Our Team

Business card featuring a photo of Simon Tinkler, Business Development Manager, with a blue background and the text 'Meet The Team'

  • With 20+ years in the HDD industry, Simon started as a steering engineer before moving into management.

    Joining SlimDril in 2010, he played a key role in expanding the product range and now leads business development.

    Outside of work, Simon is a passionate motorsport enthusiast and national MG racing champion. He has been competing in the Classic Sports Car “Swinging Sixties Series” since 2006, racing his self-built and fully prepared 1970 MGB GT. The car has taken part in over 150 events, securing more than 100 podium finishes across all major UK circuits and occasional European rounds.

    Beyond racing, Simon loves classic and vintage motorcycles, with a collection ranging from a 1936 45cc Trojan Auto Cycle to a powerful Triumph Thruxton 900, alongside a few BSA and Vespa models often ridden at events like the Goodwood Revival.

    He is also an active member of the Framlingham Flyers running club, regularly competing in 10Ks, cross-country races and the occasional half marathon. When he’s not on the track or the road, he enjoys cycling and exploring Suffolk’s countryside and pubs.

Meet the team poster featuring Taff (Simon) Stingemore, general manager, wearing glasses and an orange safety jacket.

  • Meet Taff (Simon) Stingemore – General Manager at SlimDril

    Taff joined the SlimDril team in April last year, bringing over 40 years of drilling experience across oil & gas, geothermal, scientific and horizontal drilling projects.

    Starting offshore in the Southern North Sea in the 80s, Taff worked his way up through hands-on and leadership roles across drilling, marine and inspection, eventually managing rigs across the globe – including a residential role in the Far East.

    Now based back in Norfolk, Taff’s focus is on safety, sustainability and quality, always putting people first.

    Outside of work, family is his priority. With three children and seven grandchildren, weekends are often spent exploring the British countryside, visiting historical sites, or relaxing over good food, rugby and the occasional red wine.

    We’re proud to have his experience and energy as part of the SlimDril team.

A promotional graphic introducing Shelly Shearing as a team member and secretary, featuring her smiling photo and a blue background with abstract shapes.

  • Meet Shelly, our Secretary, who’s been with SlimDril for over 10 years.

    With a career that’s spanned everything from inspection secretary roles to health & safety and PA duties, Shelly brings a wealth of experience from across the oil, gas and drilling industries – plus a stint in the NHS for good measure!

    She now keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, looking after admin, accounts and a whole lot more.

    When she’s not keeping the office in check, Shelly’s all about balance, whether it’s squash matches, long walks with the dog, or relaxing with a G&T after a home-cooked meal!

A promotional graphic featuring Stuart Brown, the operations manager, wearing an orange safety jacket with the logo Slim Dri. The background is a bright blue with abstract shapes, and the text says "Meet The Team" at the top and "Stuart Brown" with his title at the bottom.

  • Starting as an OCTG Inspector in the late 80s, Stuart spent 14 years on drilling rigs before shifting to rental services.

    He joined SlimDril in 2014, moving from hands-on workshop roles into operations management. Now, he oversees health and safety and keeps everything running smoothly.

    A Norfolk local, he enjoys rugby, fishing, cycling, and the occasional pub visit.

A graphic introducing Cove Smith as a workshop operative. The background is blue with abstract dark blue shapes. In the center, there is a photo of Cove Smith with a beard, wearing an orange safety vest, smiling.

  • Meet Cove, our Workshop Operative who joined SlimDril in 2019.

    With a background in IT and video cameras, Cove’s passion for engineering brought him to our team, where he repairs and services drilling equipment.

    Outside of work, Cove loves gaming, building computers and experimenting with drone photography. When he’s not tinkering with tech, he’s out with friends enjoying live music or keeping fit at the gym.

A graphic introducing Gary England as a team member, with a photo of him smiling and wearing an orange high-visibility shirt, set against a blue background with the text "Meet The Team" and his name, along with his title, "O.C.T.G./ Rotary Tubular Inspector."
Meet the team featuring Caroline Blows, a financial administrator, sitting at her desk smiling in an office setting.

  • Introducing Gary, our OCTG/Rotary Tubular Inspector, who joined SlimDril in 2021.

    With over 30 years of experience in thread and tubular inspections, Gary leads our independent Drill-Pipe, Tubular & Thread Inspection division.

    Outside of work, Gary enjoys sea fishing, horse and carriage riding and spending time on his allotment.

    When she’s not keeping the office in check, Shelly’s all about balance, whether it’s squash matches, long walks with the dog, or relaxing with a G&T after a home-cooked meal!

A promotional graphic featuring Alex Harvey, a workshop operative, posing in front of a vehicle while wearing an orange safety vest.

  • Caroline has recently joined us to be our new Financial Administrator.  She began her accountancy career almost 40 years ago, gaining significant experience in both the Private Practice and the Service and Leisure sectors, finally making an appearance in Industry with us.

    When not counting the pennies Caroline enjoys messing about on boats, having moved to Norfolk to live aboard on the Norfolk Broads following “lucky” hubby’s retirement.  Nothing better than early Sunday morning coffee surrounded by water and nature.

  • Meet Alex, our Workshop Operative who joined SlimDril in 2024.

    With a background in Retail, IT, customer service and warehouse who wanted an exciting career change and to join HDD Industry.

    Outside of work, Alex loves, kayaking, traveling, and seeing live music and photography. When he is not out with his camera his at home relaxing enjoying music, gaming, seeing family and friends and editing photos.