Q & A Ben Naden

Ben Naden plays a key role in ensuring Hydro's operations are safe, compliant, and always evolving. We spoke to him about joining during a global crisis, the technologies shaping the future of health and safety, and what keeps him motivated in and out of work.

Let's start at the beginning. When did you join Hydro?

I joined in October 2019, just months before the world turned upside down. I'd previously worked as a consultant helping manufacturing businesses boost productivity and performance, and Hydro was one of our first clients. So, when the opportunity came to join the team, I already had a good sense of the business and its culture. That familiarity helped - especially during those unpredictable first two years of the pandemic.

What made you want to become part of Hydro?

From my consultancy work, I knew Hydro was forward-thinking, well-organised and serious about sustainability. It had just gone through a significant period of transformation too, so it felt like the right time to join and help shape what came next.

Sustainability was a big part of it. The company's use of low-carbon aluminium, especially Hydro CIRCAL®, shows real leadership. It's a high-quality alloy made with at least 75% recycled end-of-life aluminium, and it has one of the lowest carbon footprints on the market. That commitment resonated with me.

You're QSHE Manager and EBS Champion - what does that involve?

In short, I wear a few hats. As QSHE Manager, I oversee quality, health, safety, and environmental standards across our UK sites. As EBS (Extrusion Business System) Champion, I also lead our continuous improvement programme. That could mean process optimisation, cost savings, or operational efficiency - often all three.

I work closely with the operations and customer service teams, as well as directly with customers when it comes to quality issues. And I make sure we maintain our ISO accreditations too. A lot of what I do is about making the site run smarter, safer, and more sustainably.

What are your current priorities in health and safety?

Thankfully, we have a strong safety record, and my job is to make sure it stays that way. We're not standing still though. We've ramped up our focus on proactive health and safety engagement - maintaining high visibility, encouraging team input, and continually reducing risk across operations. The moment you become complacent, standards start to slip.

Are there any trends or technologies you're excited about?

Definitely. Virtual Reality has enormous potential. It gives us the chance to immerse our teams in simulated environments where they can safely experience high-risk situations. I got to try it myself at a Hydro HSE Conference - it simulated standing under a load suspended from a crane. It felt incredibly real, and a bit unnerving, which proves the tech works. That sort of hands-on learning will transform how we deliver training.

What keeps you motivated in the role?

It's the people, without a doubt. I love when teams come forward with ideas - things we can implement to improve safety, reduce waste, or streamline a process. We've worked hard to build a culture where continuous improvement isn't just encouraged, it's expected. Seeing that mindset in action is genuinely rewarding.

And outside of work? What does a weekend look like for you?

I like to stay active - loosely! I enjoy walking and photography. A few years ago I did a 25-mile "marathon hike" to raise money for a cancer charity. That was a good challenge. Though honestly, chasing after my four-year-old daughter every weekend counts as better training than anything I could plan...