With over 30 years’ experience in the energy and utilities industry Laurence has a reputation as an innovative and strategic ‘critical friend’, with an extensive network at board level across the UK and European energy industry. Over the last 20 years he has played a leading role in the energy industry in defining, communicating and deploying smart energy systems and technologies, working at the interface between strategy, organisation change and technology enablement.Prior to becoming an independent consultant, Laurence led the strategic development of Smarter Energy Solutions for IBM in Europe, having previously established IBM’s smart energy practice as a leader in the UK&I market. Acting as an ambassador for IBM he was responsible for defining innovative smart energy points of view and providing creative leadership to enable future energy systems transformation through data driven innovation and the application of new technologies. Over the years Laurence has engaged with Government and Regulatory Authorities in developing smart metering market models; advised energy companies on their smart energy strategies and establishment of smart metering and smart grid programmes; built European consortia in successful bids for innovation funding (e.g. Ofgem’s LCNI, LCNF, NIA funds; EU Horizon 2020); and represented IBM on the boards of various government and industry organisations such as the E&U management group at TechUK, SmartGrid GB and the Smart Living Technical Advisory Group set up by Welsh Government.Laurence is a member of the Advisory Board to Durham University’s Energy Institute; a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers; and a Fellow of the Energy Institute. He presents regularly across Europe to conferences and forums on energy industry transformation.

A networking and luncheon club for energy industry decision makers. Members enjoy opportunities to exchange views and listen to high profile Industry and Government speakers.

Responsible for driving the strategic direction and development of innovative smart energy solutions, in particular those impacting the transition to net zero and in facilitating directives to deliver the European Green Deal. Key priorities included the transition to Distribution System Operation in energy networks; strategic digitalisation programmes driving system flexibility with data driven innovation; open data and interoperable data platforms; and strategic application of advanced technologies such as AI and Blockchain. Specific responsibilities included: - Long term strategic business development to create cross-brand value propositions supporting future energy system transformation and provide expert guidance to IBM leaders across Europe in responding to client, industry and regulatory transformation. - Brand ambassador for IBM energy systems and technologies in Europe, engaging with UK and Brussels policy makers and industry associations to build IBM’s network and influence, for example liaising with the European Commission, UK Govt. (BEIS; UKRI), Ofgem, CEER, Energy Systems Catapult, ENA, Eurelectric, ENTSO-E, etc.. - Working with network and technology companies such as WPD, ElectraLink, Piclo, Northern Powergrid, etc. to create innovation projects within national programmes such as Ofgem’s LCNI and NIA funds. - Advising on digitalisation and advanced technologies (e.g. AI, machine learning, blockchain, RPI, etc.) and the importance of open data, working closely with DNOs (e.g. WPD, NPG, Enel, Alliander) and TSOs (National Grid, Elia, Terna) in the creation of digitalisation strategies and innovation projects. - Leading development of innovation proposals for EU funding (e.g. Horizon 2020), defining projects and establishing delivery consortia. Successes include OSMOSE, ROMEO, NEMO, GoFlex.

Establishing IBM’s smart metering and smart grid practice in the UK and Ireland, providing leadership and subject matter expertise, building delivery capability in consulting, and establishing an extensive network across UKI utilities.

Smart Metering Solutions Leader