisotopes particularly in the growing field of targeted alpha therapies.
- Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards: Ensuring that all operations comply with the highest safety standards and regulatory requirements is a cornerstone of CAN’s approach, fostering trust and reliability within the industry.
- Innovative Handling Apparatus: Developing and providing advanced handling apparatus ensures that radioactive materials are managed with utmost precision, minimising risk, and enhancing the efficacy of research outcomes.
A Commitment to a Secure and Innovative Future
The BNMS conference in Belfast is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the ongoing efforts and dedication of professionals like those at CAN who are committed to pioneering advancements in nuclear medicine. Their work ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of medical research and development, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in diagnostics and treatment.
By attending BNMS, CAN showcased their capabilities and reaffirmed their dedication to supporting a secure, innovative, and efficient supply chain for nuclear materials critical to the health and well-being of countless individuals. Their role in this ecosystem is indispensable, ensuring that life-saving diagnostics and medicines are developed in safe, controlled, and cutting-edge environments.
CAN’s presence at BNMS Belfast is a powerful statement of our commitment to the future of nuclear medicine. Through their expertise in safe facility management, secure transportation, and unwavering support for innovation, they are helping to shape a healthier, more advanced future for the UK and beyond.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
Last week Cyclife Aquila Nuclear participated in Mental Health Awareness Week. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the different types of mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding the topic. Every year, 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem in England so it is important that we gain as much knowledge as possible on this topic.
CAN is dedicated to ensuring that all employees know what help, support, and resources they can get whilst at the workplace. We have two first aid trainers who have been trained and equipped with the skills to assist anyone facing a mental health challenge. As well as this, we have an internal toolkit for line managers and training for all employees on the different types of mental health issues and what to do if they notice that a colleague is struggling. By doing this, we ensure that all of our employees know how to access our resources.
As this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is movement, we encourage you to incorporate this into your daily routine, even if it is taking a walk during your lunch break, going for a run, attending a sports class, or anything else. Simply moving your body will help to get those endorphins flowing. Endorphins can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you manage stress more effectively. Some other activities you could do to help improve your mental health include talking to your family and friends about how you’re feeling, eating healthy foods, practicing self-care and mindfulness, and ensuring you sleep for at least 8 hours.
To raise awareness and show support, the CAN team participated in Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Wear It Green Day’ in support of mental health – it was a great opportunity to have open conversations about how CAN can support our employees, beyond access to our mental health first aiders. What a turn out we had! It was great to see so many of our colleagues dress for the occasion including employees from the finance, admin, HR, commercial, engineering and project management teams.
Overall, this week has been extremely insightful, and we will continue to show our support for mental health throughout the year and ensure we are continually raising awareness and supporting those who need it.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The culture of Cyclife Aquila Nuclear is driven by our values, “Elite” and “Ethical”, as well as Cyclife’s four guiding principles – “Act collectively”, “Take care”, “Be accountable” and “Feel pride”. These values and principles have a beneficial impact on every aspect of the employee experience and the relationship we cultivate with our clients.
To us, Diversity and Inclusion is straightforward: we embrace all individuals, employees are more effective and successful when they feel valued and included. Although further efforts are required to promote our diversity and inclusion, we are investing a lot to move our company forward to the best practices. We are doing whatever it takes to create a more equitable workplace, including fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their full potential and implementing Diversity and Inclusion initiatives that benefit all.
Every day, we are motivated by our dedication to Diversity and Inclusion regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity, or work experience of our people. We will focus more on Diversity and Inclusion in 2024 and the coming years. Our effort to create an environment that helps us grow, change, and work effectively will strengthen our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.
Our workforce diversity strengthens us so that we can continue delivering the best solutions to our clients and investing in our people.
Drew Corbett,
Managing Director
Earth Day 2024
Today we celebrate Earth Day, Earth Day is a brilliant yet stark reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources to support future generations. This day provides us with an opportunity to learn, raise awareness, inspire change and continue to contribute to a healthier planet.
Introduction to the UK nuclear industry
The UK nuclear industry has been instrumental in contributing to the UK’s energy mix and to the government’s goal of achieving a net zero future by 2050, aiming to provide about 25% of the country’s electricity through nuclear power and energy. Great British Nuclear (GBN), a government owned public body, aims to deliver this long-term plan through its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition, inviting companies to design the reactors which are planned to be implemented by the mid-2030s to help reach the government’s target. As well as nuclear energy, the industry is also made up of other sectors including nuclear science and research, defence, decommissioning and nuclear medicine. All of which highlight the importance of nuclear in today’s society and how this continually advancing industry will provide advantages for future generations, from employment opportunities to advancements in healthcare and a positive impact on the environment.
The environmental benefits of nuclear energy
So, you’re probably thinking how does nuclear energy benefit the environment? Among various energy sources like coal, oil, and gas, nuclear energy and renewable energy have the most positive impact on our environment. Nuclear power stations operate without emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide or methane resulting in minimal emissions during the construction process. Overall, nuclear energy has one of the lowest greenhouse gas footprints across its entire lifecycle, including mining, construction, operation, and decommissioning. In addition to reducing our carbon footprint, nuclear energy is highly reliable and efficient. For instance, “One pellet the size of your thumbnail can power an electric car for 20,000 miles. The whole fleet powers 12 million homes from less than 1 square mile” saving the UK more CO2 emissions than any other energy source. Over time, this will inevitably reduce costs and minimise environmental impact, making it one of the most inexpensive forms of energy.
Nuclear power plants not only operate at a low cost, but they also have an extremely high lifespan. “The lifetime of an average nuclear power plant worldwide might reach up to 50 years. In comparison, wind farms only have an expected lifetime of around 20 years, while energy storage last roughly 10 years.” This longevity means that there will not be additional expenses for constructing new facilities, resulting in fewer environmental impacts from the construction process of more power plants around the world.
Safety concerns and how the industry is monitored
Concerns about the expansion of the nuclear industry and its safety implications are not unusual, and this comes as no surprise after the unforgettable Chernobyl disaster, however the industry is constantly being monitored through a combination of regulatory oversight and specific codes of practice to ensure that accidents like this do not happen again. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, the Environment Agency, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are just a few examples of public bodies with regulations in place to ensure a safe and sustainable practice.
Within the EU the Euratom safety framework ensures that countries “give the highest priority to nuclear safety at all stages of the lifecycle of a nuclear installation, including nuclear power plants” meaning they are responsible for any radioactive waste and the decommissioning of shutdown installations guaranteeing a safe containment of the nuclear substance. As well as this, the Basic Safety Standards Directive ensures that countries protect those working in environments with ionising radiation and members of the public being exposed to this radiation. With these safeguards in place, residents who live nearby to these facilities will feel a greater sense of security and safety. Even the IAEA stated that “nuclear power plants are among the safest and most secure facilities in the world”.
How Cyclife Aquila Nuclear is involved in nuclear
So how is Cyclife Aquila Nuclear involved in nuclear and what do we do to help the environment? CAN specialises in the design and manufacturing of bespoke plant and equipment for the nuclear industry. We focus on multiple nuclear markets including decommissioning, science, defence, new build, and medicine. It is fundamental that we strive to be environmentally friendly in everything that we do. Currently we have several targets in place to help reduce our carbon footprint over the next ten years. Examples of these include having all of our energy supplied by renewable energy sources, our company vehicles being a mix of hybrid and electric and continuing to have hybrid working policies in place to reduce the use of transportation therefore reducing our emissions. We aim to achieve these targets and more by 2030.
As well as this, when designing and supplying equipment, we aim to keep sustainability and the environment at the forefront in everything we do, ensuring we consider the long-term impact of the material and the manufacturing process. We ensure that when our customers are operating, maintaining, and eventually decommissioning our plant and equipment that they do this while minimising the impact on the environment long after we have supplied this to them. By doing this, we are contributing to the overall target of a net-zero future and ensuring that we, as a company, are doing our bit to support the environment the best we can.
It is great to see that nuclear technology is being recognised for its capabilities in shaping our future in areas such as energy, defence, medicine, and science and so on. It will be fascinating to witness these types of technologies advance over the years especially nuclear’s contribution to achieving a net-zero future. As Rishi Sunak states “Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain – it’s green, cheaper in the long term and will ensure the UK’s energy security for the long term”. If we, as a country, continue to contribute and be conscious of our actions, we will be on the way to combating climate change, creating a greener environment for future generations.
About CAN
History
Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Hampshire, Cyclife Aquila Nuclear is now spread across four units on our Twyford site. Aquila Nuclear Engineering Ltd was formed in 2011 by CEO Dave Barker and Calder Group. Dave threw his 25 years of experience and passion for the growing industry into building a reputable and highly respected business.
In 2021 Aquila Nuclear Engineering Ltd was acquired by Cyclife Group, a subsidiary of EDF Group. We rebranded to Cyclife Aquila Nuclear in 2023. Along with our international counterparts we continue to attract new talent, create innovative solutions, and expand our footprint in to key sectors within the industry.
In 2023 we saw Dave Barker step down as CEO in a semi-retirement; but remains in the business as Director of Strategy with Drew Corbett introduced as the new Managing Director.
Specialisms
Our key capabilities are:
- Containment
- Shielded Facilities
- Remote Handling
- Transport & Packaging
- Equipment Modification
- Multi-cell Functioning
Employee Benefits
The CAN mission is to be the most respected and fulfilling nuclear company to work for in the UK. This a value embedded throughout the company. Our Head of People, Dr Nara Ringrose says
Working for our company enhances your professional career and brings personal and professional satisfaction. Our inclusive culture, diversity and unique people skills make us different and successful! We prioritise the safety and well-being of our employees by creating a welcoming workplace and actively listening to their feedback.
We’re keen to attract new talent into the business and with the revolution of hybrid working becoming the norm, we can spread our net even further. So, if you’re not based near us, don’t let it put you off applying for our roles. We also offer relocation packages where appropriate and flexible working arrangements.
We want our staff to feel valued and our HR and Recruitment team work hard to offer employees generous health benefits like life assurance, private healthcare, and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
About the Industry
We understand that for some people the nuclear industry may feel ethically ambiguous. There are a lot of negative associations of the industry; it’s the nature of our output. But we believe the industry harbours numerous genuinely exciting positives that we believe deserve more recognition:
- The UK Government has planned our nuclear capacity to provide 25% of our electricity. (World Nuclear Association, 2023) (World Nuclear Association, 2023).
- This commitment was to help reduce our greenhouse gas emission by 100% by 2050. (HM Government, 2020).
- Nuclear Medicine, specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, is a growing strength in the UK; allowing the UK to be more self-sufficient in their process and less reliant on international supply chains. In fact, the Government is planning to build a new nuclear reactor in Wales focused on the production of radiopharmaceutical isotope for the UK.
- Breakthroughs in Nuclear Medicine are exciting and on a continued upsurge. Take a look at the article from BNMS on “The London Clinic is UK’s first independent hospital to introduce OncoSilTM – an innovative nuclear medicine to treat pancreatic cancer”.
Our Professional Partners
We pride ourselves on upskilling our staff, expanding our collective knowledge and delivering successful and safety conscious projects.
Partnering with professional bodies and joining industry associations & memberships allows us to offer more opportunities to staff, to stay relevant within the industry and continually provide innovative solutions.
Some of our industry partners:
Joining our Team
Our benefits, industry reputation and project portfolio make this an exciting time to join CAN. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and remain committed to dismantling barriers in potential candidates considering a role with CAN.
Some of the roles we are currently recruiting for:
If you are looking for a fulfilling career in a unique industry, take a look at our current vacancies.