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Non-Exec Director, National Marine Aquarium

Head of Development, reefLIVE

Technical Director, Ninetyone Innovation

Board Trustee, RSPCA
Career Highlights

Specialist Areas
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Aquarium Leadership
I’ve curated aquariums across the UK & Europe, leading husbandry operations, collection planning, and veterinary inspections. I also implemented cost-saving and efficiency initiatives across a group of 57 aquariums.
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Project Development
I’ve been part of more than 25 public aquarium projects across seven time zones, including 12 new builds and 11 major capital projects. I've also led the delivery of Penguin exhibits in the UK, France, & Portugal.
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Aquarium Innovation
I’ve designed & developed countless innovations for the aquarium industry, including underwater lights and cameras, a range of animal welfare monitoring devices, and a world-first live audio hydrophone system for seahorse exhibits.
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Animal Husbandry
I’ve worked with a range of animals small & large, winged & wingless, and furry & scaly. Over the last fifteen years, I’ve been involved in numerous animal transports, acclimations, and veterinary interventions.
Consultancy Services
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Project Planning
Whether you're planning a new exhibit, a full site refurbishment, or a completely new build aquarium, I offer expert guidance in all aspects of aquarium project planning. From feasibility studies, planning applications, and investment decks, to concept development, livestock planning, and scheme design, I work tirelessly to understand your vision, collaborating with your team to help bring that vision to life.
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Project Delivery
Whether we worked together on the planning stages of your project, or whether you've already got one about to start, I offer a multitude of project delivery support. I work on everything from animal transports, recruitment of key staff, water conditioning, preparing exhibits for opening, and much more. I'll be with you every step of the way, ensuring your attraction gets through opening without a hitch.
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Experience Development
From close-up encounters to feeds & tours, VIP experiences are a core part of the aquarium offer. I'll work closely with you and your team to develop new, unique offers that use your existing resources to drive higher visitation, better guest satisfaction, and ultimately to increase revenue. Together, we'll make your aquarium the go-to destination for immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression on every guest.
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Operational Efficiency
With an eye for detail and a commercial mindset, I specialise in zoo & aquarium cost-saving through operational efficiency. By implementing my tried & tested strategies across your husbandry operation, I'll reduce waste and streamline processes to generate significant annualised savings. Let's work together to get your business operating at peak efficiency, maximising profitability for years to come.
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Management Contracts
I provide a tailored management service specifically designed for business owners seeking outside leadership for their aquarium venture. These services go beyond just ensuring animal welfare and zoo license compliance, extending to recruitment, master planning, day-to-day operations, and financial optimisation as well. I seamlessly integrate into your team to elevate every aspect of your aquarium.
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Special Assignments
Whether there's a new idea you want to bring to life, an experience you want to develop, or an opportunity to take advantage of, I've helped many clients acheive very specific goals. You might have an upcoming inspection, a specific challenge on the horizon, or a particular problem you need to solve. Either way, I provide flexible consulting for custom and one-off projects to suit your needs.
Past Clients
Testimonials
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He is a standout aquarium talent, with an outgoing personality that people gravitate toward. Joe also has a strong and creative technical mind, and I have always been impressed with his ability to look at a problem and come up with an elegant and often outside the box solution. He is the rare innovator who is also a charismatic leader.
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Joe has a brilliant ability to think critically and often come up with out-of-the-box solutions. He puts the time in, does the research, and the end result is usually a bit unexpected and very interesting. He is an innovator and very resourceful within his large network. A great asset to any business, he will always think a bit differently.
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I have known Joe for the last few years and he has always been a pleasure to work with - professional, focused, and creative. He has been very supportive of the SEA LIFE Trust and our work and has provided great support and advice to the teams at both our Sanctuaries. I hope I get the chance to work with him again one day.
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Joe is an incredibly diligent, energized, and innovative person. I would highly recommend Joe, who will take on a new project and really drive it forwards. I have seen him do this in a variety of roles. Joe is also fun to work with and is a great team player. He has shown a real passion in the many curatorial subjects he’s headed up successfully.
News & Articles
View all
Release of free tools for public aquarium aquarists

The Blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List

So you've tightened the purse strings... what next?

5 money-saving hacks for your zoo or aquarium

Keeping your head above water: a practical guide to saving money at a zoo or aquarium
