URT Group appoints innovations manager

Simpson will lead research and development into new and improved composites production and manufacturing methods, as well as helping to develop URT’s in-house apprenticeship and training schemes. “This might sound strange coming from someone who’s worked in Formula One, but for me this is a more exciting challenge,” said Simpson. “URT has established itself as a serious, high-calibre business but still has huge potential and is very forwards-looking. Composites technology and manufacturing processes haven’t changed much in about 20 years and I think we have the opportunity to make significant progress here.” In his previous role at McLaren, Simpson was model shop manager in charge of the 40-strong team responsible for the manufacture of precision-engineered F1 models for wind tunnel testing. “In that environment,” he said, “you learn how to be fast-moving as well as perfectionist, and how to think laterally to arrive at technical solutions. I also gained corporate management experience that will also be useful in my role at URT.” www.urtgroupltd.com