1. MARK CALNAN
ABOUT ME
I have founded several business, both in the UK and overseas, and operated at director/partner level since
1989. As a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mechanical Engineers, I have over
thirty years multi-sector consulting experience in design, project management and commissioning of
integrated solutions for controls and communications systems, including for mechanical and electrical
plant. Much of my experience has been gained in multi-disciplinary integrated transport infrastructure -
rail and airport - both in the UK and overseas, with specific emphasis on developing solutions that meet
safety, business and operational requirements. My assignments cover the whole design life-cycle; from
concept, to handover-into-revenue/operational service, invariably as an active member of the client team.
Since 2004, I have been an active member of an assurance review panel for a major UK infrastructure
operator. Here, my specific role is to review new projects for their impact on operations and to review the
technical interfaces/integration with legacy and new systems, especially those of external stakeholders. I
was also the energy manager for another large transport infrastructure operator with specific
responsibility for driving energy efficiencies and sustainability into their multi-million pound annual utility
expenditure.
I have a keen interest in the low/zero carbon economy, and of sustainable transport systems in particular. I
am one of the Founding Directors of Electric Blue Ltd, which provides solutions for electric vehicle take up
powered by sustainable energy.
I have strong desire to assist people to realise their goals and am currently training as a professional
coach/mentor both for small businesses and personal development.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
● HALARP (Heathrow Airport Ltd Assurance Review Panel) - panel member since 2004 for operational and
non-operational controls & communications systems, systems integration, interfaces with airport systems
(including M&E) and 3rd
party projects.
● Heathrow Express project - Responsible during construction, commissioning, system proving trials, and
handover to revenue service in May 1998 for all interfaces with Heathrow’s landside and airside systems -
firemain, 11kV power distribution, SCADA, fibre-communications, security/CCTV, voice & data
communications (eg radio/cellular) - and Network Rail’s Cab Secure Radio. Later as systems consultant to
the Operating Company.
● Terminal 5 (Heathrow) - I occupied several senior roles, including deputy programme-wide commissioning
manager, and developed the operational and functional requirements for the Heathrow Express and
Piccadilly Line extensions. Other roles included – Airside Road Tunnel, SWOT, WATCHMAN radar
relocation.
● 33/11kV Power Reinforcements (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted).
● Heathrow Energy Manager - I led a series of initiatives on carbon reduction and energy savings projects,
leading to Heathrow’s 2020 target (1990 carbon levels less 34%)
● Crossrail - specialist sub-consultant for the line-wide systems prior to Royal Assent and then formed the
design team that produced the reference designs for station and tunnel systems in the Central Section.
● Jubilee Line Extension - managing the Line Opening System Assurance (LOSA) Tests from Neasden Control
Centre to the eleven new stations, including demonstrations to HMRI prior to public opening.
● Channel Tunnel (1992 - 1994)
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
BSc (Hons) (Eng) Aeronautics & Astronautics
CEng (Chartered Engineer)
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Fellow of Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE)
2. Member of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (MCIBSE) - retired
Member Institute of Directors
EMPLOYMENT & BUSINESS HISTORY
2016 – to date Qarma Solutions Ltd Founder & Consultant
2014 - to date Electric Blue Ltd Founding Director
2006 - 2011 Firstco (Middle East) Ltd Founding Director & General Manager
1998 – 2015 Firstco Ltd Founding Director & Principal Consultant
1989 – 1998 JMC Partnership Founding Partner & Principal Consultant
1982 – 1989 Ove Arup & Partners Controls Engineer
