Grant Gibbs

Grant Gibbs

Business Development Manager | Energy Storage

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been in the testing, inspection and certification (TIC) industry since 2007 starting as an engineer and transitioning to a sales role in 2010. At that time, the energy storage sector, especially with the advancement of lithium technology, showed great potential for growth and I decided to focus my attention in that area. Lithium battery technology and, their applications, gained incredible success in the consequent years. I helped my previous employer grow their energy storage business exponentially by becoming a thought leader and an authority in terms of regulations and compliance.

Why did you choose to join TÜV SÜD? 

TÜV SÜD has a reputation for being company built on trust and excellence which even other TIC companies admire. I would have shown a lack of common sense on my part if I did not choose to join a company with such a rich history and dedication to quality. Working for such a company makes building relationships easier and stronger right from the start. 

More than that, the team are very welcoming and steadfast in delivering the best customer experience. They bring out the best in me and that alone makes every day a pleasure.

Where do you work? 

It depends how my cat feels on the day. I work from home and use our Fareham location as my main office.

What are your main areas of expertise?

I have regulatory and test standard experience for most product types such as IT, C&I, medical and residential electrical products and, of course, a focus on battery/energy products. This knowledge extends to the battery systems including battery energy storage systems (BESS) and support/control equipment (charging systems, battery management systems (BMS) and behind-the-meter components).

What does your role involve?

Internally, I focus on making sure we can fulfil our client’s key concerns by having the in-house expertise and testing capabilities in place. This requires having my finger on the pulse of market movements, regulatory updates and the changing appetite of our customers. Most importantly, I try to make navigating the regulatory maze as easy as possible for all stakeholders.

What most interests you about your role?

I learn all the time.

Energy storage systems or batteries are not used on their own. To understand batteries, you must understand what they power. Every time you speak with a different customer, you must learn about a whole new industry or product type being powered by a battery or energy system.

What exciting developments have you seen at TÜV SÜD since you started?

For such a large company, TÜV SÜD is agile and dynamic. We will change processes if it makes the customer journey easier. The various teams are so focused on improving customer satisfaction. Whether they do it through customer education, marketing or installing a project management team to improve the customer journey.

Process improvements are a marathon and not a sprint, so we always welcome feedback.

What future trends do you see developing in your area of work?

Batteries will become safer and perform better. In a few years lithium-ion cells will move aside for other battery chemistries. Every home will have a battery back-up system, most cars will be a type of EV and mobile/stationary ESS services will increase. These will grow over the coming years and become commonplace from 2028 onwards.

What is your biggest challenge?

Customers must involve us at the planning stage. We can help them save money and time by identifying issues and market access requirements early. We are often asked to test a product once it is close to the prototype stage which can lead to unnecessary headaches and shipping issues. 

Contact your local representative (me!) now.

What do you see as the top perk of working for TÜV SÜD?

Having a gym at the office. This allows me to be the bore anyone within earshot about having a gym at the office (but never actually going). 

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

TÜV SÜD gave me an opportunity to acclimatise to the culture and dive head-first into my role. It’s a testament to their support that I never felt overwhelmed even on my busiest day.

Describe your fellow workers in five words

Friendly, generous, knowledgeable, patient, available.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role similar to yours?

Apply yesterday if you are looking for your forever home.

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