Enhancing Fire Investigation Expertise
As part of our commitment to continuous professional development, Hawkins recently hosted a comprehensive electrical training programme, led by Fire Expert Nick Carey and Electrical Engineer David Edwards. The training, delivered to our experts, covered two key courses: Electricity for Fire Investigation and Electrical Installations & Testing. These sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics – from the fundamentals of electricity to the operational principles of domestic wiring systems. Attendees engaged in hands-on exercises, including the installation of consumer units and the live testing of appliances to the point of failure. The training combined classroom-based theory with practical exercises, including: Live demonstrations of domestic appliances and wiring pushed to failure, offering insight into how electrical faults can lead to fire Installation of a mock domestic circuit, including consumer units, sockets, and lighting, to simulate real-world electrical layouts Analysis of arcing patterns, based on Nick Carey’s original research, highlighting subtle but crucial indicators often overlooked in investigations “I attended both the Electricity for Fire Investigation and Electrical Installations & Testing courses run by Nick and David,” said Adam Ashing, Mechanical Engineer at Hawkins. “They covered a range of topics, from the fundamentals of electricity, to the wiring diagrams and operational principles of common domestic devices. I found […]
Hawkins Welcomes Chemistry Expert Louisa Laing
We are pleased to welcome Louisa Laing to our London office as a valued addition to our team of chemistry experts. Louisa brings to Hawkins a strong background in materials science, chemistry and electro-optical physics.
Hawkins Returns to the Merchant Hotel for Burning Questions Drinks Reception
It was a pleasure to welcome guests back to the Merchant Hotel in Belfast for our annual Drinks Reception.
Louisa Laing
Louisa graduated with a Masters degree in Chemistry from Durham University, where she developed a strong foundation in analytical and materials science. During her studies, she completed a year in industry with Intrinsiq Materials Ltd, working on conductive nanomaterials for printed electronics. After graduating, she returned to Intrinsiq as a Research Scientist, focusing on the development and characterisation of nanocopper pastes. In 2018, Louisa joined QinetiQ, where she specialised in electro-optical physics and advanced material systems for defence applications. As Team Leader of the Electro Optical Physics group, she led a team of scientists delivering research and development projects focused on coatings, textiles, and composite camouflage materials. Her work included designing and testing novel materials, using optical and infrared measurement techniques to evaluate performance. She also collaborated with military stakeholders and QinetiQ’s legal team, contributing to intellectual property development and presenting technical findings to the NATO Science and Technology Organisation. Throughout her career, Louisa has developed strong expertise in technical investigation and data interpretation—skills that closely align with forensic methodologies. She has authored technical reports for government and industry clients, contributed to multiple patent applications, and provided training and mentorship within her team. Louisa joined Hawkins in August 2025 as […]
Lucy Pinkard Under The Spotlight
We spent some time finding out more about Hawkins Fire and Explosions expert Lucy Pinkard, and what led her to a career with Hawkins.
Anna Knight Celebrates 20 Years at Hawkins
Fire and explosions expert Anna Knight celebrates 2 decades of dedicated service at Hawkins. We would like to thank Anna for her commitment.
Russ Smith Celebrates 20 Years at Hawkins
Hawkins Quality Manager, Russ Smith celebrates 20 years of service this August 2025. We would like to thank him for his dedicated service.
Hawkins Hosts Forensic Fun Day
Hawkins hosts guests from CNA Hardy for a forensic fun day, showcasing Hawkins practical investigative capabilities.
James Clarke Presents to Suffolk Fire & Rescue
James Clarke recently presented to Suffolk Fire and Rescue, on the fire safety design and construction of external walls in multi storey buildings.
Chemical Analytical Techniques in Forensic Investigations
Forensic investigators occasionally need to turn to analytical chemistry to solve a case and effect a recovery or repudiate a claim. James discusses the techniques Hawkins use and their application in real cases.