Powering Britain's
Battery Revolution
Powering Britain's
Battery Revolution
At the Faraday Institution Conference Dinner 2025 we were delighted to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Colin Herron CBE. When CEO Martin Freer presented Colin with the award he expressed the following…
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable career of a one-of-a-kind who retired earlier this year by awarding the first Faraday Institution Lifetime Achievement Award.
Colin has devoted his 52 year career to the automotive industry, the North East, and the electrification agenda.
Starting out as an apprentice toolmaker in Tyne and Wear, he went on to spend 17 years in Engineering at Nissan.
He earned a PhD in Japanese manufacturing techniques at the age of 50 and was appointed a CBE for services to businesses and renewable energy in 2018.
He has combined his industrial experience with work in the public sector at the NE Regional Development Agency, One North East and in the Further Education Sector where he built up and ran Zero Carbon Futures. And when he retired he was Professor of Practice at Newcastle University.
A hugely varied and successful career trajectory.
He’s played a leading role in developing a battery manufacturing ecosystem in the North East and in the roll out of EV charging infrastructure.
He spearheaded the North East Battery Alliance (NEBA) and headed the Faraday Institution North East Office. In doing so he’s built on the region’s growing prominence in battery research, innovation, skills, and production, addressing cross-cutting challenges in research and industry, and devising strategies for partner organisations and the region to harness their strengths.
Most recently he’s been closely involved with setting up the £1.3 million National Battery Training and Skills Academy – a collaboration between Newcastle University and New College Durham. It’s a huge step forward in building the workforce needed to power our electrified future – from STEM engagement, through technical training for hundreds of AESC technicians, to PhDs – via flexible learning pathways.
He’s spoken at the Royal Institution, and provided evidence to both the House of Commons, and the House of Lords.
But in his long, distinguished and varied career, he’s done so much more than this. His dedication to local causes is truly inspirational. He’s touched so many people’s lives, professionally and personally. He’s done more than he can know in supporting colleagues and nurturing and enthusing the next generation of talent.
When Colin announced his retirement on LinkedIn there was an outpouring of thanks and gratitude by a huge number and variety of people from the NorthEast and nationally. From Masters students and colleagues at Newcastle, including his right-hand woman Lois Warne, to TV celebrities, stalwarts of the battery industry, and policy advisors. With permission, we shared some of these reflections during the dinner.
It’s been an honour and a pleasure knowing you. Your work has always been inspirational and your contribution to your field significant.”
Quentin Willson, Motoring Journalist, TV Presenter and Transport Campaigner
I will miss you like no one will ever understand. My mentor, my dad talks, seeing things from another side, taking a challenge on head first and running with it, laughing in faces that tell you you’re not good enough or won’t succeed, in the best way, so they laugh with you, not at you, and ultimately join you. You’re one in a million and more.”
Lois Warne, Strategic Project Manager, Newcastle University
Joining your team in One North East for a short stint at the start of my career definitely set the bar for leadership, inclusive team work, keeping your focus on the goal, and making sure you enjoy the journey along the way.”
Lucy Martin, Director of the Brunel Centre
You are a whirlwind of a colleague and friend, with an awe inspiring, boundless energy and enthusiasm for work and life in general. Your tireless advocacy for carbon reducing technology and passion and fierce promotion of the strengths of the North-East have helped to bring great investment and opportunity. I’ve been very privileged to have worked with you over many years.”
Simon Lambert, Deputy Director for Electrification and Senior Lecturer, Newcastle University
We first met when I was a student. Right from the start, his passion for his work really stood out. He’s not only deeply committed to his work, but also kind, generous, and genuinely cares about the people around him.”
Alice Simpson, former intern with NorthEast Battery Alliance
You were the first person I met in the UK in the battery space and I’ve valued your wisdom, your fire, your clarity, your taste in beer and of course your Northern humour! Thank you or everything you have given to the UK and the battery world.”
Matt Howard, Chief Strategy Officer, Faraday Institution
It’s the end an era! I have enormously appreciated your encouragement and support at multiple junctures in my careers where our paths serendipitously crossed, and your generosity of spirit. You will be very much missed from the UK EV scene.”
Gavin Harper, Critical Materials Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
I’m so glad we kept you entertained in employment for longer than I’d hoped when you told me in Jan 2020 that you might manage a couple of years as Professor of Practice at Newcastle University! Can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for electrification in the North East ever since.”
Brian Walker, Strategic Advisor and former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Newcastle University
You have always been a great pleasure to work with – your very positive attitude, openness to ideas and willingness to give everything a go. Your far reaching and diverse network of contacts who love to work with you is testimony to your great character and sociable nature. You will be greatly missed at the University, but knowing you, you’ll will always be only a phone call away ready for your next idea!”
Mohamed Mamlouk, Newcastle University
Thank you for getting me involved in your world for a while. It was an amazing insight into the world of car manufacturing and an absolute pleasure to work with you. You are the very definition of a ‘can do’ person!”
Sanjee Ratnatunga, Director, Ideas for Change Consulting
It’s been a real pleasure getting to know you and working with you to change the world. I hope a little of your intellectual curiosity, passion and enthusiasm have rubbed off on me in the process.”
Martin Wood, Chief Investment Adviser, Office for Investment, Department for Business and Trade
You are a very special man who personifies all that can be good in our profession and in our society. Thank you. I’m privileged to know you.”
John Patsavellas, Senior Lecturer, Cranfield University
You are a leader of change within the North-East Region driving growth and productivity improvements across the region whilst taking a following of coverts with you. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you over the years. You are a mentor, a friend and an ambassador for the North-East.”
Claire Defty, Project Manager, CPI
I have loved being around your passion, honesty, transparency and the way you jump in and help and use your vast network for the greater good – often as a proud Geordie to promote the North East. Thank you! Your retirement (mostly) from the electrification arena will be the gain for your other causes.”
Emily Baird, Events Manager, Faraday Institution
Please join us in congratulating Professor Colin Herron, CBE, on all of his achievements and in recognising the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
