Founders
Chris Helson
Project Manager and Product Design
Chris is a designer and engineer, and a founding director of Helson and Jackets who were awarded Inventor of The Year 2019 at the Business Insider AFRC Made in Scotland Awards in May. Chris trained and worked in Engineering for 7 years building industrial jet engines and turbochargers with GEC until 1988.
He graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in 3d design in 1991. He has run his own business since 1994 and been a partner at Helson and Jackets since 1999. He has considerable experience producing, managing and delivering projects for a range of clients.
Helson and Jackets invented obi 360 which was released in July 2018. This system has won awards from Scottish EDGE, SMART Scotland, New Media Scotland and The Scottish Universities Physics Alliance.
David Ralston
Prototype Production and Product Design
David is a time served professional toolmaker (EITB certified) graduating in 1988. David established prototype type model making business in Berlin and "Ralston's Chronometry" in East Berlin between 1992-1998 and is Prototype Director at Tiny Air Limited.
He has many years experience working for clients from different sectors to design and create bespoke products. He currently runs a studio and workshop in Dumfries and Galloway.
Wider Team
Thor Helson
Software and CAD Engineer
Thor is a developer with an interest in creating practical digital tools and automated systems. He has experience designing and building web applications and backend services using Python and Rust. His work ranges from developing and maintaining web platforms with AWS integration to managing event systems and automation tools.
He has also gained practical experience in networking and industrial automation through PLC programming. Combining technical skill with a hands-on approach, Thor continues to expand his expertise across software engineering and connected technologies.
Ute Weber
Procurement Manager
Ute graduated from the Technical University in Berlin as Dipl Ing for Architecture in 1992 and has work experience in architectural design and construction management. Since 2004 has located in Dumfries and Galloway.
Sarah Jackets
Brand Design and Marketing
Sarah is a partner at Helson and Jackets. Sarah graduated in Painting and Printmaking from Sheffield Hallam University in 1995 and completed Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dance studies at The Laban Centre London 1999.