About Us

James Banasik MSc

Founder & Meteorologist

james@metswift.com

James Banasik (Applied Meteorology and Climate, MSc) is accredited by the prestigious University of Reading – ranked 2^nd in the world for research in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences.

He co-founded MetSwift in response to the supposition that ‘you cannot predict the weather that far ahead’, drawing on the research and learning of his fellow graduates, who are now a part of MetSwift.

Whilst in a previous role, James & his peers identified a notable gap in current commercial weather and natcat forecasting.

With Shaun Pammenter MSc – his co-founder – and supported by the expertise of James Peacock MSc (Head Meteorologist) and Joseph France MMet (Head of Data Science) he began developing MetSwift’s work in 2015: Utilising academic expertise alongside big data, artificial intelligence and data science to evolve the ways in which weather data is treated; predicting up to five years ahead.

‘We are aiming to revolutionise the way in which meteorological intelligence is delivered to industry – making it smarter, swifter and placing our clients in control of extremely high quality, instant insights. This improves their processes and is enabled by the range of analytic models within our platform, which range from historical statistical analysis to advanced, ever-learning predictive AI.’

Shaun Pammenter MSc

Co-Founder & Meterologist

shaun@metswift.com

‘As a professional sailor, I live weather daily. During racing seasons, I constantly review weather events and patterns that I am aware will be precipitous to gain even incremental advantages. My desire to discover more in this area led me to study Meteorology and Climate at the University of Reading.

That time at Reading, a global leader in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, was the start of what is now MetSwift. We saw an opportunity to transform, not just the ways in which long-term forecasting is carried out, but the potential future reach of the prediction.

Following years of developing machine-learning models, global coverage of WMO approved weather stations, and applied climate science we are creating analytic forecasting capabilities never seen before: Bringing us ever closer to achieving what we set out to do.

I am passionate about our environment. Finding solutions to critical climate problems requires talented people committed to pushing frontiers: Individuals with the knowledge, skill and curiosity to apply principles of meteorology, maths and data science in new ways. This is true of finding solutions for industry also, and is why we’ve bought innovative meteorology, drawing on our AI, to industry.’

James Peacock

Head Meteorologist

peacock@metswift.com

Resident writer of bespoke weather-based insights & tweets.

Forecaster, data manipulator and vividly enthusiastic weather geek. Passionately driven to revolutionise the way in which weather and climate information is delivered. This is what it takes to help build a company from the ground-up!

From the mannerisms of tropical cycles to the behaviour of atmospheric circulations above the Arctic, his wide breadth of meteorological insight has been employed for the development of MetSwift’s world-leading, global coverage AI weather prediction model.

Additionally, James specialises in aligning his meteorological expertise with content talents such as processing data acquisition into visually effective formats; and researching articles covering multiple categories, including long-range event weather prospects, weather & climate insights, and exploring weather lore.

Away from work, he is very fond of getting out among all manner of weather and nature, on long walks and cycle rides. Somewhat adept with a guitar, when the mood hits.

James studied BSc (Hons) Physical Geography at the University of Portsmouth, followed by MSc Applied Meteorology at the University of Reading. During these years, he applied an increasing library of weather & climate knowledge into numerous personal projects. It was through one of these, contributing to a popular weather forum, that our founder, James Banasik, first discovered his capabilities.

Joseph France MMet

Head of Data Science

joseph@metswift.com

Joseph France (Applied Meteorology and Climate, MMet) is MetSwift’s foremost developer, managing all data acquisition and cleansing with comprehensive precision. He also oversees the development and testing of our range of statistical and predictive analytic models: Developing logic that, ensures users are accessing, via these models, the best and most relevant data for their requests.

Joseph has an integrated masters with the University of Reading, a world leader in Meteorology and Atmospheric studies, where he specialised in computational and numerical weather prediction. This included the self-led creation of physics-based atmospheric models.

During time spent at the University of Oklahoma, he developed an understanding of commercial forecasting, exploring how weather and commerce are interrelated. He has also developed models to predict wind power generation.

‘What we’re doing is interesting because we take complex ideas and information (about weather and natcat events and teleconnections) and present insight into these in a way that’s intuitive without losing any of that information. It’s a great challenge.

Working on this translation of complexity to simplicity on the scale our data and models cover, enabling accessible understanding, is very fulfilling.

I hope this also nudges people to look at the weather as an opportunity to be proactive in advance, rather than reactive. That people can use our software to – not only improve their current business – but also develop a greater understanding of how weather impacts their commercial processes, is a great thought.’

Kate Charles MSc

Head of Content & Brand

Kate is an experienced Content Developer and Writer with a demonstrated history of working in the cultural sector for a variety of high-profile clients such as Locog Olympic Games, Oxford Cultural Events, Grey Goose Vodka, King Abdhul Aziz Centre for World Culture, The Ashmolean Museum, BBC, and Live Art Theatre (London, Edinburgh). She has worked closely and collaboratively with graphic designers and web developers throughout her career to create compelling experiences.

Kate has had striking content appear in a variety of influential areas; from high-profile international events and museums, to culture-changing live art. She specialises in devising visual, spatial and immersive/experiential experiences around intelligent content, including site-specific and digital work. Skilled in creative collaboration, Kate has a 1:1 MSc in Critical Theory and Creative Writing (The University of Edinburgh) and a Diploma in Psychotherapy (BCPC).

Kate has been responsible for developing vocabulary & visual identity around MetSwift from scratch, and is currently evolving brand identity.

‘I like to work within the socio-cultural conversation. Climate navigation is clearly fascinating, as is AI.’

She is also a published poet.

Andy Kirk

Managing Director

andy@metswift.com

Andy is an experienced business owner, specialising in the provision of Information Technology services. His focus has been within Business Development, and Commercial and Sales Management, which have also included Facilities and Construction Services.

He worked for four years as Business Development Manager for Skansa, who develop and build for a sustainable future.

He’s an involved Managing Director, ideal for a start-up. He is skilled in perceiving the current dynamics of a business and developing realistic roadmaps that negotiate future strategies, listening carefully to his team. His ease in management, development and sales experience are a part of his practical and considered approach both to people and planning.

Andy began with MetSwift as our CTO. Within MetSwift we feel Andy is able to perceive both the nuances of our company’s evolution and the expansive picture. His managerial style is highly adaptive – taking into account the varied values and approaches each of his team bring; resulting in a holistic company culture that can incorporate a range of business specialisms.

‘I feel this supports MetSwift in being a collaborative company where we feel we can work together to achieve gamechanging results.’

Andy is also our in-house chef, renowned for his bacon sandwiches.

Shelley Borchard

Sales and Marketing Director

shelley@metswift.com

Shelley is a long-standing Sales and Marketing Director, specialising in the tech and SAAS (software as a service) sector. For over 20 years Shelley has been instrumental in delivering revenue to some of the UK’s largest and most successful software providers. At board level, Shelley has expedited company growth. Her determination and passion to see potentially game-changing businesses have impact is the reason she joined the MetSwift team.

Shelley has extensive experience in steering start-ups and SMEs through growth and consolidation phases. Companies where she has facilitated growth at a financially highly notable level, via tendering, framework integration and client development include Firstnet Services Ltd, NetServices and Daisy PLC.

Shelley believes in developing responsive and authentic b2b relationships that truly improve the client experience.

Dave Parratt

Chief Technical Officer

dave@metswift.com

‘As Chief Technology and Compliance Officer I ensure first-rate governance and due diligence to ensure the stability and security of our offering and to maintain the Industrial-strength product our increasing client demand requires. In conjunction with this objective, we are working to maintain our agility and continually increase product development velocity to meet the expectations of our broadening market offerings.

I have many years’ experience managing large and complex projects, programmes & portfolios for financial service clients, ostensibly, Tier 1 banks. From large scale data migration projects to infrastructure renewal and business transformational programmes; I have had the opportunity to understand the enabling capabilities of technology when managed well in business.

MetSwift is a very interesting company. Our recent award for Best Use of AI is testament to the innovation and thought leadership of our outstanding meteorological experts and representation via our creative team. It is a privilege to be able to be part of this exciting and dynamic company.’