People
Tony Burton BE(mech) ME(sys) MIEAust CPEng
Tony Burton has 23 years experience in logistics engineering, programme management, mathematical systems modelling, operations research, simulation, technical documentation, innovation development, systems analysis, strategic planning and real-time systems development.
Tony holds a BE in mechanical engineering and an ME in systems engineering, and is a chartered member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. Tony has been involved in the electricity generation, information technology and the defence sectors in project and general management, and engineering roles.
Tony is also a photography and motorcycle enthusiast, and manages to combine both hobbies at times.
Frances Barker BA(psychology)
Frances has 13 years experience in contract and project management, help desk management, recruitment, systems integration, technical writing and the development and delivery of computer use training programmes.
Frances holds a BA in psychology and has been involved in electricity generation and information technology sectors in technical support, project management roles and as a business analyst.
Frances' interest in energy and communication extends to the more subtle area of the human energy field and interpersonal communication. In addition to her role with Crystal Rock, Frances practices Reiki Natural Healing and provides life counselling from her private practice in Twizel, New Zealand.
Bill Heffernan BSc(hons) PhD MIEE
Bill Heffernan graduated from Oundle School, Northamptonshire, UK, in 1981. In 1984 he received the degree of BSc.(Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Manchester University, UK. After two years working for the engineering company Spirax Sarco, he joined Weir Electronics, a member of the Lambda group, to initiate a research project, based at Bath University, UK, into new methods and technologies for producing switch-mode power supplies. The project was subsequently relocated to Birmingham University, UK, where, with Bill in the role of project manager, the project was successfully concluded in 1993. During this period Bill was also an honorary lecturer within the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department at Birmingham.
During this time, Bill was also a founding director of Industrial Interface Research Ltd, a company based in Cheltenham, UK, which designs, manufactures and distributes electronic industrial signal conditioning equipment. From 1993 to 1998 Bill was employed as Technical Director of Industrial Interface and has continued the association in a consultative role ever since. In 1995 he received his PhD. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, based on the research at Bath and Birmingham Universities.
In 1998 Bill emigrated to New Zealand and formed Circuit Consultants Ltd. Circuit Consultants has carried out work in several fields, including industrial instrumentation, power supply design, wireless data communication, renewable energy systems and energy metering.
Bill lives in Little River, near Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, with his partner Erin. In his spare time, Bill can often be found playing guitar or tinkering with one of his several vehicles.