About

Meet the ARC team

Who are we?

At Avocet Research Centre, we are on a mission to deliver R&D projects with our partners for sustainable materials solutions.

ARC consists of a dedicated R&D team that oversees the planning, execution, and administration of research and development activities on behalf of our partners. Based near Manchester, ARC falls under the Avocet Materials Group.

We have links to industry across Europe and the US, as well as close ties with the University of Manchester and the Henry Royce Institute.

Our team expertise:

Over 30 years’ experience of leading partner R&D projects.
In-house R&D laboratory with synthesis and testing capabilities

Research & Development Team

Dr Martyn Brown

Dr Martyn Brown

R&D Lead

Martyn leads the R&D and innovation initiatives at ABM, including investigating eco-friendly surface treatments that are corrosion resistant to battery electrolyte. Martyn has a PhD in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry from University of Nottingham and has expertise in solid-state chemistry from previous roles at Morgan Advanced Materials. In addition, Martyn sits on the Faraday Institution Expert Panel and has established strong links with The University of Manchester, helping ABM to be awarded the Deans Award focusing on surface treatments for Li-ion pouch cell tabs.

Dr. Leping Wu

Dr. Leping Wu

Project Scientist

Leping leads advanced R&D initiatives focused on pushing the boundaries of energy storage and sustainable manufacturing. Holding a PhD in Composite Materials from The University of Manchester, he leverages high-resolution X-ray CT and SEM to evaluate material defects and failure mechanisms, ensuring mechanical integrity through rigorous static and fatigue testing. Leping has a proven track record of delivering complex R&D projects across the Battery, Aerospace, Construction, and Hydrogen Storage sectors.

Henry Wong

Henry Wong

R&D Scientist

Henry has developed many of ABMs internal testing processes and procedures specifically around how surface treatments impact post electrolyte adhesion in pouch cell tabs. These same principles and processes will be applied to developing bespoke and novel material solutions. Henry is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, has an MSc in Accreditation Chemistry from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and has experience working on R&D projects in Nano and Advanced materials.

Luc Davenport

Luc Davenport

Design Engineer

Luc is part of ABM’s experienced engineering team and excels in developing new and innovative processes to achieve complex problems. A degree qualified engineer with over 10 years’ experience in a wide range of industry sectors. A certified Solidworks professional with an affinity for problem solving and a high level of proficiency with CAD. Luc is now focused on developing ABMs cell tab manufacturing capability to achieve high performance and stable products.

Ross Wilkie

Ross Wilkie

Process Engineer

Ross is a process engineer with a solid background in quality. Ross possesses strong problem-solving skills, which he employs to optimise manufacturing processes and enhance product quality. His expertise lies in streamlining production workflows, reducing waste, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. With his comprehensive understanding of quality control methodologies, Ross has successfully and continues to implement systems that have improved product reliability and customer satisfaction.

Commercial Team

Anca Savalache

Anca Savalache

Lead Business Development Manager

Anca leads ARC’s commercial strategy with clarity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to progress. Her multilingual experience and commercial insight have quickly positioned her as an integral voice in ARC’s development. She combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, contributing to the company’s success while embracing its family-focused culture.

Directors

Advisory Board
Kieren Hall

Kieren Hall

CEO

Kieren founded ABM alongside Graham and Ryan to fulfil an unmet need in the pouch cell supply chain for localised and high-performance cell tabs. Kieren has led Avocet Group for the last 5 years, working with Li-ion cell manufacturers to establish a reputation within the industry as the go-to team for electrode foils. Having recently lectured at University of Warwick on cell materials Kieren is fast becoming an expert in the field. Kieren is also Director of Avocet Steel Strip Ltd who are the UK’s largest distributor of foils for new battery technologies.

Andrew Cuthbert

Andrew Cuthbert

Innovation Director

Andrew Cuthbert Bsc MBA has developed $billions in revenues managing special projects and their life cycles on behalf of some of the world’s most successful companies. Early in his career Andrew developed a specialism in Quality Management. Andrew developed the RIQAS and ACUSERA 24/7 systems found today in approx. 30% of the worlds laboratories some 65,000 locations across in excess of 100 countries. Andrew’s role is to identify key milestones and ensure you have the confidence to invest appropriately in your future project.

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Certificates

We are proud to have been awarded ISO 9001 certification, an internationally recognised standard that ensures services meet the needs of clients through an effective quality management system. Our decision to work towards ISO 9001 certification demonstrates our commitment to providing a high-quality and consistent service to our clients and our ongoing investment in technology, development and processes and procedures.

You can download a copy of our ISO 9001 : 2015 certificate here.
You can download a copy of our ISO 14001 : 2015 certificate here.
You can download a copy of our ISO 45001 : 2018 certificate here.