The Brightwell Team

Andrew Emsley - Technical Director / Telemetry Engineer

Andrew has been the driving force behind Brightwell Systems since its founding in 2007, shaping the company's specialised telemetry solutions for the UK gas network. As the mastermind behind the development of the DB1 and SB1 RTUs, Andrew’s deep understanding of the sector, built through years of collaboration with engineers, has been key to Brightwell’s success. His hands-on approach includes designing and developing these products, sourcing components, and constantly innovating to keep up with clients’ needs, all while ensuring nothing becomes obsolete.


With over 1,000 installations across the UK under his belt, Andrew’s expertise in network operations has also led to the development of cyber-secure functionalities that have gained OFGEM approval, and he’s currently working with the NCSC to further enhance Brightwell’s offerings.


Andrew wears many hats, having worked as a telemetry consultant, software designer, project manager, systems integrator, testing and commissioning engineer, and technical trainer. His career began as a Physics graduate with Logica UK Ltd, where he spent 12 years mastering telemetry and SCADA systems, including the Medina outstations and MC2000 software. This experience perfectly positioned him to help replace the Ulysses system, enabling direct transfer of PAK files onto Brightwell’s DB1 and SB1 units.


Before Brightwell, Andrew co-founded The Brightwell Partnership, where he crafted and delivered bespoke training solutions. His training approach is both comprehensive and adaptable, ranging from in-depth technical courses for small groups to broader overview sessions for larger audiences. Whether through computer-based or paper-based modules, Andrew’s goal is always the same—empowering others with the knowledge they need to succeed.


Andrew’s passion for user-centric design ensures that the systems he creates are not only powerful but easy to use and maintain. His ongoing commitment to educating and supporting his clients sets him apart, making him more than just a technical expert—he’s a trusted partner in their success.

Susanna Emsley - Commercial Director

Susanna is the spirited force behind Brightwell’s success. As a co-founder, her diverse background in psychology, retail, international management training, and the intricate world of Telemetry has armed her with unparalleled organisational skills and a keen eye for detail. She ensures our operations run smoother than a freshly greased engine. 


As Commercial Director, Susanna is in charge of Process, Procurement, Production, Contracts and Finance.  Susanna has procured and overseen the production of over 2000 telemetry units across all networks for transmission, distribution and biomethane.  Susanna manages the day-to-day process of working on 200 sites at a time across the team.   Susanna has also been responsible for Quality Assurance, Health and Safety, training and development within the Company as well having overall control for the finances. 


When she’s not expertly managing the company’s commercial endeavours, Susanna turns her attention to her family’s smallholding, where she oversees a delightful menagerie of over a dozen species. From breeding pigs and alpacas to feeding chickens and ducks, she’s our very own Mrs. Dolittle, adept at wrangling both spreadsheets and sheep. 



 Beyond the office and the farm, Susanna is a passionate traveller and has even backpacked  with her daughter. Her love for theatre knows no bounds. She’s infamous for serenading her family with off-key show tunes, a performance so spirited that it often sends the family pets into a howling frenzy.


Alan Sly - Telemetry Engineer

Joining Brightwell Systems in November 2022, Alan brings a wealth of engineering experience. With degrees from Sheffield Hallam University, and Industry Qualifications from Doncaster Metropolitan Institute, and North Notts College, his expertise spans from designing car workshop layouts to building complex systems for global power stations.


He’s tackled everything from industrial boilers to biomethane-to-grid units, travelling the world to commission and install these advanced technologies. It was during his biomethane work that he first connected with Brightwell, drawn by the cutting-edge telemetry we provide.


Outside of work, Alan is a motorbike enthusiast. A former racer on circuits around the UK with an Aprilia RS250 and Honda VFR400R, he now enjoys riding, maintaining bikes, and following motorcycle sports.

Chi Chiu - Telemetry Engineer

Chi is the meticulous force behind our team’s most intricate designs and procedures, renowned for his unparalleled attention to detail. Whether identifying schematic inconsistencies or rigorously testing hardware for the slightest imperfection, Chi guarantees that every product upholds the highest standards.


Beyond development and testing, Chi plays a critical role in overseeing the preparation and deployment of hardware, ensuring that every component is optimized and deployment-ready. He manages our stringent quality control systems, including the G17 process, ensuring that both hardware and software meet the exacting demands of our clients.


Chi’s extensive background includes working with leading global PLC corporations, where his precision, expertise, and exemplary client-facing skills took him across the world. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the telemetry systems used during the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

James Washbrook - Telemetry Engineer

James brings a wealth of experience and technical hardware knowledge to Brightwell Systems. His journey began at IBM, where he made waves as the youngest engineer in the UK winning a converted project completion award in partnership with HP. Navigating high-pressure environments, from banking, server and backup industries to working on military airbases, James honed his skills in hardware maintenance, gaining invaluable customer relations experience along the way.


He then shifted gears to work for a large software house, building robust relational databases for city councils, supermarkets, international shipping logistics, and construction companies. His ability to adapt and thrive in diverse settings makes him an integral part of our team.


When he's not diving into code or troubleshooting systems, James is a dedicated husband and father to his two children. His eldest, inspired by her dad, is now training in martial arts, a passion James has pursued competitively across the UK. He now coaches and trains in a new gym he helped establish with friends in his local town.

George Bullock - Telemetry Engineer

George is a talented Telemetry Engineer with a strong foundation in Aerospace Engineering, having  graduated with honors from the University of the West of England. With hands-on experience installing and commissioning hardware on site, George brings both technical expertise and a practical, problem-solving mindset to every project. His background in aerospace has also enabled him to design and build various testing hardware for both Brightwell and our clients, ensuring precision and reliability in every deployment.


Before joining Brightwell, George spent six months living in South Korea, gaining valuable international experience and perspective. Outside of work, he’s a passionate glider pilot, once serving as the president of the UWE Gliding Society during his time at university.


His love for flying fuels his attention to detail and dedication to excellence in all aspects of his work.


Alex Kinnersley - Head of Finance

Alex is the new financial powerhouse at Brightwell Systems, with a solid background in project management within the nature conservation and heritage sectors. Her keen analytical mind and adept problem-solving skills are complemented by a deep love for crafting the perfect spreadsheet, making her an invaluable asset to our team.


Balancing work with a bustling family life, Alex manages the chaos of a husband, three sons, and a menagerie of pets. When she's not crunching numbers, she’s often found in the kitchen perfecting her latest baking recipe, tending to her garden, or pushing her limits training for and competing in Sprint Triathlons.

Andy Rimell - Telemetry Engineer

Joining Brightwell Systems in 2024, Andy is the freshest face on the team but brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for all things mechanical. His journey started as an apprentice studying Software, Electronics, and Electrical Engineering while working for a chassis and vehicle dynamometer manufacturer. It was a dream job for a teenager, surrounded by prototype cars and engines.


After a thrilling start in automotive engineering, Andy moved into IT for several years, gaining invaluable experience before steering into the fields of electric vehicles and renewable technology. This diverse background fuels their innovative spirit at Brightwell.


Outside the office, Andy enjoys a slower but no less exhilarating pace, driving an 18-tonne McLaren Road Locomotive. Since 2013, he's been crewing on this massive steam engine, attending countless rallies and embarking on epic journeys like the 14-hour trek from Bedfordshire to Worcester, starting at 3 AM and cruising at a leisurely 8 mph.


When not steaming across the countryside, Andy digs into horticulture, growing and picking fruit and veg at a local farm, then selling their fresh produce at Farmers Markets on weekends. It's his way of staying connected to the community and enjoying the great outdoors.

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