About

Artios’ team ranges from certified UXO specialists and Mine Action professionals, through to Strategy and Research experts

This includes a dedicated team who deliver impartial UXO desktop surveys and CIRIA C681 compliant UXO risk assessments for our clients, ranging from single developers to large Government Departments.

Our story

As a British and Irish-managed firm, Artios’ name reflects our roots, and is derived from the Celtic god 'Artio’ who symbolised creative, bold, and emergent actions.

Certified to ISOs 9001 and 14001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, Artios delivers excellence through strategic programming and advisory services. As proud signatories of the UN Global Compact and the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethics and social responsibility.

Since 2018, Artios has proudly served as a prime supplier to the UK Government’s Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund (CSSF) framework. Our privileged position as one of the select pre-qualified suppliers grants us access to deliver strategic programming on behalf of a wide range of UK Government departments. Through consortiums formed and led by Artios, we have successfully executed multiple strategic contracts, contributing to evidence-informed decisions on matters of Serious and Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, critical minerals and environmental security, and vital infrastructure.

In the realm of Mine Action and counter explosive ordnance, Artios focuses on national capacity development and expert technical advisory.

Our cutting-edge programmes in Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, and Iraq address some of the biggest issues, such as IEDs in complex urban environments and the development of sustainable national capacities to achieve localisation.

As prime contractors for the United Nations and collaborators with renowned international NGOs like The HALO Trust, Norwegian People's Aid, and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, we actively contribute to global initiatives.

Artios' UXO risk management team is at the forefront of ensuring the effective management of UXO risks on land and marine projects. Conducting UXO desktop survey risk assessments, developing mitigation plans, and providing expert advice, we cater to prominent entities like Natural England, the Department for Education, and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Our unique ability to deliver high-capacity UXO risk management programmes, in full compliance with CIRIA C681, has positioned us as leaders in the field.

At Artios Global, we don't just meet expectations; we redefine them. Join us on a journey where expertise meets commitment, and together, we will shape a future of innovation and impact.

Our team

Dave Luke, Founder & CEO of Artios Global
  • Dave is a distinguished Information and Strategy expert with over 15 years of experience spearheading humanitarian relief efforts, conducting extensive research assessments, and overseeing media production in complex emergencies and transitional states worldwide. Having worked in more than 50 countries, his expertise spans a diverse range of impactful roles:

    · Managing critical emergency missions across Africa and the Middle East, navigating challenging environments with adeptness and precision.

    · Directing media operations in varied terrains from urban disaster zones to remote jungles and high-altitude mountains across the Americas and Eurasia.

    · Executing Explosive Remnant of War (ERW), Search, and Construction projects on a global scale, contributing significantly to worldwide safety initiatives.

    Recognised as an astute analyst, Dave possesses a profound interest in International Affairs and actively contributes to the prestigious 'IDEAS' foreign policy think tank. He is a staunch advocate for integrating technology to drive evidence-based decision-making strategies.

    Dave holds an International Strategy and Diplomacy MSc from The London School of Economics and Political Science, complemented by a Communications Engineering BEng from Cranfield University. His commitment to continuous learning is underscored by Executive Education received from Manchester Business School.

    Beyond his professional endeavors, Dave's life is equally adventurous. He is a member of the Alpine Club, boasting several world-first ascents, and proudly holds fellowship with the esteemed Royal Geographical Society.

Mike Kennedy, Founder & Operations Director at Artios Global
  • Mike brings over 15 years of invaluable expertise in spearheading groundbreaking explosive ordnance projects across remote and high-threat regions globally. His pioneering work has been pivotal in establishing national capacities concerning Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) within both humanitarian and stabilisation contexts.

    A standout achievement in Mike's career includes leading the inaugural humanitarian mine action programme to survey and clear IEDs and other explosive hazards from liberated areas of Iraq after Da'esh (ISIS) occupation. Notably, this involved the clearance of intricate critical infrastructure to enable reconstruction and development. Mike has played a pivotal role in Artios' development of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) for IED Disposal and the creation of comprehensive IED clearance best practice guides for GICHD. These have been put into practice globally by multiple organisations, including by Artios themselves in Iraq, Somalia, Libya and Afghanistan. Mike’s military career comprised four operational tours as the leader of an IED disposal team. He was presented with the award of the Queen's Gallantry Medal in 2014.

    Mike holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Cranfield University. Beyond his professional endeavors, he indulges his passion for adventure as an avid climber and mountaineer in his leisure time.

Steve Marner, Senior Technical Delivery Manager at Artios Global
  • Steve boasts extensive expertise in managing explosive ordnance projects globally, spanning humanitarian mine action, UXO risk management and oil and gas. As a certified project manager with a specialisation in training and quality, he has effectively overseen humanitarian mine action teams and provided crucial advisory services on counter-insurgency and peace support initiatives. Steve's leadership is pivotal in managing Artios’ large-scale UK UXO risk management projects, ensuring full compliance with the CIRIA C681 standards.

    His international experience extends to training and mentoring initiatives in Africa and the Middle East. Notably, Steve played a key role in formulating clearance procedures for heavily contaminated urban areas in post-Da'esh (ISIS) liberated regions of Iraq from 2015 onwards. His ongoing contributions include the development of international standards and best practices for humanitarian mine action, marking him as a frontrunner in this field.

    In his earlier career, Steve served as an Army Engineer, operating in challenging terrains such as the arctic, desert, and jungle, undertaking numerous worldwide tours. He culminated this phase of his career as the senior auditor for underwater engineering in the UK's Armed Forces.

    Outside of his professional pursuits, Steve finds solace in endurance training and indulges his passion for mountaineering during his leisure time.

Gen Edwards, HR Manager at Artios Global
  • Gen is responsible for delivering Artios’ HR strategy, supporting staff engagement and development across the staff lifecycle.

    Gen has 7 years experience in HR teams in the UK charity sector, focusing on communications and engagement, strategic planning, budgeting, risk management, project management, performance monitoring and reporting. Previous to this, Gen worked as a secondary school teacher and has a first class BSc in Neuroscience from Sussex University.

Rory Edwards, Business Manager at Artios Global
  • Rory provides specialist support to understand and deliver compliance requirements for Artios business opportunities, leading Artios’ Financial, Risk and Compliance management.

    Rory has worked in the public sector for over 10 years from schools and local councils to regulation in the energy sector. During this time he has worked with UK Government departments to draft GB energy market policy and legislation and lobby for its implementation. Rory has a Law degree from BPP University and an Aeromechanical Systems Engineering BEng from Cranfield University.

Saurabh Kumar, Research & Project Support Team Manager at Artios Global
  • Saurabh leads our Research and Project Support team supporting projects across our portfolio and with dedicated responsibility for managing the workflow of our UXO Risk Management products.

    Saurabh joined Artios after 11 years of active military service as an Officer in the Indian Army’s distinguished Parachute Regiment. He has experience in operational as well as staff roles in various locations and environments, including United Nations peacekeeping operations (MONUSCO) in DR Congo. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he holds a BSc in Computer Science.

Chris Carson, Research & Project Support Officer at Artios Global
  • Chris joined Artios as our Research and Project Support Officer, working across our portfolio of work and specifically focusing on our UXO Risk Management products. Chris completed his BSc in Psychology and MSc in Social Psychology where he specialised in social, political, and policy research. Since graduating he has produced publications in refugee asylum-seeking, land reformation within Africa, and informed policymaking.

    Outside of his academic and career endeavours, over the past 8 years, Chris has spent time as a professional athlete racing for Great Britain in the discipline of kayaking.

Bartosz Gorecki, Knowledge Transfer Partner (KTP) Associate at Artios Global
  • Bartosz is our Knowledge Transfer Partner (KTP) Associate, driving our collaboration with Queen’s University of Belfast to deliver cutting-edge UXO digital products. He recently graduated with an MEng in Computer Science and has a publication awaiting release that explores the viability of using AI to predict blood pressure in ICU patients. In addition to his technical expertise, Bartosz is an avid football fan, and movie enthusiast.

Empowering Communities, Ensuring Safety, Igniting Change

Individuals analyze UXO risk maps in a strategic session, highlighting Artios Global's collaborative approach to safety in conflict-affected areas.

At Artios Global, our impact extends far beyond business metrics; it is embedded in our unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.

Specializing in mitigating risks linked to explosive ordnance and delivering comprehensive humanitarian mine action services, we stand at the forefront of fostering safety and stability in regions marred by conflict.

Our corporate ethos revolves around sustainable development and community empowerment, principles that form the bedrock of our company culture. Through strategic partnerships with local communities, governments, NGOs, and international organisations, Artios actively engages in transformative programs aimed at enhancing safety and stability in conflict-affected regions. We pride ourselves on investing in cutting-edge technological innovation, employing advanced methodologies and equipment to elevate the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of our operations.

This commitment is not merely a directive but a manifestation of our dedication to responsible and sustainable practices. Initiatives that prioritise environmental stewardship and minimise unintended outcomes underscore our holistic approach to impact.

Artios Global is not just an advocate for change; we are catalysts for global awareness regarding the hazards posed by explosive ordnance. By influencing policies that resonate with our vision of global peace and safety, we transcend geographical boundaries to create lasting positive change. Through our training and capacity-building programs, we empower local personnel, arming them with the skills to independently manage risks and become champions of long-term transformation within their communities.

At Artios Global, our impact statement is a testament to our relentless pursuit of a safer, more sustainable world. We don't just navigate challenges; we transform them into opportunities for positive change, leaving an indelible mark on the communities we serve.

Get in touch

for unexploded bomb and UXO desktop assessments, EOD Bomb disposal training and to find out more about our Strategy and Research products.