Sarah Trevelion, Techmodal Director
As she marks her first year as Director of Techmodal, Sarah Trevelion shares her reflections on the year’s milestones, the people who’ve driven the business forward, and the momentum behind what’s coming next.
When you look back on your first year in post, what are you most proud of?
Our people. The way they’ve adapted to change, maintained a positive mindset, and continued to pull together throughout. Whether it’s embracing new opportunities, delivering brilliant work for our customers, or just showing up for one another – the team has done it with energy and care. We’ve also remembered to have fun – and enjoy where we work and who we work with – hosting socials, recognising achievements, and celebrating success along the way.
What has stood out or surprised you about leading Techmodal?
The sheer scale of the opportunity. We’ve always known our work makes a real difference – but since joining BAE Systems Digital Intelligence over three years ago, the size and ambition of what’s possible has come into much sharper focus. We’re more ambitious than ever, and we’re determined to realise that potential.
What milestones or moments stand out from the past 12 months?
Internally, the legal entity transition and alignment into the Defence business unit and the Data and Digital Portfolio within Digital Intelligence were important steps forward. But through it all, we’ve remained proudly Techmodal – agile, responsive, and people-first.
Externally, we’ve doubled down on collaboration. Whether with customers, delivery partners or wider teams across BAE Systems, we’ve focused on showing the impact we can deliver together. And just recently, we announced that CORDA and Techmodal are joining together – a brilliant milestone for both teams, and a real sign of where we’re heading and our ambition for the future.
How has the team evolved or adapted throughout the year?
People have stepped up massively, right across the board. They’ve not just embraced change – they’ve owned it. We’ve empowered decision-making at every level, trusted people to lead, and kept a flat, open structure that lets ideas and actions move quickly. It’s been fantastic to see people growing in confidence and capability.
How has moving into the Digital & Data Defence portfolio of Digital Intelligence changed things for Techmodal?
It’s helped us streamline how we work and where we focus – while still preserving the agility and mindset of a small consultancy. We’re still operating as Techmodal, but now we have better access to frameworks, systems, and connections that support faster, more scalable delivery.
We’ve always helped customers do more with what they have – and now we’re doing the same. Our ambition is to be one of the leading front doors for digital and data expertise into Defence, using repeatable solutions, proven frameworks and domain expertise to create lasting impact.
What opportunities does this unlock for the team and our customers?
A lot. We’re now better placed to collaborate across the wider Defence landscape – building more integrated teams, driving new delivery models, and playing a key role in significant Defence programmes.
The integration of Techmodal and CORDA – another Digital Intelligence business with a strong legacy in strategic Operational Analysis – brings together two complementary teams, each with its own strengths, perspectives, and legacy of delivery in Defence. CORDA’s strategic-level operational analysis, simulation modelling and wargaming expertise pairs naturally with Techmodal’s data-driven tools and delivery experience.
Together, we now offer a broader and more versatile capability – from high-level strategic thinking to practical, scalable solutions. All of it backed by the scale, trust and expertise of Digital Intelligence. This collaboration allows us to tackle complex challenges with greater depth, deliver joined-up outcomes, and better serve the evolving needs of our Defence customers. Alongside what we aim to deliver for our customers, this also creates fantastic opportunities for our people – to grow, lead and shape what comes next.
How has Techmodal’s focus shifted since last year?
We’re clearer – about who we are, the problems we’re here to solve, and the customers we’re best placed to support. We’ve sharpened our proposition and clarified our role within Digital Intelligence.
That clarity has helped shape how we grow, how we structure our teams, and how we make sure our people are doing meaningful work on the most important missions.
Why have we focused on our three specialist communities – Decision Support, Data Solutions, and Consulting & Delivery?
Because that’s where we add the most value. These communities reflect not just what we do, but how we think – joining up deep technical expertise with a clear focus on outcomes. We’re confident that bringing CORDA together with Techmodal will strengthen that structure – but we’ll also be reviewing the right delivery model to support it. In a fast-moving environment, standing still is the same as falling behind. That’s why we keep challenging ourselves to assess our structure, our positioning, and how we deliver for our customers.
We’ve always believed the best solutions happen when you bring the right people together at the right time – and our communities make that easier. Whether it’s analysts, consultants, developers or delivery specialists, we’re connecting people, skills and knowledge to deliver better impact.
How do you see these areas evolving over the next year?
We’re going to build on this momentum. That means continuing to break down silos, share ideas across teams, and co-develop new approaches that combine creativity with rigour.
You’ll see us talk more about each of these communities individually too – helping customers and partners understand the full depth of what we offer, and how we solve problems from different perspectives.
What are we doing differently to deliver more for customers?
We’re making delivery more repeatable – but never at the expense of agility. That means taking what works and scaling it – whether it’s decision frameworks, tooling, or delivery models.
We’re also leaning into partnerships. Whether it’s BAE Systems, CORDA, other SMEs or customers themselves – we know collaboration gets results. That’s something we’re focused on enabling at every level.
What excites you most about Techmodal’s direction for the rest of 2025?
The energy. There’s a lot to be optimistic about – from welcoming new colleagues, to exploring new sectors, to seeing our teams grow in size, scope and influence.
Bringing Techmodal and CORDA together is a hugely exciting step — but it’s also part of a much bigger picture. This collaboration combines deep expertise, fresh perspective, and shared ambition to create something greater than the sum of its parts. We’re building a business that feels ambitious, inclusive, and genuinely well-placed to solve the complex challenges our customers face. That’s what excites me most.
What can people expect from our new brand?
It’ll reflect who we are today: modern, focused, and purpose-driven. We’re still Techmodal, but we’re evolving – and the new brand will help us tell our story more clearly and confidently.
We want people to see us as we really are: a dynamic, values-led consultancy solving complex problems with data, creativity, and care.
How are we approaching DSEI 2025, and what role will Techmodal play?
We’re approaching it as one team – but with a clear voice and proposition. Our role is to help customers unlock value from their data, drive better decisions, and deliver measurable outcomes.
We’ll be there alongside colleagues from across Digital Intelligence – and we’re looking forward to sharing how our communities, capabilities, and collaborations are delivering results on the ground. Click here to learn more about what we’re showcasing or book a slot with the team.
If you could share one message with our people and partners as we head into this next chapter, what would it be?
The past year has shown just how capable, committed and creative this team is – and the opportunities ahead are bigger than ever. Stay curious, keep learning, and keep supporting one another. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together so far – and I can’t wait to see what’s next.