Job Title: CEO
Company: Cobra Sport Exhausts
Tell us a bit about yourself. This can include telling us what fires you up about the job you do, your professional achievements, your career highlights. What inspires you? What attracted you to pursue a career in manufacturing? Is there anything else you’d like to say about either your job or UK manufacturing?
I’m driven by the opportunity to shape the future of UK manufacturing – both within my business and through wider regional influence. In our business, we’re currently restructuring operations, relocating some of our manufacturing from Cheshire to Sheffield, and supporting local growth and long-term sustainability.
I was honoured win ‘Inspirational Business Leader’ at the 2024 Sheffield Business Awards, recognising contributions beyond my current role. I was recently appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant and I’m a member of SYMCA’s Business Advisory Board, Sheffield City Council’s Diverse Business Board and I’m on the Made in Sheffield Steering Committee, where I advocate for inclusion, innovation and skills. What inspires me is creating opportunities – especially for young people – and ensuring manufacturing remains a vibrant, forward-looking sector that champions both excellence and social impact.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d tell my shy younger self that confidence doesn’t come first, it’s built by showing up, trying and learning as you go. You don’t need all the answers, just the courage to ask questions and the resilience to keep moving forward. Every challenge is a chance to prove what you’re capable of. Find your allies, back yourself and never apologise for taking up space. One day, that quiet determination will not only define your path but help you to lead the ways for others.
What is your favourite engineered/manufactured product?
My favourite engineered or manufactured product would have to be something made from stainless steel – perhaps ice skating blades.
Please give one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
One of my first jobs was as a florist – I used to spend my days surrounded by flowers, not steel.
If you weren’t in manufacturing what would be your dream job?
My dream job would be to work as an interior designer, it’s something I was passionate about even back in school.
