iSH Presents

Rise of the robots - exploring the mission of RAICo

In this episode, host Miranda is joined by Dr Kirsty Hewitson, director of the Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo). They discuss RAICo's founding principles, its constituent partners and the collaboration's mission to remove humans from hazardous environments by developing innovations underpinned by the latest in robotics and AI technology. If humanoids, robotic 'dogs' and next level tech are your thing, this is the pod for you!

Mediterranean dreams and rescue robots – The Forth story

In this episode, Miranda is joined by Mark Telford, Chief Executive of Forth, one of Cumbria’s leading engineering companies. Broadcast from the home of Forth’s 1.2-million-litre Deep Recovery Facility, the conversation explores the business’s humble beginnings, its rapid growth, and its reputation as the speedboat of the engineering world. The pair delve into innovation in the nuclear sector, Forth’s expansion into Malta, and the company’s strongly held views on social value – alongside the thinking that has driven its success.

Going with the flow: McMenon's global mission

Miranda is joined by Anand Puthran, CEO of McMenon Engineering, who offers an intimate insight into life at the West Cumbria business as it approaches its 80th anniversary. Exporting to more than 60 countries, McMenon operates in a fiercely competitive global market. Anand talks candidly about what it takes to go head to head with billion-dollar engineering giants, while also reflecting on the growing competitive pressure emerging from manufacturers in India and China, and how the business is responding.

Life through a lens - Virtual Reality unpacked

In this fascinating episode, the rising importance of virtual reality as a training and safety tool is discussed by two organisations who have collaborated to develop a novel package to support nuclear decommissioning work ISH's Skills Lead, Hannah Pears, is joined by Dave Eldon formerly of the Emerging Technologies team at Sellafield's Engineering Centre of Excellence and Greg Beach, Managing Director of V360XR.

The ability to React - exploring the power of Cumbria's SME's

In a wide-ranging interview, Kayleigh Daniels, Head of Development at React Engineering, discusses SME agility, the power of pragmatism and inspiring the next generation. She also shares with host, Miranda, some of her proudest moments - including playing a part in securing a once-in-a-generation investment for her home town of Cleator Moor - and gaining a degree as a mum of three with a demanding full time job.