The UK Robotics Expo 2025 – Creating a Robotics Nation
Speakers and panellists
Stewart Miller
CEO, The National Robotarium
Stewart Miller, CEO of The National Robotarium
Stewart Miller is an experienced business leader and a leading figurehead in the UK robotics sector. He took up the position of Chief Executive Officer at the National Robotarium in 2021 having previously been Chief Technology Officer of the UK Government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, in addition to previously working as an experienced business leader for over 20 years in senior roles at major firms including Leonardo and BAESystems.
Dave Starling
Head of Future Products Technology, Natwest Group
Dave Starling, Natwest Group
Martin Welsh
CEO, Booth Welsh
Martin Welsh – CEO, Booth Welsh
Martin Welsh has been CEO of Booth Welsh since 2008, guiding its transformation into a multi-discipline engineering and technology services business with a global reach and over 330 employees. Under his leadership, the company has built a diverse portfolio across sectors including Energy, Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, and Utilities, delivering solutions that blend traditional engineering services with digital innovation.
Aimee Doole
People, Brand and Culture Director, Booth Welsh
Aimee Doole – People, Brand and Culture Director, Booth Welsh
Aimee Doole is People, Brand & Culture Director at Booth Welsh, an engineering technology company focused on innovation, sustainability, and purpose-led growth. With over a decade of experience, she shapes the company’s values-driven culture and brand strategy, aligning people and purpose to drive impact.
Jonathan Walker
Innovation Lead (Robotics and Sensors), Innovate UK
Jonathan Walker – Innovation Lead (Robotics and Sensors), Innovate UK
Richard Millar
Interim Head of Operations and Digital Infrastructure, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)
Richard Millar – Interim Head of Operations and Digital Infrastructure, NMIS
Richard Millar has over 14 years’ experience in Oil & Gas and Aerospace, specialising in mechanical design and automation systems for aerostructure manufacturing. Over nearly eight years at NMIS, Richard has progressed through senior engineering and team leadership roles to become Interim Head of Operations & Digital Infrastructure for the Digital Factory Group, with a strong focus on digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.
Dr Alistair McConnell
Dean of Science and Engineering, Heriot-Watt University
Dr Alistair McConnell, Associate Professor, Heriot-Watt University
As Associate Professor in the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MACS), Dr Alistair McConnell’s research focuses primarily on soft robots, accessibility and healthcare robotics. He is enthusiastic about public engagement and outreach both within the university and all around the country. Alistair is driven to take research and work out of the lab and into the real world, which could be through public engagement, working on projects as a member of the UK Young Academy or through the entrepreneurial route, where he has experience creating both spinouts and start-ups
Joe Pacitti
Managing Director, CeeD
Joe Pacitti – Managing Director, CeeD
Joe has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Heriot Watt University and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing- (FCIM). As Managing Director of CeeD, he leads a membership organisation of 400 active companies and HE & FE institutions (and the network reaches beyond that to 3000+ organisations).
Michael Cusack
Chief Sustainability Officer, ACS Clothing
Michael Cusack – Chief Sustainability Officer, ACS Clothing
Michael Cusack is Chief Sustainability Officer at ACS Clothing Ltd., Europe’s largest circular fashion fulfilment provider. He leads ACS’s technology-driven transformation, embedding AI, automation, robotics, and digital product passports to enable circular fashion.
