Managing Director and Founder of CBi Ltd
Colin started his career with an apprenticeship as an Instrument Maker with gyroscope specialist engineering company, S.G. Brown Ltd. After a spell working at Cunard Steamship Company as an Electrical Engineer Officer Colin returned to work for SG Brown to test fire control stabilisation system.
In late 1969 he visited Magnavox Advanced Products and Systems, to learn about the Navy Navigation Satellite System, the precursor to GPS. For seven years travelled the world selling, installing and training on the revolutionary new positioning system for SG Browns. In 1977 he joined Magnavox Systems Limited where he helped run a worldwide marketing and sales distribution network from the UK.
In 1988 he left Magnavox to form his own Satellite Positioning consultation company CBiL and in 1993 was invited to form the European headquarters for Ashtech. In 1998 he returned to running CBiL.
Colin has over 40 years experience in satellite navigation applications, has been closely associated with The Hydrographic Society, and with the Royal Institute of Navigation of which he is the current President. He is also a member of the US Institute of Navigation.
He has delivered lectures and presentations in a number of key centres of surveying and navigation throughout the world. Colin is currently acting Chair of the Location and Timing Special Interest Group Steering Committee, which is a key part of the new Information & Communications Technology Knowledge Transfer Group run by the Government’s Technology board.
Colin is also a keen photographer, enjoys spending time on his canal boat and looking after his black Labrador Dougal.
Technical Director
Steve graduated in Electronic Engineering at Leeds University in 1982 and has spent many years developing equipment for professional applications of GPS including oil & gas exploration, dredging, ship docking and machinery control. He has also held senior positions at GEC, Motorola and ARM.
Steve joined CBIL as Technical Director in 2007. He is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and is currently completing an MSc in Positioning and Navigation Technology at the Institute for Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy at Nottingham University.
He is also a keen musician; enjoying composing, recording and performing with various bands.
Director
After attaining a degree in Industrial Product Design in the late 1990s, Chris and his brother, Nick, founded digital media production company 3DB Limited, in which he designed and delivered complex web, animation and training projects for a number of blue chip organizations, including Carl Zeiss, GE Healthcare and Electrolux.
3DB merged with CBIL in 2010 and in addition to continuing to produce training programmes for customers Chris turned his attention to managing numerous projects within CBIL. These include GNSS and Timing markets as well as overall responsibility for CBIL's marketing communications and future business development.
In his spare time Chris pursues his passions for all things motor sport, looks after his baby daughter and attempts to stay fit.
Director
Nick has 14 years of web and software development experience, and has managed a huge variety of projects for a diverse array of blue-chip corporate clients including Cable & Wireless, BBC Drama and Lego.
Nick specialises in web application and database design, online commerce, marketing and audio technology. As Director of IT & Online, he is responsible for overseeing CBI's web-based projects and those of our clients. He completed a BA/BSc in Business Management & Multimedia at the University of Gloucestershire in 1998.
In his spare time Nick spends much of his time playing the electric guitar, running and entertaining his two young daughters. He lives with his family in rural Maryland, USA, less than an hour from Washington D.C.
Senior Media Designer
After completing his HND in Graphic Design from the University of Luton Matt spent 3 years at Harmonics Communication as a Junior Designer, working on projects ranging from Corporate Conferences to interactive media and web sites.
Matt then joined Chris & Nick Beatty at 3DB as Digital Media designer in 2001, further developing his graphics and programming skills, specialising in web design and multimedia. He is currently Senior Media Designer for CBIL focusing on the digital development of the business.
In his spare time, Matt plays guitar in a rock band, and has recently rekindled his love of comic books and illustration.
Office Manager / PA
Caroline has been known to CBIL for the last 10 years in her previous occupation and joined us in March 2010 as Office Manager/PA when Melinda Beatty returned home to Maryland, USA.
Caroline is responsible for keeping everything and everyone in order, with particular attention being paid to the timely expedition of orders, deliveries, invoices and payments. Caroline also assists Mark Hague, Accountant.
Caroline is married with two sons and a dog and a caravan retreat in Poole, Dorset.
Business Development Manager
Coming from a retail industry background with 17 years of experience, Nicola joins us from Department Store John Lewis where she held the position of Training and Service Manager for Electrical and Home Technology. Where she was responsible for the training of all John Lewis employees in White Goods and Technology as well as managing the after sales on White Goods.
Nicola joins us as Business Development Manager, her key priorities are to develop new business strategies, innovate and launch new ventures.
Nicola spends most of her free time enjoying being with her 1 year old daughter who keeps her very busy!
Accountant
Following a degree in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University Mark has over 20 years of Management Accounting experience in several sectors of the economy including, Pharmaceuticals, Cable Tv, Education and the Military.
Mark first met Colin in 1993 when he was part of Colin’s initial team for the formation of Ashtech’s European headquarters and has continued to work with Colin in one guise or another since that time. Mark currently works for CBIL on a part time basis producing Management reporting information and essential statutory returns as well as overseeing the day to day accounting of the company.
Mark has 2 young children who keep him very busy and is a season ticket holder at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.