Marc Beacom

I am a Senior Engineer in the Naval Assurance Team at Frazer‑Nash Consultancy, having joined in January 2023. My involvement with FutureNEST began in early 2024 when I attended a wargaming conference supporting the Royal Navy. Later that year, I was delighted to be selected as Deputy Chair, where I helped shape and deliver the Visioneering25 campaign, an initiative that offered a fresh, imaginative perspective on future Royal Navy challenges. Presenting our outcomes at DSEI was a truly unique experience, and one I would never have had without FutureNEST.

Now, as Chair, I’m excited to build even more opportunities that inspire, challenge, and connect our members. My aim is simple: make FutureNEST a place where people can try new things, meet new faces, and grow in ways they didn’t expect. I’m looking forward to helping our members seize every opportunity that comes our way.

Lizzie Noble

Naval Architect, SDA.

I am a Naval Architect working within the SDA, having studied Naval Architecture at UCL. I first joined FutureNEST in 2023 and became a board member later that year, motivated by the opportunity to connect with innovative and like‑minded professionals across the naval enterprise. Being part of the team has strengthened my passion for future naval design and for understanding the evolving challenges shaping defence. In January 2026, I stepped into the role of Deputy Chair, and I’m excited to continue supporting FutureNEST’s growth while helping to create meaningful opportunities for early‑career professionals throughout the sector.

Matt Weller

Graduate Complex Systems Engineer, BMT

I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Loughborough University. I have joined FutureNEST as I want to be part of the team providing invaluable opportunities to early career professionals such as myself, while also improving connections with like-minded individuals and industry skills. I am excited to get involved and experience all that FutureNEST has to offer.

Chris Davies-Hart

Hi, my name is Chris, I am Graduate Complex System Engineer at BMT and have been with the company since October 2024, I studied aerospace engineering at Swansea University before that, graduating with a master’s degree. I first became aware of FutureNEST when a colleague suggested I attended the Royal Naval Engineers Forum (RNEF) as a UKNEST representative, the opportunity provided education, professional networking and an exciting day out of the office! Needless to say, I through myself into all FutureNEST had to offer from that point onwards. After just over a year of profiting from the opportunities provided by FutureNEST I took the opportunity to join the board and applied for the Business Manager Role. As a member of the FutureNEST board, I am excited to facilitate the UKNEST’s early career professionals to develop as much as I have through my association with this organisation, whilst continuing to make incredible professional connections by meeting you all at the events we provide.

Marcus Broomhall

I am a Graduate Software Engineer at SEA since September 2023. Beforehand I studied computer science at Swansea University. I was introduced to FutureNEST in my first year by the former chair and attended the 2024 workshops at NCHQ. The events that FutureNEST organise have been incredibly engaging and collaborative, so I have been eager to get more involved wherever I can. I'm looking forward to taking on a more active role as People and Skills Working Group Representative for the FN board.

Michael Clark

I am a Senior Naval Architect within the Concept Engineering Team at Babcock. My role has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate across the broader naval sector, gaining insight and benefiting from cross-company engagement. This approach aligns closely with the mission of UK NEST, and I joined the board to contribute to its vision—advancing innovation and technology while identifying development opportunities for early-career engineers. I am eager to work alongside the FutureNEST team and look forward to connecting with the wider community

Ed Purkhardt

I am a Materials Engineer working at QinetiQ. I am also seconded into Naval Command Headquarters for 1 day a week where I support Force Development. In my role I provide support to the RN and other Maritime partners with all their Materials Engineering needs. Working on; novel, in service, and end of life components and platforms. I first got involved with FutureNEST by attending one of the site visits, namely a tour around a T-Class submarine. I am thrilled to be taking on the new role in FutureNEST as Scholarship Development Lead, where I will get the chance to support our amazing Scholars throughout their academic journey. I can’t wait to see where their future careers are going to take them.

Lt Cdr Toni Harding CEng MIMechE

I am an Air Engineer Officer serving within the Royal Navy. I studied Aeronautics and Astronautics at Southampton, graduating in 2017. I began my career working in support of the Merlin Mk4 helicopter on Operations with Commando Helicopter Force and then completed my first tour in Defence Equipment and Support (DES) as the Engineering Authority for the RTM322 engine, flown in Merlin and Apache aircraft. Post time in HMS PRINCE OF WALES for OP HIGHMAST I have returned to DES as the Lightning Mission Systems Lead Engineer. I am excited to work with the enthusiastic and interesting professionals who make up FutureNEST. During my time with the team here I aim to widen our membership to include more Royal Navy personnel whilst supporting the Service ambition to lead, fight and win.