1 – In your own words – what do you do?
Drive Resource Studio (DRS) is a force for good providing purpose-built software to a engineering sector that has been historically let down by software providers. Empowering innovation and contributing to the flourishing of British engineering now and in the future. Being founded by engineers we are aware of the current challenges facing the sector experiencing them up close daily. DRS software helps to disrupt barriers from daily operations, allowing engineers to focus on what they do best, design and engineering. We are building software solving today’s and future problems, as operational complexity grows in manufacturing, software must tackle this. Using emergent technologies to streamline processes end to end, creating freedom to innovate, while removing workflow gaps which are slowing companies down.
2 – What’s the most exciting thing about what you’re doing?
Breaking new ground in engineering software by using AI and Orchestration to build a truly flexible and dynamic product offering that is tailored to your needs rather than you being forced into a rigid structure, as is common historically. A prime example of this is our Virtual Production Line feature, which allows direct mapping of production processes into the procedures of the platform. Allowing more advanced planning, tracking and efficient process management. Additionally enabling multiple distinct virtual production lines to be utilised simultaneously to manage various distinct production runs all within one system.
3 – What are you most proud of so far?
There are a few things that stand out, the main one being that I was brave enough to quit my amazing full time job to do this, and that the fund raising went so well that it has given us the ability to work full time and produce something very special. Secondly it has to be the early recognition from CEO Monthly, being awarded Most Influential CEO 2026 – Engineering Tech Innovation and DRS being spotlighted in their January addition, getting manufacturing back in the conversation was amazing to see.
4 – What have you found most difficult about being a startup?
Being a start-up comes with its own challenges, and we are meeting new challenges constantly, so perseverance is crucial. Not everyone buys into the vision and dealing with rejection, criticism and hearing, “Maybe later when your company is established” is always difficult. However, what this does provide is the opportunity to learn something and by gaining even 1% from everyone this builds over time into a huge improvement on what we are offering. The biggest critics are often the best source of inspiration for innovation.
5 – What would you do differently if you started now?
One of my most recent challenges has been not taking into consideration that I would be invited to do other things as a business owner that I had not considered prior, such as public speaking and events. I would have therefore engaged sooner with other entrepreneurs and asked what things they would do differently, what was unexpected and out of their comfort zone, as things are coming up as an entrepreneur that in my previously employed engineering design focussed role I would never be asked to do.
6 – Where do you think you’ll be in 12 months?
As our first release will be in 2026, in 12 months time we will have customers on board fully utilising the DRS products. We will be continuing to promote, distribute, and train customers on our software, ultimately making a difference to UK Engineering.
The next phase we want to focus on is how we can scale our impact as the company grows. Bringing in more people with new skills, focusing on mentoring, succession planning and allowing certain areas of the business to grow under successfully delegated leadership. Leaders who support the DRS vision and ensure my focus is in the right direction to make the biggest difference.
7 – What tools/people/services/organisations from the cluster have helped you most?
As I mentioned, I wish I engaged with the cluster sooner, so I am sure there is a lot of unitised potential for DRS within this group that has not yet been realised. However, so far, I have received lots of amazing advice from people from a diverse set of industries providing expertise on areas where I haven’t had as much experience. Also providing a platform for me to speak and share my ideas which has led to more opportunities for DRS.
8 – What is the best thing about being based in Swindon and Wiltshire?
Our entire Board and Founders are from Swindon and have lived and worked there for most of their careers. As we try to maintain a lean organisation structure we work largely remotely, utilising Swindon as a hub in which we can connect with potential customers, attend events and build our working relationships. Its central location and its proximity to modern engineering centres in Bristol & Oxfordshire as well as a strong local industry, is important as we want to stay engaged with the engineering and manufacturing communities to ensure we are continuing to address their needs.
9 – What support does Tech Scene need in Swindon and Wiltshire?
I believe that Swindon and Wiltshire have organisations providing great support however I believe due to its largely rural demographic and the pull that urban areas have on smaller companies, it lacks the recognition it likely deserves for its impact. So, I think the issue is more an issue of degree than kind, meaning we need to keep building these communities and building a platform in which it reaches more individuals.
10 – Where can we find out more about you?
Call me on +44 7725 593149 or email connect@driveresourcestudio.co.uk for a chat, visit or demo of DRS software. Have a look at our newly launched website or visit at our socials, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.