What the HSE is and does (HEX360)

The Health and Safety Department is vital to our company, ensuring employee safety daily by promoting best practices and preventing accidents, while also supporting environmentally responsible operations.

HEX360 is our sustainability campaign aimed at improving workplace impact by reducing carbon emissions and driving innovation across our business and customers’ operations.

HEX360 applies the principles of reduce, replace, and reinvest to drive circular design, cut emissions, lower costs, and create lasting value. We’re committed to carbon neutrality by 2037, using sustainable technologies like lightweight materials and renewable energy to keep customers ahead in a carbon-conscious world – without compromising performance.

The Health, Safety, and Environment department plays a key role by researching and safely implementing new sustainable practices.

Meet the team

Heading up our Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability team is Darren Bates, a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) with over 30 years of experience in the automotive, oil, and gas industries. Darren plays a key role in shaping and maintaining high EHS standards across the business, ensuring the safety of our people and reducing our environmental impact.

“What I enjoy most about my role is knowing that the work I do helps protect people and create safer workplaces, which makes the impact of my role feel both meaningful and rewarding,” he says.

Under Darren’s leadership, the company has seen a 70% reduction in workplace accidents, a 50% cut in its carbon footprint, and the introduction of a state-of-the-art medical Centre to support employee wellbeing.

Outside of work, Darren loves the outdoors – especially wild camping in his VW camper with his family and dogs. He’s also a keen golfer, whether he’s out on the course or simply watching

Rhian Davies joined the team four years ago as our Group HSE Officer. Her day-to-day role is varied, focusing on promoting a positive safety culture across the group. Rhian also helps manage our on-site Medical Centre, working closely with the occupational health nurse to support employee wellbeing.

Rhian says what keeps her motivated is that no two days are the same.

“With health and safety constantly evolving and touching every part of the business, I enjoy being involved in areas where she can make a big, caring impact – something I’m truly passionate about”. Achieving her NEBOSH certification has been her proudest accomplishment, providing a strong foundation in health and safety management.

Outside of work, Rhian enjoys spending time with her daughter and close friends. She enjoys recharging by baking, going on walks and the occasional spa day.

Recently, the HSE department welcomed Josh Onions for an eight-week internship during his summer break from university, where he is currently studying Sustainability and Environmental management. During his time with us, Josh worked closely with Rhian and Darren on a variety of projects, including significant work on HEX 360 and assisting the marketing department with key information. This hands-on experience has allowed him to apply what he’s learned at university while gaining practical insights into health, safety, and environmental management.

Josh shared that the experience has been incredibly beneficial for his development and has deepened his understanding of real-world practices. It’s been a pleasure having Josh as part of the team, and we’re confident the skills and knowledge he’s gained will support him well in his final year of study.