Simon is a systems thinker and strategic leader with over 20 years’ experience predominantly in the public sector where he has led a number of large-scale services and change programmes. Known for his direct approach, he led a ground-breaking joint venture between Defra and the UK livestock sector, demonstrating his ability to drive real-world impact.

Since leaving the civil service, Simon has supported central government initiatives and worked with entrepreneurs in AI, renewables, and post-Brexit customs. His small Somerset farm keeps him grounded in the practical realities of the environment, while his senior civil service background ensures he navigates complexity with respect.

Simon brings people together to tackle tough problems and deliver sustainable outcomes. He excels at making sense of interconnected challenges and co-creating actionable strategies, with a particular focus on post-Brexit food and farming opportunities. Now leading Hornbeam Partners, Simon collaborates with a network of experts to help clients turn strategy into meaningful change.

  • Managed to corral an eclectic bunch of stakeholders, all of whom had diverse and often conflicting needs, into backing the programme, and in fact becoming advocates of it.

    Chief Procurement Officer

  • Demonstrated exceptional leadership and organisational skills by successfully assembling a brilliant consortium for an Innovate UK bid... ensuring that the bid was completed and submitted to an exceptionally high standard within a tight timeframe.

    Renewables & Tech entrepreneur

  • Deals with complicated and detailed requirements and processes without losing sight of the important outcomes required, communicating clearly and straightforwardly and motivating his team to deliver. His personal commitment to getting the job done is outstanding.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer

  • The approach to co-design and delivery has been an example of how farmers and government can achieve change. Innovative thinking and challenging delivery are never easy.

    Chairman

  • One of a kind - passionate about delivering quality, able to tackle phenomenally complex projects and builds a wonderful team spirit along the way. He cares about people and making a difference to industry and to individual lives.

    CEO & Editor

  • 100% targeted at delivery of the user needs, builds strong relationships, invests his own personal capital. Driven and challenging yes, but also wanting to have fun, making him a great natural leader, bringing people with him on often difficult journeys.

    Government CDIO