‘It takes one to know one’ or so the saying goes. So, it’s with great pleasure and privilege that I was asked by Michael Harriott of Business Northumberland to speak about the contribution of fellow NEI Parsonsite, Tony Quinn CEng, FIMechE, to the world of offshore wind, in particular.
Even though we’re from the same vintage, I didn’t know Tony at NEI Parsons - our paths never crossed. Well, maybe he shoved me out of the way in the canteen for second helpings of treacle sponge and custard one Friday afternoon? Who knows? Lots of people vied for position that day. NEI Parsons had around 4,000 employees in those days in the early-to-late 80’s. Fast forward to 100-person NaREC when, in 2010, Tony’s arrival as ‘Director of Testing & Demonstration’ was heralded as a much-needed appointment to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) of which I was a member. We held our SLT meetings every Monday morning from 0900-1100 and every Monday morning Tony was 10 minutes late. This became his trademark and, as I understand it, it’s a tradition that he has proudly kept up ever since!
Tony is a completer-finisher. He gets stuff done! Prior to Tony’s arrival, in 2009, at NaREC, I had worked with UK Government to get the Blyth Offshore Demonstrator (BOD) permitted, funding for the 100m blade test facility, as well as contributing to the business case for flagship project Fujin (Japanese god of wind) - the 15MW drive train facility that dominates the Blyth skyline. Proud moments. In Tony’s arrival we had secured a person whose core skills were in bringing big assets into existence and turning a buck from them! What a job he has done. I was so impressed with his plans and envisioned leadership that I ‘seconded’ 75% of my Technology & Innovation team to Tony to accelerate the arrival of these impressive bits of machinery. This proved to be a great learning experiences for all secondees. None (to my knowledge) regretted my decision and Tony was very happy! Indeed, nearly all remained and blossomed under Tony’s tutelage. Tony was also plumbed into my US networks and took advantage of a Collaborative R&D Agreement (CRADA) that I had put in place with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) which saw several of his team visit the US to be trained in dynamometer design in readiness for Fujin’s construction and commissioning. Those decisions and support structures cemented a lifelong friendship. Simple acts often lead to lasting trust!
As NaREC morphed into the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in 2012, Tony’s prominence at the Blyth campus sky-rocketed, ultimately leading to him being synonymous with ORE Catapult’s Blyth operation. To all intents and purposes, he was the Blyth CEO. That’s certainly how the market looked upon him. I certainly did and still do. Indeed, the offshore wind orbits that Tony and I operate in have led to many interactions over the years since I left NaREC, including leading the set-up team for OREC. I love helping OREC out when asked; it’s in the blood to help. Tony will feel the same in the future, I’m sure.
Whereas Tony’s job title has changed periodically, the test assets have remained a permanent fixture and focus of Tony’s attention. Their commercial use has had globally leading significance in the de-risking of offshore wind technologies. Tony has been front and centre of this. His voice is extremely well known and respected around the globe. NREL talks about him; Fraunhofer talks about him; TU Delft talks about him…Tony, be proud, be very proud!
Tony is very unassuming and has a heart of gold. It is not for me to go into details but Tony’s broader contribution to society goes well beyond his professional activities. He gives a vast amount back professionally too, part of which is in his role as Chair of Energi Coast, something that he is extremely good at and passionate about. This NE of England cluster organisation is nationally and internationally renowned for its modus operandi and supply chain impact. This is down to Tony’s steadfast leadership and vision over several years. Similarly with Energy Central at the Port of Blyth. Long may his influence over both organisations continue during ‘retirement’.
I couldn’t let these personal reflections pass without mention of my reference to Tony as ‘Metro Man’ (given his role as Operations Director prior to his arrival at NaREC). Over the years, I have made it my business to praise him for the arrival of new ticket machines, the completion of the new track from South Gosforth to Jesmond and the refurbishment of Haymarket station! My messages have always met with short shrift acknowledgment so as to say, ‘Lowdon, you’re mad’.
Finally, as I have said to several who have flown the NaREC/OREC nest, ‘once a NaRECian, always an ORECian. Tony, it’s your turn now to be inducted as an alumnus and to reflect on that statement. You know it makes sense! However, if you think this is the start of retirement, think again, young man!
Dr Alan Lowdon OBE