Helen Ashworth CEng
General Manager (Sales) at Cuddon Freeze Dry- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Adam Riddett
I worked with Helen for approximately 4 months in Iraq as part of the ITAM Training Team. Throughout the period I frequently liaised with Helen regarding the delivery and training package for the new 35m Fast Patrol Boats, and we were able, in conjunction with the Command Team, to ensure the package was delivered with the minimum of delay. This included complex discussions with the US manufacturers and delivery agents by VTC, telephone and email. Helen was proactive in all things and engaged extremely well with the Iraqi engineers, which smoothed many issues when it came to managing expectations from warranties and other engineering assurances. Helen also worked extremely well with the US elements of the ITAM mission, managing complex issues within the base including domestic supply and management systems. This included educating the Iraqi engineering fraternity in procuring and sustaining port facilities including maintenance managements systems, workshops and the ship lift. I would have no hesitation in working with Helen again, and often valued her advice.
Richard W.
Helen is an instructor that immediately commands respect. She is swift to assess people and set about improving their skills in a relaxed and informal manner that gets the best out of everyone. Sensitive to the corporate need and occasional boat politics, she is very happy to allow people to learn from their mistakes and politely return things to normality without making you feel stupid! I have been lucky to have be taught by both Helen and her husband Tony that together make any boat tick. From basic skills to racing, Helen will let you find your level and allow you to improve at a realistic and safe pace. Above her obvious boat skills she makes training fun, and lets face it, we all work hard in our day jobs so lets make the most of any time off. With so much life experience she is much more interesting than the average instructor. You will not be disappointed.
Adam Riddett
I worked with Helen for approximately 4 months in Iraq as part of the ITAM Training Team. Throughout the period I frequently liaised with Helen regarding the delivery and training package for the new 35m Fast Patrol Boats, and we were able, in conjunction with the Command Team, to ensure the package was delivered with the minimum of delay. This included complex discussions with the US manufacturers and delivery agents by VTC, telephone and email. Helen was proactive in all things and engaged extremely well with the Iraqi engineers, which smoothed many issues when it came to managing expectations from warranties and other engineering assurances. Helen also worked extremely well with the US elements of the ITAM mission, managing complex issues within the base including domestic supply and management systems. This included educating the Iraqi engineering fraternity in procuring and sustaining port facilities including maintenance managements systems, workshops and the ship lift. I would have no hesitation in working with Helen again, and often valued her advice.
Richard W.
Helen is an instructor that immediately commands respect. She is swift to assess people and set about improving their skills in a relaxed and informal manner that gets the best out of everyone. Sensitive to the corporate need and occasional boat politics, she is very happy to allow people to learn from their mistakes and politely return things to normality without making you feel stupid! I have been lucky to have be taught by both Helen and her husband Tony that together make any boat tick. From basic skills to racing, Helen will let you find your level and allow you to improve at a realistic and safe pace. Above her obvious boat skills she makes training fun, and lets face it, we all work hard in our day jobs so lets make the most of any time off. With so much life experience she is much more interesting than the average instructor. You will not be disappointed.
Adam Riddett
I worked with Helen for approximately 4 months in Iraq as part of the ITAM Training Team. Throughout the period I frequently liaised with Helen regarding the delivery and training package for the new 35m Fast Patrol Boats, and we were able, in conjunction with the Command Team, to ensure the package was delivered with the minimum of delay. This included complex discussions with the US manufacturers and delivery agents by VTC, telephone and email. Helen was proactive in all things and engaged extremely well with the Iraqi engineers, which smoothed many issues when it came to managing expectations from warranties and other engineering assurances. Helen also worked extremely well with the US elements of the ITAM mission, managing complex issues within the base including domestic supply and management systems. This included educating the Iraqi engineering fraternity in procuring and sustaining port facilities including maintenance managements systems, workshops and the ship lift. I would have no hesitation in working with Helen again, and often valued her advice.
Richard W.
Helen is an instructor that immediately commands respect. She is swift to assess people and set about improving their skills in a relaxed and informal manner that gets the best out of everyone. Sensitive to the corporate need and occasional boat politics, she is very happy to allow people to learn from their mistakes and politely return things to normality without making you feel stupid! I have been lucky to have be taught by both Helen and her husband Tony that together make any boat tick. From basic skills to racing, Helen will let you find your level and allow you to improve at a realistic and safe pace. Above her obvious boat skills she makes training fun, and lets face it, we all work hard in our day jobs so lets make the most of any time off. With so much life experience she is much more interesting than the average instructor. You will not be disappointed.
Adam Riddett
I worked with Helen for approximately 4 months in Iraq as part of the ITAM Training Team. Throughout the period I frequently liaised with Helen regarding the delivery and training package for the new 35m Fast Patrol Boats, and we were able, in conjunction with the Command Team, to ensure the package was delivered with the minimum of delay. This included complex discussions with the US manufacturers and delivery agents by VTC, telephone and email. Helen was proactive in all things and engaged extremely well with the Iraqi engineers, which smoothed many issues when it came to managing expectations from warranties and other engineering assurances. Helen also worked extremely well with the US elements of the ITAM mission, managing complex issues within the base including domestic supply and management systems. This included educating the Iraqi engineering fraternity in procuring and sustaining port facilities including maintenance managements systems, workshops and the ship lift. I would have no hesitation in working with Helen again, and often valued her advice.
Richard W.
Helen is an instructor that immediately commands respect. She is swift to assess people and set about improving their skills in a relaxed and informal manner that gets the best out of everyone. Sensitive to the corporate need and occasional boat politics, she is very happy to allow people to learn from their mistakes and politely return things to normality without making you feel stupid! I have been lucky to have be taught by both Helen and her husband Tony that together make any boat tick. From basic skills to racing, Helen will let you find your level and allow you to improve at a realistic and safe pace. Above her obvious boat skills she makes training fun, and lets face it, we all work hard in our day jobs so lets make the most of any time off. With so much life experience she is much more interesting than the average instructor. You will not be disappointed.
Experience
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Cuddon Freeze Dry
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New Zealand
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Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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General Manager (Sales)
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Jun 2023 - Present
Following ongoing expansion at Cuddon Freeze Dry and the engagement of several professional colleagues, my previous role of Cuddon Freeze Dry Manager has now been split. I have now assumed the newly created Senior Management outward facing role of General Manager Sales. Charged with all aspects of freeze dry business development, client strategic engagement & managing a highly competent & experienced global team of Sales Executives. With extensive sales activity in all regions of the world, I can focus on supporting our clients with the knowledge that dedicated professional colleagues are focused on building & delivering our quality batch conductive freeze dryers to time, quality and cost. Alongside the newly created dedicated Cuddon Freeze Dry Service Department, we continue to be a safe pair of hands for our clients, leading them through development of user requirements, design and manufacture of their freeze dry solutions, shipping installation and commissioning and in service support. Our expanded Cuddon Freeze Dry Design team continues to focus on continuous improvements & future products following the launch of our highly acclaimed GPC Range of freeze dryers. Designed specifically for optimized use of CO2 refrigerant with a raft of design improvements incorporating cutting edge technology, the new range delivers nearly 30% higher product capacity, with faster cycle times and significant energy savings without any loss of the performance expected from a Cuddon Freeze Dryer. Proud to be part of such an amazing company. Show less
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Freeze Dry Business Manager
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Sep 2018 - Jun 2023
Cuddon Limited have been designing and manufacturing world leading freeze dryers for over 55 years and there are circa 450 Cuddon freeze dryers operating in some 20 countries today across a range of industries including but not limited to dairy, meat, fruits, plants & vegetables, pet food, neutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, research agencies, disaster recovery and artifact preservation and much more. As the Freeze Dry Manager, I lead a high performing thoroughly professional team in working directly with our clients from the very early stages of business concept, developing their User Requirement to meet their specific needs. We then design and manufacture the freeze dryer (or combination of multiple freeze dryers) that fits the clients specific needs; we then support those dryers for life. We have a range of ‘standard freeze dryers’ from an FD5.5 through to an FD1500, with all design work and manufacturing conducted in-house. From the rolling of the steel for the chamber, to the fabrication of the trays using our bespoke corner forming machine, to the electrical field wiring and controls testing – all work is carried out on site in our NZ facility, under our robust quality framework accredited to ISO 9001.2015. Our turnkey solution includes the build, shipping, installation, commissioning, training, formal handover and warranty for the Cuddon Freeze Dry products.Want to know more - take a look at our website: www.cuddonfreezedry.com or contact my sales team on sales@cuddon.co.nz Show less
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Airbus
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France
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Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Business Development Manager
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Jul 2015 - Sep 2018
One of the Senior Leadership team at Airbus (New Zealand Operations - formerly Safe Air Ltd). Charged with all aspects of Business Development - developing strategies & relationships to bring work into New Zealand from across the world, as well as working with the wider Airbus team to best leverage the global brand. Additionally responsible as Customer Account Manager for our 2 main customers, NZ Defence and AirNZ, for the management of the relationship, stakeholder engagement & ensuring delivery of sustainable, valued services. Show less
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Safe Air
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Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand
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Business Development Manager (Defence)
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Jan 2013 - Jul 2015
Business Development Manager (Defence) of an Aviation maintenance, overhaul and repair company serving principally the Australasian region, specialising in C130, P3 and UH-1 support and commercial propeller overhaul and repair services. Charged with developing existing strategic relationships with Defence and engaging Defence customers worldwide. Customer Account Manager at Safe Air Ltd, charged with managing the strategic maintenance contract between NZ Defence (RNZAF) and Safe Air. Working with senior military, MOD, NZ government and related industry personnel to optimize business opportunities within the contract to deliver best value to the customer and strengthen the reputation of NZ Inc as a member of the NZ Defence Industry Association (NZDIA). Safe Air Ltd is a maintenance, overhaul and repair company serving principally the Australasian region, specialising in C130, P3 and UH-1 support and commercial propeller overhaul and repair services. A subsidiary of Airbus Group Australia Pacific. Show less
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HJA Maritime Services
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Marlborough, New Zealand
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Consultant engineer / Consultant Operations Manager / Commercial skipper
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Jun 2011 - Jan 2013
Freelance consultant engineer, project manager, operations manager and commercial skipper based in Picton, South Island, New Zealand. Freelance consultant engineer, project manager, operations manager and commercial skipper based in Picton, South Island, New Zealand.
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Royal Navy
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United Kingdom
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Officer
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Sep 1992 - Jun 2011
A Charge Qualified Marine Engineer Officer in the Royal Navy. Commissioned in 1993, voluntary early retirement in 2011 to emigrate to New Zealand.
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Senior Engineer Officer, Iraqi Training & Advisory Mission (Navy)
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Apr 2010 - Oct 2010
Senior Engineer Officer at the Iraqi Training Advisory Mission in Umm Qasr, Iraq. Responsible for leading a 25 man team, mentoring the Iraqi Navy & Defence senior management in all aspects of engineering, port operation and facilities management - establishing appropriate commercial relationships during transition & beyond - in order to achieve full transition to Iraqi control. Facing the challenges of the aftermarth of sustained embargos on a war torn country, sustainability is the key success. Show less
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Navy Public Relations - Head of Digital (SO2 Internet)
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Jul 2008 - Feb 2010
MOD Directorate Media & Communications - Navy Public Relations. Head of Digital PR for the Royal Navy, responsible for formulating and delivering the RN's digital strategy and delivery of On Line presence and digital customer engagement. Part of an integrated team charged with formulation and delivery of the RN's key messages as well as event PR and media handling. Based in MOD Whitehall, London.
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HMS ILLUSTRIOUS
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Jun 2006 - Jun 2008
Senior Marine Engineer of the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS while tasked as the Fleet Flag Ship. Responsible for a department of 178 skilled engineers charged with delivery of power and capability to Command. Delivering Strike Aviation across the globe, the carrier is a key asset in keeping the sea lanes open and the British imports and exports safe.
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Senior Squadron Officer, BRNC
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Oct 2004 - Jun 2006
Responsible for Inital Officer Training of 50% of the new officer recruits joining the Royal Navy as Cunningham Senior Squadron Officer. Including all aspects of command, leadership and management training, as well as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in engineering delivering basic engineering training. As Yachts Officer and Vice Commodore of Britannia Yacht Club, responsible for engendering a love of the sea and sea sense training.
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Superintendent Fleet Maintenance
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Sep 2001 - Jun 2004
Group Manager (Minor War Vessels) responsible for the specialist shore side facilities and workshops required to support the Royal Navy's small ships, including Mine Sweepers, Fishery Protection Vessels, the Falkland Island Patrol Vessel and University Patrol Boats. Leading a team of over 50 highly skilled technicians. Loaned out to as a consultant to industry including BAe, VosperThorneyCroft and AMS in support of the new T45 Destroyer design phase. Future Projects Officer for VTC working alongside the Strategy Director bringing new business into the ship yard in partnership with industry. Show less
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Platform Engineer, HMS LEEDS CASTLE
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Oct 2000 - Jul 2001
Platform engineer officer of the Falkland Island Patrol Vessel operating 8000 miles away from home in the waters of the Falklands and the Antarctic. Responsible for all aspects of engineering including marine engineering, weapons and sensors; leading a team of 15 engineers in the delivery of power and capability to Command.
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DMEO, HMS WESTMINSTER
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1998 - 2000
Deputy Marine Engineer Officer of a T23 Frigate operating around the globe. Delivering power and capability to Command.Qualified for Chartered Engineer Status.
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Education
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2006 - 2026
Engineering Council (UK) / Professional Engineer recognized in NZ under the Washington Accord
Chartered Engineer (CEng), Mechanical Engineering -
1994 - 2026
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
Member / MIMarEST, Professional Engineer -
1994 - 1997
University of Southampton
BEng Hons, Mechanical Engineering
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