NEWSLETTER VOL 87 | FEB 2026
A note from our MD
Welcome to this month’s newsletter. As we move further into the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the brilliant work happening across the business and share a few updates on where we are headed. First, I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who participated in our recent company-wide stock take. I know these tasks require a great deal of effort and attention to detail, but the impact on the business is significant. Accurate stock data is vital for our Profit & Loss (P&L) reporting and ensures we enter the next financial year on a more stable footing. Having this clarity allows us to plan with confidence and ensures we are managing stock as efficiently as possible. Speaking of planning, the Senior Leadership Team and I are currently in the middle of the strategy and budget planning process. This is an exciting time where we map out our strategic goals for the coming three years; focusing on how we can continue to grow, while supporting our teams effectively. I look forward to sharing more details about our roadmap and what this means for you at our next Company Communications Meeting on the 10th February. I was also incredibly pleased to see the high response rate for our recent employee survey regarding the site move. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and concerns. Your input is invaluable and will help us shape the requirements for our new Horsham site. I am currently reviewing the results with the team and will be providing a full update on the survey findings and our next steps during the Company Communications meeting on the 10th. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there and sharing more about the positive changes and direction we are taking. In the meantime, thank you for your continued hard work and dedication.
- Andy
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Finance Snapshot - December Financial Year To Date against Budget and Prior Year To Date. December is often a tricky month for a business, as whilst the employees are at home having fun and eating turkey or enjoying another glass of wine, the costs of the business like rent, rates and salaries carry on regardless. As such, the plan is generally to do well enough in the rest of the year that we can then afford a slower month. We duly had the slower month, with deliveries behind those budgeted, particularly to Rheinmetall. Unfortunately, this has been the story of the year so far. This in turn directly affects profits, and cash into the business. We remain behind budget on both. That said, we had notable wins in the month, with the successful trials of our OTAS/ Hawkeye MS kit unlocking millions in cash over the next few months. Well done all. This wont get us out of the overdraft hole we are in, but it significantly helps. Cohort our parent company, continue to support us; but we need to further increase orders, revenue, and profits that will then feed into repaying the overdraft. So, where are we: Orders won: we continue to have a great and growing order book. We enter the new calendar year with real confidence that this will grow significantly over the coming years. We were better than both budget and year to date, as our products remain really well received. We continue to need to improve our processes and planning in order to be ready for the increase in revenue these orders allow for. Revenue: we continue to struggle against our budgets here, as in particular Rheinmetal kit has been slower out the door than planned. That said, we are ahead of Prior Year, so let's take a moment to celebrate that. Profit: again, we are struggling here. The link between delivering for customers and profit is a strong one, and so it is no great surprise that when revenue is lower, profit is also lower. This really illustrates the value we store in getting the whole business aligned to improving our delivery rate for our customers, as then profits should rise. Cash: this has been a really difficult this year. We remain fortunate to be part of a financially secure group in Cohort plc. We did have a budget this year to repay the overdraft in full. And even with the good news on OTAS/ Hawkeye MS, this will now not happen, and whilst we need to prepare for the future revenue growth, we need to double down on efforts to appropriately spend our cash. Our company wide stock take has been now counted, and the work or checking through the balances will now be completed. It has been a mammoth task, and I would like to thank all involved for their efforts and keeping going to the end. We are learning a lot about what is on Epicor and this stock count has put us in a great position to improve the way this works further. Well done all -
- Laurie
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Hello from Steve Holloway Let me give you a little background for those of you that I have not met before. I lead the engineering team across the Horsham and Plymouth sites and also work with Michael Green, Chris Henderson and Steve Hogg in the development and management or our technology roadmap. I’ve been working in a defence environment for about 33 years and have just passed my 5 year milestone at Chess Dynamics. I am based at Horsham but actually live in Portsmouth where I have been for most of my working life, married to Claire for over 27 years and with a son studying Computer Science at Surrey University. I also have two bonkers Siamese cats that some of you may have seen hijacking the occasional Teams meeting. In terms of my experience, I trained as a physicist but thankfully the IET agreed I could qualify as a chartered engineer fairly early in my career, which sounds much more practical. Something evident when you get to know me, is my drive to do things better. I am sure in your day to day work you come up against blockages and frustrations that you wish could be changed. If you are new to Chess, you may not appreciate our origins or the journey we have travelled to get here. Since I have been at Chess, I have seen a remarkable transformation of the engineering team and other departments thanks to many of you stepping up to improve processes, tools, structures and so on. Change can be a difficult process but when it’s done for the right reasons it can make a real positive difference to our colleagues and our company performance. We recently conducted an employee survey because we want to understand how we can make Chess a better place to work. There is more to do. This is a collective responsibility, and we actively encourage initiatives to improve the way we work together. So don’t look at your process, test rig, product design, template, etc and think, “typical Chess”, we don’t need to settle with the way we are.
Same Team, New HQ
Not for External Distribution
The rumours are true - our Horsham office will be moving in the near future.
Why are we moving? This move supports the next phase of our business growth. The new site offers a more suitable layout, improved facilities, and the capacity to meet both our current needs and future ambitions. Where is the new office? Our new HQ will be located in Southwater at Charwood House, a 60,000 sq ft site designed to better support our teams and operations. When is the move happening? Key dates are yet to be finalised but will be shared well in advance. We’ll keep everyone informed with clear updates on: When the new site will be fully operational Move date(s) Any phased relocations More details will be shared at the next communications meeting - watch this space!
- Steve
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 86 | JAN 2026 VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Inside Chess Dynamics: Company Update
Not for External Distribution
We are pleased to announce that we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CHSnor AS, a Norwegian industrial company based in Moelv, Innlandet, Norway. CHSnor specialises in mechanical assembly, system integration, and lifecycle support for complex technical systems, with a strong focus on the defence sector, alongside selected civilian and industrial projects. Under this MoU, CHSnor will support and participate in workshops relating to CLS support contracts for NDMA. This scope includes continued operator and maintainer training, in-country upgrades of delivered systems (both on-site and at CHSnor’s facilities), equipment deployment, LRU Level 3/4 diagnostics and repair, spares holding as required, and support for software upgrade deployment. CHSnor is well established within the defence industry and is best known for its involvement in the CV90 armoured combat vehicle programme, working in cooperation with BAE Systems Hägglunds. NDMA is fully aware of, and supportive of, the Chess–CHSnor partnership, which represents a key element of the programme going forward. Memorandum of Understanding Signed with CHSnor AS Next week, Jim Parrott and Martin Read will represent Chess Dynamics at NavyTech & Seabed Defence 2026 in Gothenburg (3 - 5 Feb). They’ll be showcasing our SeaEagle naval fire control solutions, including the FCEO-D digital electro optical director and FCRO radar optic for precise, all-weather surface threat engagement. Staff can follow updates from the event on LinkedIn to see how Chess is demonstrating trusted, cutting-edge naval technology on the international stage. Chess at NavyTech 2026
Frontline Experience: Rich & Geoffrey at International Armoured Vehicles
Last month, Rich Varley and Geoffrey Armstrong from the Land Sales team attended the International Armoured Vehicles Conference in Farnborough. The event offered a valuable platform to engage with defence leaders and share insights on the latest trends in armoured vehicle platforms, including how sensor integration and stabilised imagery improve situational awareness in complex land environments. At our stand, we highlighted modular multi-sensor surveillance solutions, featuring a vehicle-mounted system with deployable sensors alongside our C-UAS capabilities. Conversations throughout the conference centred on integration, mobility, and modularity, underscoring the evolving demands of modern armoured platforms, and how Chess Dynamics is ready to deliver. Driving Maritime Innovation: Chess Dynamics Supports 2026 SMI Conference Chess is proud to sponsor the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) Conference 2026, taking place 16 - 18 February in Glasgow. As one of the UK’s leading maritime innovation events, the SMI Conference brings together industry leaders and decision-makers. Chess Dynamics will showcase our latest solutions, reflecting our commitment to advancing technology in the maritime and defence sectors. Representing Chess will be Jim Parrott, Martin Read, and Michael Green, who look forward to connecting with partners and exploring new opportunities. This sponsorship highlights our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and delivering trusted solutions worldwide.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 86 | JAN 2026 VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Inside Chess Dynamics: Company Update
Not for External Distribution
Keeping the US Navy Operational
Chess Dynamics Reaches 8,000 LinkedIn Followers! We’re excited to share a proud milestone for the Chess Dynamics Marketing team - our LinkedIn community has officially grown to 8,000 followers! Even more impressive, 128 new followers joined us in the last month alone, reflecting the strong momentum behind our brand and the value of the content we share. This growth is more than a number. It’s a clear signal that our insights, innovations, and voices are resonating across the industry. From thought leadership and project highlights to team stories and company updates, our LinkedIn presence is becoming a place for professionals who want to stay connected with what Chess Dynamics is building. Why this matters It amplifies our reach and strengthens our reputation in the market, it helps attract future talent, partners and customers and it showcases the expertise and impact of our people. A huge thank you to everyone who contributes by sharing posts, engaging with our updates, or simply being ambassadors for Chess Dynamics online. If you’re not already engaging with our LinkedIn posts, now’s a great time to like, comment, and share - and help us set our sights on the next milestone... 10,000 followers!
One of our Field Service Engineers, Jack Goble, recently travelled to SAAB in Syracuse, USA, to carry out an urgent repair on a critical unit. Thanks to Jack's skill, commitment, and rapid response, the repair was completed successfully - helping to get the US Navy back up and running. This was a high-pressure situation where reliability and expertise truly mattered. What Does a Field Service Engineer Do? Field Service Engineers are at the heart of what we do. Applying a broad range of skills to a consistently high standard. They work directly at customer sites, installing and commissioning equipment, carrying out servicing and maintenance, diagnosing and resolving faults, and providing training and support - often in challenging and time-critical environments. Just as important as the technical work is serving the customer. Reliability, integrity, and quality are central to how they operate. By being honest and detail-focused, they build trust and strong relationships, which helps resolve issues faster and more effectively. The role also demands resilience and adaptability. Things go wrong, often beyond their control, and sometimes success comes down to determination and finding a way through sheer force of will. In short, Field Service Engineers keep our customers’ operations moving - and we’re proud of the difference they make every day.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 86 | JAN 2026 VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Inside Chess Dynamics: Company Update
Not for External Distribution
In January, Owen Sogeler, Vision4ce Sales Manager and Simon Luke, Technical Support Engineer, traveled to snowy Poland to meet with CSI, our Vision4ce distributor, and our end customer, PCO S.A., for a series of productive and engaging discussions. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, align on business objectives, and gain firsthand insight into customer needs and priorities. During the trip, Owen and Simon showcased our latest Vision4ce hardware innovations, giving partners an in-depth look at the performance, capabilities, and real-world applications of our newest solutions. They also shared a preview of what’s currently in development within the algorithms team, sparking great conversations around future capabilities and upcoming enhancements. Overall, the visit was extremely successful, reinforcing our partnerships in the region and generating strong enthusiasm for both our current offerings and what’s to come next. Strengthening Partnerships and Showcasing Innovation: Visit to Poland
A Kind Reminder...
Chess has a number of resources available for booking:
Pitch/Yaw Table (Rock/Roll) Thermal Chamber (Oven) Vibration Suite Ford Ranger – Automatic Ford Ranger – Manual How to Book a Resource 1. Open Outlook
2. Select New Items → Meeting 3. Title: Enter the reason for use 4. Required: Search for and add one of the following as a person: “Pitch & Yaw Table”, “Thermal”, “Vibration”, or “Ranger” 5. Location: Remove “Microsoft Teams” and leave the field blank Once completed, you will receive an email confirming your booking. Please ensure all resources are booked and used responsibly (for example, do not book a full day if only two hours are required). Note: Changes in business priorities may override existing bookings at short notice. If you have any questions, please contact the Test Engineer Manager, Jamie Sanderson.
Customer Visit and Hawkeye MS Demonstration
Last month, our Norwegian customer, NDMA, visited our Horsham site for customer facing testing. While the session presented some challenges, it also delivered several successes. There is still work to be done before the project is ready to ship, but the end is now in sight.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
Cohort Business Excellence Awards - Nominations Recognition We’d like to recognise and congratulate colleagues who were nominated for this year’s Cohort Business Excellence Awards. While not shortlisted, these nominations are an important acknowledgment of the high standards, commitment, and impact shown by our people across the business.
Well done to everyone who was shortlisted for, and went on to win, at the Cohort Business Excellence Awards in January. This recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and teamwork demonstrated across the business. Cohort Business Excellence Awards – Shortlisted and Winners
Early Career Alfie Hunt - Silver Award Billy Penton-Volk - Bronze Award
Early Career Nominations Vincent Whittaker Samuel Hindley Romy Sellers Individual Nominations Harrison Reed Mat Cooke Matthew Bennett Group Nomination Chess Field Service Engineers
Individual Jack Goble - Bronze Award
Team Awards Chess HR Team - Bronze Award Lottie Pepler Natasha Maynard
Sarah Rogers Sally Espezel Kally Umanee
Chess Mellori Project Team - Bronze Award James Grover Matt England
Phill Griffin, Jacob Axworthy, David Ellis, Michael Thompson, Paul Rickman, Jack Goble and Harry Bagshaw Thank you all for your continued hard work and for representing Chess Dynamics. Your efforts are truly valued.
David Reichwald Billy Penton-Volk James Colwell Harry Varanauskas Thomas Ingles
For further information on the winners, please click here.
Congratulations to all involved! A fantastic achievement and something to be proud of. Thank you for continuing to represent Chess Dynamics so positively.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
Getting to know Mel Sykes
What are the key challenges and opportunities you anticipate and how do you plan to overcome these? My PMs are required to manage open and honest customer communication which can be challenging where timelines or quality expectations are not met by the Company. At the same time, PMO needs to ensure the wider business fully understands the resulting commercial impact of customer dissatisfaction, such as delayed payments or financial damages. From an opportunity perspective, our pipeline is looking extremely favourable. The initial ‘win’ of T26 (Royal Navy) has led to an impending batch two award (4 additional RN Frigates) and discussions have commenced for Batch 3 (Norwegian Navy). In addition, the initial T26 contract led to the Australian T26 award with batch two being priced. All other deliverables (MCMV, Ancilia, MTATS, AW Ships, LSAP) are well placed for follow on contracts. As PMO, we need to evolve, remain flexible, and develop to adapt to these challenges and opportunities. I am confident that as a team, we are well set to do this. What are your core leadership principles? /How do you motivate and inspire your team? I see leadership principles and team motivation sitting hand in hand. Feedback is essential both good and bad. I need my team to feel motivated and have trust in me. We must celebrate the wins and learn from the times that have not gone so well. I often must remind myself that you cannot boil the ocean – giving the team clear and concise goals to achieve is essential. I am a true believer that you must lead by example – there is nothing worse than a team member not understanding what their manager wants of them. How do you foster a positive and productive work environment? I want my team to enjoy what they do and appreciate the bigger goal of enabling capability to create a safer world. I make every effort to engage with the team outside the work environment – It is important that the team appreciates that what they do makes a difference. Chess is a relatively small company but plays a key role across a wide range of defence capability to an extremely varied customer base. We should all be proud of what we do.
What are your main
responsibilities? I am responsible to the Chess Maritime customers to ensure that our contracted deliverables are with the customer on time. As a line manager of four Project Managers, I function as a point of escalation for both internal and external stakeholders.
Can you describe a typical day in your current role? My day can be extremely varied; there are no 2 days alike – there are customer meetings daily throughout the programme. I try to prioritise and support areas in which I see issues realising/arising – I simply cannot attend them all. The customers are extremely varied, it is not unusual to attend calls with French, Italian, Spanish, Australian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Dutch, Belgian and Danish stakeholders!! Sometimes 4 or 5 on the same day. How do you see the company evolving in the next 3-5 years? I have been with Chess just over a year now – I am sure everyone will agree that in that short time, there have been some significant changes (to say the least). I genuinely believe the company is now well set to face the challenges that the world is currently experiencing. In a previous life, I spent 28 years in the military – whilst there have been conflicts throughout that time, I do not think that we have seen such volatile activity so close to home as we are experiencing now. The so what of this is that all allies are increasing their military capability and Chess need to be ready, in all respects, to support existing and new customer requirements.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
Employee Referral Personal recommendations are a very effective way of finding the right people to fill our vacancies. The Employee Referral Scheme is designed to reward employees who make a successful personal recommendation. If you know someone who you believe has the skills, experience and personality to be a great employee at Chess, we would like to hear from you. Thank you, Mel, for giving us such a great insight into your views. Welcome to the Team! Meet Our January Starters Greg Parsons - Horsham - Service Support Technician Robyn Truran - Horsham - HR Advisor Liam Kelly - Horsham - Machine Shop Technician Laura Singleton - Horsham - Head of Commerial How do you promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace? When teams feel they must hide or mask core parts of themselves at work it can lead to reduced performance, take a toll on employee retention and turnover rates. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have evolved significantly since I first started work – it had to. We ALL must ensure that any signs of bias are brought to the attention of managers at the earliest opportunity. What is your vision for the company's social responsibility and impact? It is important that we all take the opportunity to maximise the opportunities of reaching the companies environmental social and governance objectives. Whether it be enabling the next generation, supporting local charities, or helping in understanding the commitment to reducing emissions – we all have a part to play. Getting to know Mel Sykes
Career Pathways: Building Clear Pathways for Employee Development The HR Team have been busy behind the scenes partnering with department leads across the business to develop clear and consistent career pathways for every team. This work has been shaped by employee feedback, particularly around the importance of having clarity on the opportunities for growth and development within Chess. The Chess Career Pathways set out how roles are structured within teams, what’s expected at different levels, and how you can progress over time, they can also form a basis for discussion around your future development. Several Pathways are now live and established and we will continue working closely with department leads to develop more Pathways and get these rolled out across the rest of the business. The aim of the Career Pathways is to help you understand:
• What success looks like in your role • How you can grow and develop • What future opportunities may be available
All current Career Pathways are available on Confluence within the HR Knowledge Base, and we’ll continue to share updates as new Pathways are introduced.
Congratulations to Gary Evans from our Horsham office on their recent promotion! Gary's progressed from IT Systems Engineer to IT Infrastructure and Systems Engineer. Well done and congratulations on this exciting step forward! Promotions
Sean Raw - Horsham - Senior Systems Engineer Jamie Allen - Horsham - Electrical Production Engineer Jasmine Ricketts - Horsham - Marketing Assistant
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
Keith Watts: Celebrating 25 Years of Service
February Birthday Wishes
This month, we’re proud to celebrate an incredible milestone - Keith Watts has been with Chess for 25 years! From his early days working on racing car simulators to supporting the mechanical team today, Keith has been an integral part of the Chess journey.
Alan Deller Alfie Hunt Chris Patterson Colin Berry David Wright Iqra Akram Jacqui Hunt James Covington Joanne Bates Katenaree Bourhill Liam Kelly Malcolm Cherrie Matt Hogg Matt Tripp Natasha Maynard Paul Comper Paul Holden Peter Smith Richard Newble Sean Friggens Valerie Hampshire Vincent Whittaker Vincenzo Corvino Wendy Bowman
When asked how it feels to reach 25 years, Keith laughs: "Quite amazing - I have no idea where all the time has gone."
Keith’s journey at Chess began through connections with the former Managing Director and Technical Director, with whom he had previously worked at Radamec Defence Systems. In November 2000, he was invited to help design a racing car simulator for McLaren - and the rest, as they say, is history. "Environmental commissioning of SAAB’s Sea Giraffe system stands out as a highlight," Keith recalls. Another point of pride is the design of the same system, a project that has continued successfully since 2002. Over the years, Keith has seen the company grow from a small team of just 10 people in Unit 7 of North Heath Industrial Estate to the thriving business Chess is today - a transformation that continues to impress.
With 25 years of experience comes valuable insight: "Don’t take anything for granted," he advises.
We are sad to say goodbye to...
For those starting their careers at Chess, Keith’s advice is simple but effective: "Introduce yourself to everyone in your department so that they can recognise you and support you when needed." These days, Keith focuses on supporting the mechanical team, sharing knowledge built over 25 years, particularly around IOTAs, Cobras, Scorpions, and SAAB Turntables. Keith’s 25-year journey is a testament to dedication, expertise, and the
Sam Melbourne - Horsham ILS Engineer
Nicola Adams - Horsham Commercial Contracts Manager
Luke Richardson - Horsham Senior Systems Engineer
relationships that make Chess such a special place to work. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to many more years of innovation, collaboration, and shared success.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
Meet the Apprentice: Thomas Inglis Q&A
What has surprised you most about doing an apprenticeship? This is integrated with other courses at the university, where I attend classes alongside software engineering and computer science students, including both other apprenticeship students and full-time students. What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in engineering or data science? I would advise anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the leap. Yes, it will be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding, and the experiences you gain from a course tailored for people in a working environment make it more than worth it. I would also add that Chess will be there to support you every step of the way. What does “Skills for Life” mean to you? I have a strong belief that we should all strive to learn new things and continually develop ourselves. To me, “skills for life” are the skills that help you grow and keep evolving personally and professionally. Tom’s story is a great example of how
For National Apprentice Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on Skills for Life through the journey of our apprentice, Tom Inglis. Tom is combining hands-on experience as a Test Engineer with a Level 6 Data Scientist (Integrated Degree) apprenticeship, gaining both technical expertise and lifelong skills along the way. In this Q&A, he shares how the apprenticeship is helping him grow, tackle challenges, and shape his career for the future. Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Chess Dynamics? I have worked in engineering for a number of years and have developed skills across electrical and mechanical systems, as well as the software they use, but I have never had any formal training. One of my fellow test engineers is currently completing a mechanical engineering HND, and my manager, Jamie Sanderson, is very supportive of the growth and development of his team. This encouraged me to look into courses that would help me progress within the test team. What does your role as a Test Engineer involve? My role as a test engineer involves working with test systems that require mechanical, electrical, and software testing, as well as fault-finding any issues identified on a system, whether they are mechanical, electrical, or software related. How does the Data Scientist Level 6 apprenticeship fit with your role? The data scientist apprenticeship will allow me to gain a better understanding of the software and GUIs we use, helping both me and the test team to more effectively test systems and understand any failures that may occur during testing and FAT procedures. It will also enable closer collaboration with the software team to achieve quicker resolutions to issues and would allow us to develop our own test GUIs if required.
apprenticeships at Chess Dynamics can open doors, build confidence, and equip you with the skills to succeed, both in your career and in life. Our supportive environment ensures apprentices have the guidance and opportunities they need to grow every step of the way.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
What has kept Deborah motivated for 15 years is simple - she genuinely enjoys what she does. When she joined, Chess had fewer than 40 employees and felt very much like a family. While the company has grown significantly since then, Deborah feels it has retained its friendly culture, while offering more opportunities, benefits, and fresh perspectives as new people join the business. Deborah would like to thank Andrew Rackley and Paul Gates for their continued support and guidance throughout her career. Working with her team remains a highlight - built on openness, honesty, trust, and a shared belief that we are one team. Throughout her career, Deborah has learned that everyone has a voice and that there is always something to learn from one another. Chess has supported her development through a range of training opportunities, including IPC 620 trainer courses and team management and leadership training. Looking ahead, Deborah is excited by the challenges and opportunities that come with Chess’s continued growth. Her goal remains simple - to continue doing what she enjoys and see what comes next. Deborah’s advice to anyone starting at Chess is straightforward: “If in doubt, ask. Help is always there.” In her own words, Deborah sums up her 15 years at Chess as: “A unique and enjoyable adventure.”
In January 2026, we proudly celebrate Deborah Hards’ 15-year work anniversary at Chess - a milestone that reflects her dedication, expertise, and commitment to the business. Deborah joined Chess in January 2011 as an Electrical Technician, working primarily on prototype wiring alongside the manufacture of system cables designed to perform in harsh environments. With prior experience in cable manufacturing, this quickly became a key strength and helped shape her career progression within the company. As Chess grew, so did Deborah’s role. In 2013, she was appointed Electrical Section Leader, enabling her to focus more closely on cable assemblies while continuing to oversee prototype and slipring wiring. Through increased responsibility and product knowledge, Deborah was promoted to Cabling Supervisor in 2023, a role that recognises her leadership and technical expertise. Two standout achievements mark Deborah’s journey. In March 2013, she became an IPC 620 trainer, a significant professional milestone. She was also a key member of the OTAS Trials Team, whose efforts were acknowledged with a Gold Award at the 2020 Cohort Business Excellence Awards. One of Deborah’s most memorable moments came during the 2020 lockdown. Despite the challenges of remote working while continuing to build cables and meet deadlines, the team delivered - a testament to strong teamwork, integrity, excellence and courage during a very difficult time. Celebrating 15 Years at Chess: A Career That’s Grown with the Business
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Charity & Awareness Initiatives
Food Bank Collection Update Walk, Talk, Connect Time to Talk Day is coming up on Thursday 5th February, and we’re encouraging everyone to take some time to connect with colleagues. Mental health and wellbeing are important to all of us, and sometimes a simple conversation can make a big difference.
A big thank you to Rachael Humphrey and Aaron Peacock in our Horsham office for collecting and boxing up the two food bank cages in December, and to Aaron for kindly delivering all the donations to Horsham Matters food bank. Your efforts ensured these much-needed contributions reached the community in time for the festive season. Thank you also to everyone who donated. Your generosity truly makes a difference! We’re happy to report that the cages are now empty and ready for more donations, so please continue to drop in items and support this important cause. Horsham Matters have highlighted the following items as particularly needed at the moment: Household cleaning products and laundry detergents Long-life fruit juice Tinned meat and tinned potatoes Tinned vegetarian options (not pulses) Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that people in our local area facing hard times can access essential food and household supplies. Let’s keep up the great support! As a reminder, the two donation boxes at Horsham can be found in Quadrant House Lobby or Unit F Kitchen.
This year, on 10th February we’re inviting you to go out for a walk with your teammates after the company comms meeting. Step away from your desk, enjoy some fresh air, and take the opportunity to chat. Whether it’s about work, life, or just how your day is going. To make it even easier, we’re extending lunch by 30 minutes so you can get outside without worrying about the clock. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of your walking groups - we’d love to see everyone getting involved. We've suggested some local walking routes for each site (links below), but feel free to explore your own path:
Horsham Plymouth Wokingham
If you can't join the walk, we still encourage you to take some time on Time to Talk Day to connect with a friend, family member, or colleague and have a conversation about mental health. Let’s make Time to Talk Day a chance to walk, talk, and connect. Your wellbeing matters, and together we can make it easier to support one another.
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Chess & Beyond: Social Events and More
The Chess Golf Society will be starting again in April, with games usually taking place on the last Friday afternoon of each month from April to October. A special event is planned at Seaford Head Golf Club on Friday 14th August, which coincides with the Airbourne Airshow. In previous years, players have enjoyed seeing aircraft flying overhead and sometimes even at eye level. If anyone is interested in joining the Chess Golf Society, please contact Graham Neale in Stores, Horsham. New members are always welcome, and it would be great to see both familiar and new faces. Chess Golf Society - 2026 Season Begins in April
Slide Tackles & Small Talk: Chess Football Society The Chess Football Society is a long standing institution supporting fun and casual 5-a-side games as long as you talk to the right person. If you fancy getting some regular exercise into your schedule, there’s no better thing to do at The Holbrook Club on a Wednesday night between 6-7pm on the 3G football pitches than to play football. Dry January? More like Football January as you get the opportunity to add a New Year’s resolution to that growing list. With its convenient location just across the road, you can’t beat the value for money, especially when you’re given the opportunity to slide tackle a fellow employee for the low price of £4. Fancy a Thursday morning off? Just mis-time a challenge or run into a goalpost. Aside from the physical nature of the sport, there are numerous mental health benefits including remembering to hold back verbal abuse and ultimately ending the day with a smile. It is an opportunity to team build, get outside, and join a social side of Chess.
Throwback Corner
Take a trip down memory lane with our website from 2018! Back then, our site was a little different, but over the past eight years, it has evolved into a sleek, modern hub that truly reflects our brand and the work we do. From updated visuals to improved navigation and fresh content, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come, and how much our online presence has grown alongside our team.
If you’d like any more details, contact me, Matt Tripp
Net Profits, Net Goals
marketing@chess-dynamics.com
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