Our Story - Our team

Neal Maxwell

Director

I’ve spent over 3 decades in the Fit-out industry and have seen a number of seismic changes in my working environment and of course, in society. But one event took place in 2018 which dwarves the rest and it’s one that I certainly wasn’t prepared for.

My trip to the Arctic was a memorable experience but nothing had prepared me for what was to come and how this event really did change my life.

During the expedition I came face to face with the downstream effects of plastic pollution and global warming. I saw life in its harshest form and learnt from the many scientists and experts through a series of lectures which would take place each evening following the day’s activity.

As a result of this experience, I have found it difficult to adapt to ‘normal life’. People say I’ve had an epiphany and that may well be true, but one thing is for sure, my life will never be the same again

My focus is now well and truly directed on the environment and ways in which I can make a difference in the industry where I’ve spent most of my working life.

I am doing this through a new organisation I helped to establish in partnership with the University of Liverpool called `Changing Streams CIC`. We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation focused on reducing the use and reliance of plastics within the construction sector. Our aims and objectives can be seen on our new website.

By reducing the amount of plastic being used we can and will make a positive impact in reducing waste going to landfill or worse still, into the ocean.

The rest of our team

Prof Jonathan Sharples

Director & Head of Oceanography

I have been researching the ocean for the past 30 years, studying how ocean physics (tides, weather, ocean currents) affects the growth and distribution...

Dr Gareth Abrahams

Director & Head of Building Design Research

Before becoming an academic I worked for over 10 years as a senior project architect designing and delivered a number of prestigious projects across...

Kris Tisdale

Director

I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to see much of the world and whilst travelling I have seen first-hand the devastating...

Dr Wendy Jones

Science Engagement Lead

I am a scientist with many years of experience in business development on both sides of the academic-industry interface. I have lived and worked...

Caroline Harris

Strategic Advisor

I have 18 years’ experience across Operations, Finance, and IT in the Financial Services industry, specialising in Change Management. I worked on the introduction...

Leo Aspden

Coaching and Training Adviser

As an award-winning high growth business consultant and executive/leadership coach, I have more than 30 years experience of working with business leaders, executives, and...

Lynda Thompson

Research Associate

I’m a relentlessly curious qualitative researcher working in the construction, infrastructure and energy (fuel crisis) sectors. I'm a people person first and foremost and...

Danielle Heward

Membership Lead

With over 15 years of experience in operations and project management, business change and transformation, I have honed my expertise in optimising operations. I...

Brendon Kenny

Business Development

I am passionate about the environment and believe business should create profit with purpose. I have over 35 years of Business experience at Senior...

Prof Ric Williams

Climate Adviser to Changing Streams and co-chair of the Climate Futures Research Challenge

I have been researching how the ocean affects the climate system, addressing the reasons why climate models show a large spread in how much...

Dr Stephen Finnegan

Advisor to Changing Streams on carbon reduction and founder of the Zero Carbon Research institute

Dr Stephen Finnegan acts as the Director of the ZCRI and investigates the whole life sustainability and financial implications of creating individual projects, buildings,...

Dr Luigi Di Sarno

Sustainable Materials and Infrastructure Specialist

I am a Senior Lecturer in Structural Design in the School of Engineering, University of Liverpool. I have more than two decades of experience...

Asmaa Sadou Ammar

Changing Streams Research Centre

Commencing my academic journey at the University of Alicante, I developed a passion for architecture and engineering. Studying abroad in the UK and Greece...

Mick Ord

Public Relations

I am the former manager of  one of the BBC's most successful radio stations BBC Radio Merseyside where I started as a reporter in...