Our Team
At the heart of our business strategy is a commitment to the recruitment, development and retention of outstanding individuals. We know that our success as a materials testing and consultancy business is not simply down to great equipment or facilities, but the application of knowledge and expertise across our workforce.
The R-TECH Materials team is a world-leading, multi-disciplinary team, built upon academic qualification and real, hands-on industrial experience. Our materials consultants, scientists and engineers work together to provide their collective expertise to our customers’ materials problems, allowing us to add considerable value to their projects. Alongside our commercial interests, each of our professional staff maintains a research and development interest, ensuring that our team are constantly expanding their knowledge and remain on the forefront of materials developments.
These professional staff are complemented by an accomplished technician workforce providing high-quality and reliable testing and analysis of materials and products.
Dave Mumford
Dave is a highly experienced metallurgist and Chartered Engineer with an Engineering Doctorate in Physical Metallurgy. Currently serving as a Managing Director, he leads the strategic direction and initiatives with a focus on materials testing, product testing, and materials consultancy. Dave’s expertise extends across industries including metals manufacturing, turbo machinery, oil & gas, marine, water and industrial fabrication. His technical and managerial career spans nearly two decades, during which he has accumulated extensive experience in R&D, technical and operations management, and quality assurance.
Throughout his career, Dave has held roles with substantial responsibility, managing multi-million-pound budgets and leading quality initiatives across international projects. In previous leadership positions, he directed laboratory operations, oversaw the technical quality of critical equipment fabrication, and developed new facilities to support high-demand sectors such as oil and gas and power generation. His background also includes managing complex failure investigations and life extension projects for critical systems, often working with clients to resolve challenging operational issues.
Dave earned his BEng in Materials Science and Engineering and his EngD from Swansea University, where his research focused on the annealing processes in multiphase steels. His published research, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, has established him as an authority in failure analysis, materials selection, and quality management, positioning him as a key figure in advancing materials integrity and reliability in critical applications.
Sarah Bagnall
Sarah is the Director of the consultancy business at R-TECH Materials, bringing a wealth of expertise as a materials engineer. She holds a first-class degree in Forensic Engineering and a Master’s in Steel Technology and is a Chartered Engineer specialising in failure analysis for a wide range of industries including petrochemical, oil and gas, marine, and power generation industries. With over 700 failure investigations conducted, Sarah has worked with an extensive array of engineering components and materials, such as carbon and stainless steels, composites, polymers, rubbers, and various alloys including copper, nickel, titanium, aluminium, and tantalum.
Her expertise also encompasses corrosion across various materials, particularly within the chemical processing and petrochemical sectors. In addition to failure analysis, Sarah supports product development, addresses liability concerns, and resolves general material quality issues. Over the past decade, she has developed specialised knowledge in the corrosion and thermal degradation of austenitic stainless steels, enhancing her role as a trusted advisor in the field. As an expert witness in several litigation cases, Sarah leverages her extensive background in materials engineering and failure analysis to provide credible insights. She has published numerous technical papers and developed and delivered various specialist training courses in materials. In addition, Sarah holds the Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness Civil Certificate (2022) and serves as the Chair of the Wales & South West England branch for the Institute of Corrosion. She also sits on the board of the British Stainless Steel Association, further underscoring her commitment to advancing industry standards and knowledge.
Geraint Havard
Geraint is the technical and compliance director at R-TECH Materials where he oversees the technical and legal compliance of the organisation’s ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 & 17025 and Nadcap accreditations. In his role, Geraint ensures that all aspects of the business adhere to these critical standards. Geraint has a degree in mechanical engineering as well as a Doctorate in Materials Engineering with a focus on corrosion of oil refinery materials due to bio diesel. Geraint is a mechanical and materials engineer with specialised expertise in composite materials, recognised as one of the leading figures in the UK in this field. Geraint also provides strategic advice on long-term business goals, helping to align compliance initiatives with the overall vision and objectives of R-TECH Materials. His expertise in technical compliance and industry standards is essential for driving quality and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Geraint was awarded the Composites UK Employee of the Year in 2020, reflecting his significant contributions to the field. He also runs the Materials Evolution podcast discussing trends in the composites industry. Further, Geraint has successfully managed several funded R&D projects and conducts training courses on composite materials testing on behalf of Zwick Roell. In addition to his hands-on work, Geraint represents Composites UK on the BSI standards committee and sits on the ASTM standards committee for composites testing. His involvement in these committees underscores his commitment to advancing industry standards and best practices in composite materials, further solidifying his status as a leading expert in the UK.
Email: g.havard@r-techmaterials.com
Daniel Moyle
Currently the senior operations manager of R-TECH Materials, Daniel has responsibility for the overall operations of the materials testing aspect of the organisation. Daniel is an experienced metallurgist with a first-class degree in Materials Science and Engineering as well as a Doctorate in Materials Science, conducted in partnership with Rolls-Royce plc. The project specialised in the characterisation and testing of abradable coatings for aero engine compressors. The work integrated laboratory research with practical applications, with a focus on enhancing material performance and reliability in critical engineering environments.
Daniel has over 10 years of experience managing internal quality labs within the manufacturing industry, with a diverse background that spans automotive, metal manufacturing, and aerospace sectors. His extensive experience equips him with a deep understanding of quality management and testing protocols, allowing him to effectively lead operations and ensure compliance with industry standards.
His expertise in testing reinforcing steel products and maintaining R-TECH’s ISO 17025 accreditation underscores his commitment to upholding rigorous quality standards. Daniel’s leadership is rooted in a passion for operational excellence, where he employs lean problem-solving techniques to drive continuous improvement throughout the organisation. By combining his technical knowledge with his strong background in quality management, Daniel plays a key role in ensuring that R-TECH consistently delivers top-tier testing services to its clients.
James McConnell
James is the Consultancy Manager at R-TECH Materials, leading a team of professionals that provide world-leading materials expertise. James has a first-class degree in Materials Science and Engineering and has specialist expertise in the integrity and remnant life assessment of on/offshore steam plants and associated components. Over his career, he has conducted more than 200 failure investigations across a variety of plants, mechanisms, and materials, along with over 100 intrusive inspections of steam plants and large industrial boilers, across the globe.
Within his current role, James specialises in the performance of lab-based failure analysis, material testing, and condition assessments for a wide range of materials, components, and industries. James’ lab-based knowledge is also complemented by extensive experience of various on-plant activities, including intrusive inspection, metallographic replication, portable hardness testing, positive materials identification, and stress analysis. Coupled with his metal’s expertise and an understanding of the plant itself, he can utilise this information to provide clients with effective inspection regimes and/or a detailed integrity assessment of the plant. This can enable clients to determine fitness for service, remaining plant life, and possible opportunities for life extension.
With nearly a decade of experience in the offshore sector, James has gained valuable insight into the fabrication and installation of steam plant systems. He holds all necessary certifications to work in offshore environments, allowing him to provide metallurgical support on-site, enhancing his ability to offer comprehensive, hands-on expertise.
Robert Gittins
Robert serves as the Integrated Management Systems Manager for all departments across the R-TECH Materials organisation. Robert has a BSc in Molecular Sciences and an MSc in Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing. He oversees the implementation and upkeep of certifications for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 17025. Acting as the primary liaison for accrediting bodies, he hosts external audits and drives continuous improvement within the management systems.
In addition, as an experienced chemist, Robert manages the maintenance, and introduction of on-site analytical equipment. His expertise includes techniques such as Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), combustion analysis and Spark-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). Robert is also a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Robert has previously acted as the Technical Competent Person for a Lower Tier COMAH site involved in the dilution and distribution of industrial acids and bases. Robert has also assisted an upper tier COMAH site involved in the dilution of Hydrofluoric Acid. As an industrial chemist Robert has also had responsibility for Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Karl Fischer titration, auto titrator, density measurement, Ion-Selective Electrode and Gas Chromatography (GC).
Richard Davies
Richard is an accomplished customer account and business development manager with a wealth of experience in project management, technical consulting, and client relations. Known for his attention to detail and ability to think outside the box, Richard has built a reputation for driving successful projects from inception through to completion across sectors like water technology, financial services, and automotive engineering.
Currently, Richard serves as a Technical Manager, where he manages regulation 4 certification of water fittings, engaging with clients to assess project needs and provide expert guidance on compliance and product testing. His responsibilities include analysing complex schematic diagrams, coordinating mechanical testing requirements, and providing end-to-end project oversight to ensure timely and efficient certification. His customer-focused approach has enabled him to build strong relationships, both fostering new business and retaining key accounts through targeted service recommendations and solution-based selling.
Previously, Richard held a long-standing role as Senior Account Manager, where he consistently achieved top results, including managing the highest number and value of projects for consecutive years. His contributions extended to team training and strategic development, where he supported the growth of his team’s skill set and streamlined project efficiency. His background also includes a technical role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he developed testing methodologies for automotive components, including work on the Ford Mondeo.
Richard’s comprehensive experience, combined with his skills in technical communication, negotiation, and project management, make him a versatile professional capable of managing complex customer needs and delivering results across a variety of technical and client-facing roles.
Sabine Frenz
Sabine is the Technical Manager for the Composites testing department and has extensive expertise in composites, structural adhesives, and unreinforced polymers and plastics. She holds a master’s degree in aerospace vehicle design and a Doctorate in Materials Engineering, where her research focused on the dynamic loading of glass-fibre reinforced plates. With a strong commitment to adhering to international testing standards, she also excels at developing bespoke solutions tailored to unique client needs, leveraging her deep industry knowledge.
Her fascination with fibre-reinforced plastic materials started during her undergraduate studies in aeronautical engineering. Since then, Sabine has dedicated her career to advancing her understanding of composites through both research and development and collaborative client projects. Over the past decade, she has focused on the fracture mechanics of composites and structural adhesives, an area that continues to captivate her.
Sabine excels at developing bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients, leveraging her extensive industry knowledge. In recent years, she has successfully navigated the complexities of laboratory accreditation for NADCAP and ISO 17025, ensuring that R-TECH Materials consistently meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. Sabine’s dedication and expertise significantly contribute to the department’s success and the advancement of composite testing methodologies.
Emily Holding
Emily is the Technical Manager for the steel testing department, where she plays a pivotal role in driving technical excellence and innovation. Emily holds a degree in Chemistry and an MSc in Analytical and Forensic Science, complemented by a Doctorate in Materials Engineering which focused on the characterisation of sustainable materials for can-making. Her diverse academic background is complemented by years of hands-on laboratory experience in the metal alloy and inorganic chemical industries.
Her expertise encompasses a range of research techniques, including sterilisation, scratch and hardness testing, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Before her current role, Emily served as an analytical chemist, where she was instrumental in the research and development of new products tailored to customer requests and specifications. Her background in analytical chemistry has equipped her with a strong foundation in material analysis and product formulation.
In addition to her technical skills, Emily brings strong project management expertise, ensuring that complex tasks are executed efficiently. Emily plays a crucial role in driving technical excellence within the steel testing department at R-TECH Materials. Her leadership and expertise ensure that the department maintains high standards in testing protocols and quality assurance. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, Emily helps enhance the department’s capabilities and performance.
Russell Chiplen
Russell is the steel testing laboratory manager at R-TECH Materials and with over 50 years of experience in the steel industry, Russell is a highly respected Chartered Engineer and expert metallurgist. His expertise encompasses the manufacture and testing of reinforcing and prestressing steels, making him an acknowledged specialist in the field.
Russell played a pivotal role in establishing R-TECH Materials’ testing laboratory, where he led efforts to achieve UKAS accreditation, ensuring that our testing processes meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Russell has played a crucial role in the development of new mechanical testing methods over the years, ensuring they meet industry standards and address specific client needs. He continually evaluates and refines existing testing protocols, incorporating advancements in technology and materials science to improve accuracy and reliability. His meticulous approach to mechanical testing contributes to the overall quality assurance of steel products, ensuring they perform optimally in real-world applications. Russell’s expert knowledge has not only advanced our laboratory’s capabilities but also contributed significantly to the development of innovative testing solutions for our clients.
Passionate about sharing knowledge, Russell is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of engineers and metallurgists, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the organisation.
Rodney Tanswell
Rodney is a Senior Consultant at R-TECH Materials, bringing over 50 years of extensive knowledge and expertise in metallurgy and metal processing. With a degree in metallurgy, he has specialised experience across a wide range of processing, manufacturing, and related industries. Rodney has worked with an extensive array of materials, such as carbon and stainless steels, composites, polymers, rubbers, and various alloys including copper, cobalt, nickel, titanium, and aluminium.
Having conducted over 500 failure investigations involving various engineering components and materials, Rodney is renowned for his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. His specialist expertise includes steel pre-stressing strand, hot rolling, wire drawing, and nail manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on product and process development and optimisation. Rodney has served as an expert witness in numerous legal cases, utilizing his extensive knowledge in materials engineering and failure analysis to provide critical insights. His experience positions him as a trusted authority, where he can clarify complex technical issues for legal professionals. Additionally, Rodney has also contributed to research on nickel-based aerospace alloys, further expanding his knowledge and expertise in high-performance materials. Known for his problem-solving capabilities, Rodney continues to play a key role in providing valuable insights and solutions for clients at R-TECH Materials.
Email: info@r-techmaterials.com
Craig Bartle
Craig is the welding specialist at R-TECH Materials, holding an EFW/IIW diploma from the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting and the International Institute of Welding. His expertise in welding techniques and standards plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and integrity of materials and processes for our clients. Craig collaborates with companies to help them achieve industry welding qualifications. Craig’s role includes visiting clients to assess their needs, setting welding conditions and parameters, and writing detailed welding procedures. He also audits quality systems to ensure full compliance with industry standards. Once procedures are in place, he validates them through mechanical and macro testing to guarantee they meet the required acceptance criteria. Additionally, Craig supervises welders during testing and serves as the company welding coordinator, ensuring smooth communication and compliance across multiple projects.
Craig also specialises in the performance of laboratory-based failure analysis, material testing, and condition assessments for a wide range of materials, components, and industries. Craig has been involved in excess of 400 failure investigations. Craig’s lab-based knowledge is also complemented by extensive experience of various on-plant activities, including intrusive inspection, metallographic replication, portable hardness testing and positive materials identification. He has been actively involved in site inspections on a global scale across a wide range of industries including steam generating plant, petrochemical refineries and chemical plants, bringing valuable insights and practical expertise to his role. Craig’s global site inspections have equipped him with valuable insights, blending practical know-how with technical precision, making him an integral part of our team at R-TECH.