Meet the team.
We are a creative bunch from a range of backgrounds, spanning decades of experience across Government, Defence, commercial, security and corporate sectors. What makes us tick as a team is our approach to growth, learning, and finding out how we can help others achieve their goals through a one-team mindset.
If you want to get in touch with any of us, feel free to drop us a line at info@digi2al.co.uk.
Amani Clarke
Data Engineer
Amani is a computer science graduate, with a broad and diverse knowledge of technical systems. He has joined our Data in Defence Programme as a Data Engineer, hoping to expand his knowledge in Defence and data engineering in the Royal Navy. With a strong interest in pattern recognition, big data and cloud technology, Amani uses his spare time for self-improvement pursuing certifications to validate his development in these areas.
Amani has a passion for fitness, competing in Jiu-Jitsu competitions as a teenager and continues to workout frequently.
Katie Broomfield
Operations Manager
With a focus on developing processes, recruitment and finance Katie works with the team to ensure the operational side of the business runs smoothly. As a military spouse, Katie has moved around frequently which has given her the opportunity to work across a range of organisations in a variety of roles where she brings a wealth of business support knowledge and an understanding of what good looks like.
Katie loves skiing and reading but is more likely to be found spending time outside with her family, either on dog walks in the woods or at the beach.
Ben Howes
Operations Director
Ben leads Digi2al's operations, working across teams to ensure great delivery. With 15 years of experience leading teams working in the public sector, he is well-versed in delivering in uncertain, complex and challenging environments.
Along the way, he has built up knowledge of big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
And when he's not dipping his toe into cold lakes, running, or pretending he can ride a bike, he can be found on woodland adventures with his family.
Ciaran Merrigan
Commercial and Finance Director
With over 25 years of experience working across industry and the public sector, Ciaran has led organisations though large scale change as a technology and people leader. He has undertaken various roles, providing consultancy and being a trusted strategic advisor to C-level stakeholders. If he’s not on the slopes or kicking an aussie shaped ball around, Ciaran is helping clients to transform their business - IT Cost Reduction/Optimisation, data centre migration/consolidation, and cloud adoption.
He also knows a thing or two about the dark arts of software licensing.
Sarah Hancock
Delivery Manager
With a background focussed in operations and business support, Sarah has spent most of her career within industry, optimising processes, enhancing operational efficiencies, and driving continuous improvement to help companies grow. Sarah has 2 years of experience working in Defence, and has developed a passion for delivery and culture, through encouragement and engagement.
In her spare time, you'll find her enjoying activities like yoga, reading, family bike rides, and leisurely dog walks.
Derek Aning
Delivery Manager
Derek is a Delivery Manager with a background in project management. He has nearly 10 years of leading teams in the public and private sector and has delivered numerous initiatives spanning across multiple sectors including IT and construction. Derek is very passionate about people and enjoys creating a great atmosphere for his teams to flourish.
In his spare time, Derek enjoys going to the gym, spending time with his family and traveling.
Finn Thomas
Data Analyst
Finn is part of the Digi2al Academy’s Data in Defence Programme, connecting new directly to clients. As a data analyst with a Masters in Physics, Finn loves creating a ‘so-what’; a conclusion drawn from data that has an impact in future thinking. This passion translates into a love for presenting data in useful and clear ways.
Finn enjoys volunteering for tutoring services, teaching disadvantaged students GCSE maths to get their much needed grades. Outside of work, Finn enjoys learning about music as well as keeping fit and healthy. You’ll probably see him with a protein bar or a piece of fruit nearby.
Geoff Owen
Head of Engineering - Complex Code
Geoff has had a career within the Defence and public sector spanning nearly 13 years. With a background in software, system integration and analysis, Geoff has worked on a number of projects within the C4ISTAR, Cyber and Unmanned Systems.
With a curiosity around big data, scalability and the ever increasing pace of technology, Geoff began to focus more on solutions to better enable people to innovate in these spaces utilising core DevSecOps principles at the heart of any solution.
He is passionate about automation and enabling people to achieve their digital aims. When he’s not doing that, you can either find him on the slopes, on the water or attempting to brew his own beer.
Noah Are
Data Analyst
Coming straight out of sixth form into a Data Accelerator apprenticeship, Noah assists with core business operations such as onboarding, finances and automation across the whole of Digi2al.
With a passion for both the culinary and fashion worlds, Noah spends his free time exploring high-end restaurants, seeking out diverse and unique cuisines. When he’s not indulging in fine dining experiences, he’s likely perusing the latest sneaker drops, adding to his personal collection. He is also an intermediate beginner at the gym, putting in the work to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Luke Smith
Finance Manager
Luke joined Digi2al after earning his Master’s degree in Forensic Accounting from the University of Portsmouth, following his Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. He possesses enthusiasm for problem-solving, evident in his dedicated focus on resolving intricate issues. Luke has a passion for football finance, as demonstrated by his dissertation and other past projects. During weekends, he can frequently be spotted at games, supporting his local team.
Beyond his working life in Digi2al, Luke finds joy in budget-conscious travel, using his problem-solving skills to create innovative and thrilling itineraries when exploring new countries.
Luke McManus
Head of Data
Luke is a Data Engineer at Digi2al with a background in OSINT and tracking online influence networks. He loves any data-shaped problem and has a keen interest in exploring novel methodologies. Beyond the world of weird and wonderful data, Luke is passionate about mentoring and helping others improve their technical skills.
In his spare time, Luke is an avid triathlete and mountain biker, and can generally be found out on the trails, or obsessing over maps and routes whilst planning his next adventure.
Rich Brantingham
Head of Engineering - Client Lead: SDA
Rich leads the Engineering practice at Digi2al.
With a distant background in remote sensing, over 15 years of experience in defence, technology and generally trying to make the world a safer place, Rich leads our engineering and innovation capability across our clients, most recently helping delivery at the SDA.
Rich loves spending time with his family, open water swimming, hacking on side tech projects and tinkering with bikes.
Roo Reynolds
Chief Operating Officer
Roo is Digi2al's Chief Operating Officer, having joined Colin in 2014 playing a substantial role in providing a close supportive environment for teams working on Digi2al projects to an exceptional standard. He was previously a product manager in the Government Digital Service, where he was responsible for the delivery, on-going success, and continuous improvement of GOV.UK, across multiple services and working with multi-disciplinary teams and capabilities.
Roo previously held roles at the BBC, Wieden + Kennedy and IBM.
Sandra Campbell
Organisation Development Lead
Sandra is a Talent and Organisation Development professional with over 25 years experience working for global consumer goods companies largely in international roles. She helps businesses succeed by focusing on their most important asset - their people. Leading on all things HR for HQ, Sandra is an advocate of virtual and flexible working.
Sandra loves fresh air and (mild) exercise preferably in green spaces and anything to do with coaching and self development.
Sarah Barkway
Business Support
Having joined Digi2al this year, Sarah works in the Business Support team with Katie. With 15 years working as a building surveyor she brings a wealth of experience from a process driven environment. Organisation and multitasking are top of her skills list.
Sarah loves the outdoors and spends as much time as possible in the elements on the North Devon coast. If it's windy or wavey you will likely find her in the ocean surfing or kitesurfing, if not, she loves hiking the coast path.
Sophie Carson
Account Manager
Sophie is Digi2al’s account manager for the Royal Navy DNA contract. With over 25 years of experience in software implementation, adoption and customer success Sophie understands the challenges faced in getting a solution delivered. Building relationships and solving problems are her main drivers and Sophie has had opportunities to work in many different business sectors across EMEA which shape how she approaches today's working day. In her spare time Sophie loves rock and metal music and zooming around on her motorbike.