Meet the team at 1st Line Defence

Brett founded 1st Line Defence in 2011 and has over 20 years’ experience within the UXO world from his time in the army and the commercial industry. Brett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business and instilled his philosophy into the company from the beginning, about being completely honest with our customers and only providing/recommending services that are required – and never provide additional services that are not necessary to reduce the risk.

Nikki has over 20 years’ experience working in Finance and Business Management. After retiring from her career working for an Investment Bank in 2014 to have her son, she returned to work and joined 1st Line Defence. Nikki works in close partnership with the company’s management and finance teams, and is highly focused on risk and quality management for the business.

After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2004, Phil has worked in the commercial UXO sector since 2005, overseeing thousands of UXO Risk Assessments across the UK, offshore and internationally. Phil leads the Research Department, overseeing the quality and content of the reports and making sure that high standards in research, analysis and conclusions are constantly met. Phil is also responsible for Marketing, tasked with the promotion and development of the business via online and offline marketing activities.

Maddie joined the operations team in 2022 as Operations Manager. She has 10 years’ experience working in fast paced, complex operations teams within the retail and charity sectors, having worked closely with field service delivery teams for the last 6 years. Maddie is passionate about process efficiency and customer service, and loves to get involved in large scale and detailed projects.

Having had a career in Account Management, Project Management and Operations Management, Rhiannon joined 1st Line Defence in March 2019 as a Senior Account Manager and was quickly promoted to Sales Supervisor in October 2019 followed by a further promotion in August 2022 to her current role – Sales Manager. Rhiannon manages some of the businesses most significant projects which has helped 1st Line Defence develop and grow its service offering. Rhiannon is team focused with a drive to develop the Project Consultants to be the best team members they can be.

Alex manages both the Research and Quality Assurance Departments. He has risen through the ranks at 1st Line Defence, writing and reviewing hundreds of UXO Risk Assessments and now oversees the development of the whole department. Outside of work, he is an avid podcast listener, rural cyclist and budding chef. He has a fluffy tabby cat called Wendy.

Diane has over 12 years’ experience in Managing ISO Standards and joined our Business Management Team in 2020 as our QSHE Advisor. Diane heads the audit function and, working with the Management Team, ensures our compliance with required legislation and standards. Diane loves getting out into the countryside and enjoys taking long walks with the family dog.

Gary joined 1st Line Defence in 2020 as Digital Marketing Manager. He has over 20 years’ experience working in Marketing, leading teams to build engaging brands and digital strategies to provide short and long-term business growth. Gary loves to get involved in complex and detailed projects, and is passionate about using data to improve strategy, campaigns and customer service. Outside of work, Gary likes listening to music, playing sport and travelling.

Georgia has been with 1st Line Defence since January 2016 and started as an apprentice in the Finance department. Over the years, Georgia has worked in multiple departments, gaining a full understanding of the business. Georgia’s current role is Assistant Operations Manager, providing support on production projects whilst managing the Ground staff and Office operations team. Outside of work Georgia enjoys trying out new restaurants, taking holidays abroad and wine tasting.

Sue joined 1st Line Defence in July 2023 as Sales Supervisor and was promoted to Business Development Consultant in September 2024. Sue has lots of experience in Sales and Account Management and supports the business to make sure 1st Line Defence offer a prompt and professional service to their clients. Sue enjoys a wide genre of music styles and runs her own vinyl only monthly music club.

After graduating from Imperial College University with MSc in Petroleum Geoscience in 2021, Jafar joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 as a Project Geophysicist – and has recently been promoted to Lead Project Geophysicist. Jafar is passionate about data management, analysis of UXO detection systems and project efficiency. Outside of work, Jafar enjoys traveling and exploring different cuisines.

Owen joined 1st Line Defence in 2023 as a Project Geophysicist. He studied physical geography at Bath Spa University and graduated in 2021. Owen has previously worked in the environmental sector as an Environmental Data Scorer. Outside of work, Owen enjoys watching football and F1.

Klara joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 as a Project Coordinator. She has previous experience working in fast-paced environments within the retail sector. Klara is passionate about customer service and creating efficiencies within her role. Outside of work, Klara enjoys attending dance classes and music festivals.

Gareth joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 as a project consultant having spent the previous 30 years in the motor trade, and has recently been prompted to Technical Sales Consultant. His experience selling commercial vehicles has proved invaluable in managing the technical enquiries required for the UXO risk mitigation industry. Outside of work, Gareth enjoys time with the family and Mountain Biking whenever the weather allows.

Alicia joined 1st Line Defence in 2023 as Project Coordinator and has recently been promoted to Survey Consultant. She previously worked in Trade Sales Management within the construction and retail sectors. Alicia is passionate about customer service, optimising processes and supporting her team. Outside of work she enjoys food, gothic aesthetics, bats and rock music.

After graduating from the Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Sport Science and Business Management, Harry joined 1st Line Defence as a Junior Project Consultant in September 2022 – and has recently been prompted to a Project Consultant. Harry supports the Sales Team consulting with new/existing clients to assist with enquires and produce quotations. Outside of work, he enjoys staying fit by playing football and enjoys movies in his downtime.

Oliver joined 1st Line Defence as a Project Researcher in 2017 and later progressed to his current role of Assistant Research Manager. Having written over 400 UXO Risk Assessments, he now manages the day-to-day for all of our researchers. He graduated from the University of Chichester in 2016 with a degree in History. In his spare time, he enjoys watching films, listening to live music and reading.

Howard joined 1st Line Defence in 2018, with a degree in History from the University of Warwick and has progressed to his current role of Military & Special Projects Supervisor. Howard both manages and writes the most complex UXO Risk Assessments, as well as delivering client presentations and training for the rest of the Research Department. In his spare time, Howard runs a renowned WWII US Living History Group and regularly attends events across the UK and Europe.

Jake joined the Research Department in 2019 after graduating from the University in York with a degree in History. Since then, he has progressed through the department and is now Senior Project Researcher and Training Coordinator, supervising and organising the training of new researchers alongside producing UXO Risk Assessments for the company’s most complex projects. In his spare time, Jake is an avid sports fan, in particular football.

Larry graduated from the University of Winchester in 2018 with a degree in History. Following on from a year working in the construction industry and 6 months travelling across Asia, he Joined 1st Line Defence in 2020. Larry started work in the Research Department as a Trainee Project Researcher and was quickly promoted to Senior Project Researcher. Larry has recently moved to the Sales Team as a Research Project Consultant and he undertakes our most complex risk assessment quotations and projects. His interests include military history, keeping up-to-date with current global affairs and travelling regularly.

Liam joined 1st Line Defence as a Researcher in 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown and began training from home. He has taken an interest in sites with historical military use and in 2022 became Military and Special Projects Specialist. Liam graduated from the University of Exeter in 2019 with a degree in History, and in his spare time enjoys photography, guitar and adventuring.

Henry joined 1st Line Defence in 2018 after graduating from the University of Keele, and worked as a Project Researcher before moving to the Quality Assurance department in 2021. Henry makes sure that all UXO Risk Assessments are of the highest possible quality while also being tailored to the client’s needs. In his spare time, Henry enjoys running, swimming, and golf. He also enjoys language learning and is currently studying Spanish, Italian, Russian and Dutch.

Amelia joined the Research Department at 1st Line Defence in 2020, after graduating from Lancaster University with a degree in History. After producing numerous UXO Risk Assessments in her time as a Project Researcher, she progressed through the department to join the Research Quality Assurance team in 2022. Outside of work, Amelia enjoys live music and spending time with her cat – Bear.

After graduating from the University of Plymouth with a degree in History, Emma joined 1st Line Defence in 2021 as a Project Researcher. She is now working as a Trainee for the Research Quality Assurance Department. In her spare time, Emma loves to go to the theatre, read, spend time with her three dogs and go skiing.

A graduate of King’s College London, Aidan joined 1st Line Defence in 2022. When not at work, he enjoys creative writing, reading, film and football – where he supports Fulham FC.

After graduating from Lancaster University with a master’s degree in International & Military History, Callum joined 1st Line Defence as a Trainee Project Researcher in 2021 and was promoted to Project Researcher in 2022. Callum works in the Research Department producing UXO risk reports, analysis and conclusions for our clients’ projects. In his spare time, Callum enjoys collecting WWI & WW2 memorabilia, practising karate, playing video games, and creating video content on YouTube.

After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a degree in History, Emily completed her masters in History from SOAS, University of London. Emily joined the team in 2021 and works in the Research Department producing UXO risk assessments, analysis and conclusions for our clients’ projects. In her spare time, Emily enjoys social history, cinema, photography and music.

Hannah joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 after completing her degree in History from the University of Central Lancashire in 2021. Hannah works in the Research Department producing UXO risk reports, analysis and conclusions for our clients’ projects. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys walking her dog, art and reading a good book.

James joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 after spending time in the heritage sector. He graduated from Lancaster University with a master’s degree in International and Military History and now supports the business by producing UXO risk reports, analysis and conclusions for our client’s projects. He takes a particular interest in Devon’s military past. Outside of work, James enjoys both his football and swimming.

Josh joined 1st Line Defence as a Trainee Project Researcher, following the completion of an MA in War Studies at King’s College in London. Outside of work, Josh continues to develop his interest in military history – exploring Second World War literature in particular. Josh also enjoys war gaming, both virtual and tabletop.

Matt joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 after completing a degree in War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton the same year. Matt works in the Research Department producing UXO risk reports, analysis and conclusions for our clients’ projects. In his spare time, Matt enjoys reading, playing video games and painting Warhammer.

Renas graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2019 with a degree in Philosophy and History. He joined the 1st Line Defence team in 2022 as a project researcher and outside of work, enjoys playing piano and going for long walks.

Uroosa joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 after completing a Master’s in Modern History from the University of Leeds. She is a Project Researcher and writes preliminary and detailed risk assessments for client projects. In her spare time, she likes to play guitar, knit, and go on walks with her family.

Bernadette joined 1st Line Defence as Office Manager in 2022 and has over 25 years’ experience working in similar roles. Her main tasks are managing HR, Recruitment and IT tasks, is responsible for the smooth running of the office – and supporting the senior management team. Bernadette also enjoys arranging charity and company events.

Roxanne joined 1st Line Defence in July 2023 and has over 4 years’ experience working in Finance, mainly credit control and purchase ledger. She has great attention to detail and enjoys the investigative side to accounts, as well as building a good rapport with clients. Roxanne has previous experience working in the Material handling and optical sectors, as well as working within retail for over 10 years. Outside the office, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, enjoying the outdoors as much as possible – whether that be a long walk with the dog or a trip to the beach.

Katie joined 1st Line Defence in July 2023 as Legal Contracts Advisor. She has graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters degree in Business, and with an Undergraduate degree in Law – from the University of Warwick. Katie supports the business with contract reviews and negotiations, and makes sure that the company is not subjected to significant commercial risks. Outside of work hours, Katie is a competitive Latin American dancer and she competes nationally and internationally on a regular basis.

Sara joined 1st Line Defence as an Apprentice in 2021. Upon completion, she accepted the role of BM Assistant – working under the QSHE Manager with a focus on auditing and HSQ. Sara has spent her time improving internal company processes and systems, aiding the senior management team whilst studying for further qualifications. Outside of work, Sara enjoys gaming, taking long walks with her dog and teaching in her karate clubs.

Bradley joined 1st Line Defence in 2022 as a Junior Administrator on a 18 month course trying to gather a better understanding of how a business operates. Bradley enjoys completing Operations paperwork and raising Research invoices which he completes daily. Bradley also attends college once a month and completes course work daily as one of his college tasks.