Ligtas expands the consulting team
Ligtas have gone through some exciting changes, the business is growing, and we have some great customers to support.
With that in mind, we set out to find people to join the team who care about health and safety and have a similar ethos and can add value and build trust for our clients.
Meet our new consultants who ticked all of the boxes for us and will go beyond just ticking the box for you.
- Sarah Millen (CMIOSH)
- Ryan Sim
- Stephen Best
- Jon Ely
- Paul Newton
Sarah Millen (CMIOSH)
Health & Safety ConsultantBefore arriving at Ligtas as a health and safety consultant, Sarah worked in pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, and nursing homes for almost 22 years.
She carried out FRA’s, Health & Safety assessments, asbestos surveying, legionella monitoring and policy writing.
Sarah has also worked as an H&S manager and head of Health & Safety, where she managed a small team of people. Additionally, carrying out training, site inspections and accident investigations.
Outside of Ligtas, Sarah is a dog lover, has bred Chow Chows and loves to show them at events. She is also very slowly learning French
Ryan Sim
Health, Safety and Environmental Specialist
Ryan initially qualified in law and went into practice as a solicitor (criminal law). Early in his practice, he started handling health and safety-related matters.
As his interest grew, Ryan found himself getting more involved, which resulted in him specialising in health and safety and environmental matters and ultimately leaving the legal profession.
20 years on, and Ryan is still here, having worked in both a consultant and full-time Health Safety and Environmental Manager roles.
His career has been focused mainly within the heavy engineering and construction industries, but he has also worked in the manufacturing, food industry and IT fields.
With such a full and rounded career, Ligtas are delighted to welcome Ryan to the health and safety consulting team.
Outside of all things health and safety, Ryan enjoys a good book, watching football and an occasional round of golf, which he confesses he is not very good at.
Stephen Best
After 18 years with the East Midlands Prison Service, I felt it was time to spread my wings. During the last 8 with them, I worked as a Fire, Health & Safety Specialist. This varied role meant that I was able to cover several different prisons. As you can imagine, we dealt with many areas and topics, including arson, violence, residential, catering, gyms, external areas, etc.
Outside of prison life, I recently retired from playing football, largely due to my ageing body and lack of ability!
Despite being invited into the VIP room in a nightclub owned by Prince while I lived in America, my day to day life is probably much the same as yours.
Jon Ely
Like many people in the safety industry, I started my career – by lucky happenstance rather than any master plan. Eighteen months into a career in the British Army, I was not satisfied with the initial role I had chosen, and a friend introduced me to the Environmental Health cadre.
Responsible for health, safety, food safety, disease control and a host of other technical subjects, I was instantly hooked. The British Army very kindly paid for a degree and several other qualifications. I spent several years happily trotting around the world (including several conflicts), providing advice to the military and other parties.
After reaching a professional crossroads, I chose to leave the military community. I worked for a local education department in London for several years before entering the exciting world of consultancy. No two days are the same, which has kept me interested and motivated for the fifteen years since leaving uniformed service.
Outside of work, I am a husband and father to two boys, who keep me plenty occupied. When I get the chance, I really enjoy the chance to cook, study and read, and I like keeping up on current affairs.
Paul Newton
A big welcome to Paul, who previously worked in the public sector as a Health & Safety Consultant and Depot Safety & Security Manager for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for 17 years.
As you can imagine, this was a varied role covering services such as Environmental Services, including refuse collection, street cleaning, amenities and cemeteries. Regeneration which included civil engineering, building services and public infrastructure. Leisure including sports centre activities, libraries and museums etc.
In addition, Paul also covered, to a lesser degree, Adult and Children’s Services whilst working for the Council. As the Depot Manager, I had responsibility for logistics, transport and facilities.
After leaving the Council, Paul had a brief stint with the NHS as a Health & Safety Adviser, mainly investigating healthcare incidents throughout the local hospital.
Paul used his expertise to support a friend’s business where he was Health & Safety Manager for a small electrical/FM/Fire services company. Here he developed and implemented a complete Health & Safety system.
On joining the Ligtas Team
Paul says, ‘I am very happy I made the move and joined the Ligtas team.’
He additionally comments that. ‘Neil has been fantastic, and everybody has been very welcoming. For example, Colette was very supportive when there was an issue with my laptop. She went out of her way to personally drop the laptop at the IT company to get it fixed and then send it to me via courier. In fact, I still get welcome emails and LinkedIn connections from colleagues.’
Outside of work
Like many, Paul occasionally plays golf, reads, and throws his hand into DIY. He also enjoys walking and socialising with family. He likes travelling, especially to the USA where he has relatives.
Please join us in welcoming Paul to the team. We are sure you will meet him soon.
