I set up Flare in 2013 with our CTO, Adam Kirkwood, to provide superyachts in the Mediterranean with fast, reliable support for their technology.Our skilled engineering team can be anywhere in the Med within hours, and there is remote support available 24/7, providing you with peace-of-mind when things go wrong.We install electronic systems in superyachts and luxury residences, ensuring that the project specification is workable, saving you time and money; and helping you get the most suitable, advanced technology at the best price. We handle the process for you, with minimum bother and disruption to captains, ETOs and their crew.Systems we support include:• IT – Your data is held across a variety of systems and in different formats, that all need to work together. We keep your systems running smoothly, preventing unexpected outages and providing pre-emptive security management. • Audio-Visual – We know all the most advanced systems, gadgets and special effects. Whether you require a basic repair or a fully-fledged AV system, you’ll get a best-of-breed solution. • Navigation and Comms – We supply and support Satellite at Sea systems, VSat, general communications, GSM and telephone. Don’t panic about system faults, because we trouble-shoot them for you, and provide remote and on-board support, and spares. If you have an existing system, we can review it and suggest ways to improve efficiency and speed.• Control systems – Touchscreens are now an integral part of many lighting and AV systems. We deliver simple, elegant interfaces that are easy to understand and to operate. • Security solutions – Get a tailored electronic security system that fits your yacht’s own infrastructure and operations. Options include restrictive access, monitoring, thermal imaging, alerts and alarms, and more.If you’re looking for reliable, fast support or want to install or upgrade one of your systems, please do get in touch, via LinkedIn or by email martin.dickson@flare-tech.com

ANT specialised in designing and installing high-end Audio Visual, Entertainment, IT and Communications equipment on luxury yachts. As head of service, I acquired vast experience with superyacht electronic systems and outstanding connections in shipyards and amongst suppliers, which still benefit our clients at Flare. The experience I gained managing complex projects while maintaining good relationships with clients, crews, and other stakeholders is at the core of what I do today.My responsibilities at ANT included: • Project-managing the commissioning and installation of systems, once boats left the shipyard• Prepare and presenting proposals to the client• Maintenance of all systems onboard during the warranty period• Managing ANT’s relationships with the shipyards, captains, crews, and clients, coordinating between the parties, managing expectations, ensuring that all Owners’ requests were carried out, and closing projects satisfactorily. My main achievements included:• Managing the IT, AV, security, comms and bridge systems on 96 mtr Blohm & Voss. (We still work with her today, at Flare.)• Managing and completing the AV and IT systems on an 85m Oceanco yacht• Consistently keeping our clients well-informed about the progress of their projects, and happy with our work – as evidenced by the large number of upgrades we received• Opening ANT’s Palma office in 2011

Known as ‘The Yachtsman’s Bible’, Reeds Almanac provides essential navigational information for passage planning and safety at sea. I helped take the venture online, providing an opportunity for suppliers in the yachting sector to access potential clients, and negotiated advertising campaigns with clients such as Sunsail and MDL Marinas and a partnership with Mumm Champagne at Cowes Week.

Nitec is a specialist electroless nickel plating contractor, now the largest independent company in the UK specialising in electroless nickel. The core of the customer base was Oil & Gas, Automotive, and General Engineering. As head of the sales function, I led a rescue plan to return business to profitability following a fire, and to secure the long-term future of the company. I recognised the opportunity within the Oil & gas Sector and developed a relationship with Halliburton/Wellstream leading to a dramatic increase in turnover. In addition, I demonstrated within an engineering environment that customer satisfaction is paramount.

Created an active sales department and sales database that formed the foundation of our sales strategy.I was promoted to Sales and Marketing Director and Partner in 2003, purchasing a stake in the business.

A subsidiary of the IBC Group, specialising in publishing of trade magazines to the Telecoms market. I was recruited to head up the advertising team and to reorganise, lead and develop the sales strategy. I produced and implemented sales strategy to Increase profit margin; successfully presented proposal to marketing director of Samsung; and recruited and trained team of four.

Buspak specialises in bus advertising, targeting high street brands. My brief was to develop relations within major London and UK advertising agencies, and directly with clients. Following an acquisition by a large American company the London office was closed.

Having started my own business in boat management, I was approached by Baxter Marine, Yacht Brokerage, to set up an after-sales dept.

Richard Austin Alloys is an independent aluminium and stainless steel stockholder serving the engineering sector. As sales executive, I researched and implemented a sales strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in sales annually over a two-year period, and subsequently year-on-year.