Cumbria O&M Services has announced two senior appointments as part of its ongoing growth strategy.
Paul Sutton joins as engineering and compliance director and Gareth Monkhouse has been appointed as commercial and compliance manager.
COMS has experienced significant growth over the past year, it said, with projections for further expansion over the next 12 to 36 months.
The company has continued to increase collaboration with both SMEs and multi-national organisations and has a strong pipeline of opportunities across multiple sectors and geographical locations.
It added: “As COMS scales, these appointments will support the formalisation of its commercial, compliance, and sustainability activities, ensuring continued alignment with client needs and industry standards.”
Paul brings over 23 years of experience in nuclear site operations and engineering management, having held leadership and compliance roles at Sellafield, Nuclear Waste Services, and AWE.
His extensive background includes positions such as head of engineering, head of engineering assurance, nuclear safety case manager, operations manager, design authority, licence condition owner, site sentencing authority, and principal designer.
Paul was a member of the Nuclear Engineering Directors Forum from 2015 to 2023 and plays an active role in the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), serving on the Cumbria Members Group Committee, mentoring professionals on their career paths, and acting as a Professional Reviewer for IChemE Chartered Engineer applications.
Paul said: “COMS has been on an exciting journey of growth and expansion since its formation in 2014. I joined COMS so I could play my part in this growth and use my nuclear industry and mentoring experience to add value to COMS and its client base.
“In addition, the broader mission of delivering excellence is something that deeply resonates with me. I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the COMS team.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks at COMS; I’ve been made to feel so welcome. It’s been brilliant getting to know the COMS teams and our clients, and I’m looking forward to leading engineering, commissioning, and start-up activities while also providing leadership across the wider compliance functions.”
In addition to overseeing engineering, commissioning, and start-up activities, Paul will also provide leadership across the wider COMS compliance functions, ensuring legal, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements are met.
Gareth’s appointment comes at a critical time as COMS strengthens its commercial frameworks and compliance initiatives. His expertise will help enhance business processes, drive efficiency, and ensure regulatory alignment across the company’s expanding operations.
Gareth added: “Joining COMS at this stage of its journey is a fantastic opportunity. With increased collaboration and a growing presence in multiple sectors, I look forward to supporting the team in maintaining robust commercial and compliance strategies that will drive continued success.”
Cliff Woodman, director at COMS, said: “The continued success and expansion of COMS mean that having the right leadership in place is essential.
“Paul and Gareth bring extensive expertise in their respective fields, which will strengthen our ability to deliver innovative solutions for our clients.
“Their appointments mark an exciting chapter for the business as we continue to grow, develop strategic partnerships, and drive sustainable progress.”
