Simon Collins is the Business Director at Chemring Countermeasures UK (CCM UK) heading up the commercial, marketing and sales team. Simon served in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm for 19 years.
Why did you join the Armed Forces?
“I had always wanted to join the Armed Forces, ever since I was in the cadet force at Reigate Grammar School. I watched endless war films with my parents and liked the traditional element of the Royal Navy, but also had a real interest in aviation. When I discovered that I could fly as a part of the Fleet Air Arm in the Royal Navy that seemed a perfect fit for me.
While in the cadets I visited all three air stations in the Royal Navy and a Lynx helicopter visited the school on one occasion, flown by a school alumnus. I was lucky enough to have a flying scholarship while at school and was further exposed to the Royal Navy during my time serving with Southampton University Royal Naval Unit whilst at University in Portsmouth
After university, I joined the Royal Navy as an Observer on the Lynx helicopter. As an Observer you are a key part of the flight crew responsible for fighting the aircraft, navigation, operating communications systems, command and control, and firing the weapons.”
Where were you deployed during your service?
“I was first deployed to the Far East in HMS NOTTINGHAM and then in HMS LIVERPOOL during the second Gulf War. I also served in HMS ENDURANCE, which is an icebreaking ship in the Antarctic Ocean, followed by HMS IRON DUKE, stationed in the Caribbean on counternarcotic and disaster relief operations. I had several other deployments during my service, including HMS OCEAN, which served as the guard ship during the London 2012 Olympics providing air and maritime security.
I ended my Naval career as Commanding Officer 825 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). 825 NAS was the front line and training Squadron for the Wildcat Maritime Force at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.”
What did you enjoy the most about military life?
“It may sound clichéd, but I most enjoyed the camaraderie. I never had to drag myself out of bed in the morning to go to work. I genuinely enjoyed the life. Every day was different. The travel, adventure, service to my country, the pomp and ceremony – all of it. Most of all though, it was that sense of service, of giving something back to my country. That’s probably what I miss most.”
What did you find most challenging?
“Juggling family life was the most challenging aspect of life in the military. It’s the reason I left. We live in Somerset and all my future roles would have either been in Portsmouth or London, meaning either five days a week away from my family, or having to uproot everyone to come with me. I left in September 2018.”
How did you get involved with Chemring?
“I had a couple of other jobs before I joined Chemring and then was approached by a recruiter about the Business Director role with Chemring Countermeasures UK. I felt like I’d cut my teeth in previous roles in terms of transitioning from military life into the commercial world. I’d say I’m about 90% transitioned now. You do become quite indoctrinated in the military. It’s a very clear structure and you know where you sit instantly when you walk into a room. In the civilian world you have no idea! It can be quite hard to orientate yourself at first as there are no ranks, wings or medals to differentiate yourself or others.”
What’s your role with Chemring?
“I’m the Business Director at CCM UK heading up the commercial, marketing and sales team. We’re here to win orders, manage customer contracts from placement through to delivery, create technical publications, meet with customers, attend conferences and exhibitions, and negotiate contracts. There are currently nine people in my team.
I’ve found Chemring to have a very ‘grown up’ approach. By that I mean people are trusted to deliver and work effectively. It’s output-based and so people can find a work/life balance that suits them while still giving Chemring their very best.
I enjoy leading and working with my team to find solutions to the many challenges we face. I also get a lot of job satisfaction from working with the wider countermeasures sector along with my colleagues in other parts of Chemring, such as Roke and Chemring Energetic Devices in the US.”
What skills and experiences from your military background help you in your role today?
“Definitely the leadership skills. You get lots of leadership training in the military and your leadership responsibilities are significant when you’re a Commanding Officer.
You also develop an ability to quickly see and understand a problem. You can instantly cut through the chaff (pardon the pun!) to identify the critical issues.
You also realise just how important relationships are. As I travelled a lot during my service, I am far more culturally aware and that serves me very well when dealing with customers from lots of different backgrounds and nationalities.”
Would you say Chemring is a good fit for veterans and those considering leaving the military?
“There are a lot of veterans working at Chemring already and because of the nature of our business, Chemring has a good understanding of military life. Many assume that military people just do as they’re told and follow orders. Actually, they take autonomy and responsibility very seriously.
CCM UK also supports some veterans’ charities. Alabare provides specialist care and support for Armed Forces veterans who are struggling with life outside the military. We give out ice creams to the workforce a couple of times a week when it’s hot and the money donated goes to the charity. We also recently held a month of marathon running to raise money.
We’re also getting involved with a social enterprise organisation called Entrain Space. They give veterans the time and space to retrain, to start a career and to reconnect with a civilian community.”