About Us

Matt is the founder of GO Vertical and brings over two decades of experience across mountaineering, work at height and location safety. With a background rooted in climbing, technical rescue and safety management, he leads complex film, TV and commercial projects in demanding locations. Alongside production work, Matt oversees the delivery of charity abseil events and specialist climbing and mountaineering courses, applying the same professional standards, robust safety systems and collaborative approach across all areas of GO Vertical’s work.

 

Key qualifications:

Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI); Technical Member of IOSH (TechIOSH); NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety; Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Team Leader and Specialist; RRO and UTRS Instructor; Accredited Practitioner – Institute of Outdoor Learning (APIOL); Master Educator – Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics

Andy is a highly experienced mountain professional, rescue specialist, and safety consultant with over 30 years working in extreme and hazardous environments worldwide. His background includes nine years with the RAF Mountain Rescue Service, along with senior roles across offshore wind, industrial, and remote outdoor settings. Andy has worked extensively as a safety consultant and rigger for TV and film productions, delivering safe systems of work in complex locations. He brings calm leadership, practical decision-making and deep operational experience.

 

Key qualifications: 

IRATA Level 3 Rope Access Technician; Rescue 3 Europe Instructor (Rope Rescue, UTRO & UT Supervisor); GWO Advanced Rescue Trainer; ITRA Level 3 Advanced Rescue Technician; Confined Space Entry & Rescue (CSER); Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS); RYA Powerboat Level 2 & Day Skipper; Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI)

Gav is an experienced safety professional with a background spanning film and television production, expedition leadership and military operations. He supports GO Vertical projects requiring technical access, rope systems and safety management, bringing extensive experience from productions working in remote, water-based and high-consequence environments.

Alongside his location safety work, Gav contributes specialist rigging, medical and water safety capability, drawing on a career that includes rope access supervision, rescue instruction and operational leadership in challenging environments. His practical approach, strong communication skills and broad experience help productions operate safely and efficiently in complex locations.

 

Key Qualifications

IRATA Level 3 Rope Access Supervisor

International Mountain Leader (IML)

Winter Mountain Leader (WML)

Rope Rescue Supervisor & Instructor

FREC Level 4 with Immediate Life Support

Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMSI)

RYA Advanced Powerboat (Commercial Endorsement)

NEBOSH National General Certificate

Diploma in Specialist Rescue

Former Royal Marines Commando with extensive operational leadership experience

Chris is an experienced operational safety specialist with over three decades of frontline and leadership experience in Mountain Rescue. He supports film and TV productions working in dynamic, time-critical environments, bringing a calm, systems-led approach to managing risk in complex environments. Chris focuses on clear command structures, effective communication and sound decision-making, helping teams operate confidently and efficiently in safety-critical locations.

 

Key qualifications:

Defra Module 5 Water Incident Management (incident command and coordination); Rescue 3 Europe Instructor Trainer (swiftwater and rope rescue); MSc in Swiftwater Rescue and Floating Craft Operations; Advanced water and rope rescue practitioner; Over 30 years’ Mountain Rescue frontline and leadership experience; Specialist in safety-critical decision-making and operational leadership

​Sven is a highly respected mountaineering professional and technical advisor with extensive experience across climbing, expedition environments and complex rope systems. He supports GO Vertical projects requiring technical oversight, risk management and sound decision-making in challenging terrain. His background in professional mountaineering instruction and industry governance brings exceptional depth of experience to safety-critical operations.

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Key Qualifications

Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI); Mountain Leader – Summer & Winter (ML(S) / ML(W)); BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership; Doctorate in Elite Performance Psychology (in progress); PrINCE2 Project Management; BS7985 High Ropes Course Supervisor; Rescue 3 Europe Rope Rescue / Rope Access Supervisor & Instructor; PPE Equipment Inspector; Advanced Trauma & Life Support; RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Day Skipper (Power & Sail); Sea Survival Equipment Maintainer

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​Emily is a safety practitioner and filmmaker with extensive experience in climbing, rope access and location work. She brings a valuable dual perspective, understanding both the operational demands of safety management and the practical realities of production on set. Emily supports projects with clear planning, practical problem-solving and a collaborative approach that helps crews and creatives work smoothly together in challenging locations.

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Key qualifications:

Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Operator (RRO); Outdoor First Aid (16hr incl. EFAW); BEng (Hons) Film Production & Broadcast Engineering (First Class); Sustainability Global Graduate Award; Advanced production & safety-relevant media systems (Adobe CC, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve)

Pete is an experienced mountaineering and outdoor professional with a career spanning nearly two decades across leadership, instruction and safety roles. He works on film location safety, specialist access and operations in complex terrain, as well as supporting charity abseil events and mountaineering activities. Pete brings a steady, considered approach to operational delivery, helping productions and participants operate confidently in demanding environments.

 

Key qualifications:

International Mountain Leader (IML); Summer & Winter Mountain Leader (WML); Course Director – Summer Mountain Leader (Mountain Training Cymru); Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI); Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Operator (RRO); Level 2 Canoe/Kayak Coach (Moderate Water); White Water Safety & Rescue; CIEH Level 2 Risk Assessor; First Aid at Work

Simon is an experienced mountaineering professional with extensive expertise in mountain safety, technical rescue and expedition leadership. An active member of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team, he regularly operates in demanding environments involving technical rope rescues and helicopter operations, bringing calm decision-making and strong operational experience to safety-critical situations.

Alongside location safety work, Simon leads overseas expeditions and provides technical advice to schools and local authorities on risk management and off-site visits. His broad experience across mountain, water and rescue environments helps productions and clients operate safely and confidently in complex terrain.

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Key Qualifications

Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (WMCI)

International Mountain Leader (IML)

Rope Rescue Specialist (RRS)

Remote Rescue Medical Technician

PPE Equipment Inspector

Sea Kayak Leader & Level 2 Coach

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Chainsaw Aerial Rigging, Cutting & Rescue

Whitewater Rescue Technician Pro

Active member of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team

​Tim is a highly experienced mountaineering and outdoor professional with a background in expedition leadership, climbing and water-based activities worldwide. He supports film and TV projects that require adaptability, strong leadership and clear judgement in complex environments. Tim also delivers climbing and mountaineering courses and supports charity abseil events, bringing the same calm, analytical approach to safety and operational decision-making.

 

Key qualifications:

Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (WMCI); Summer & Winter Mountain Leader (WML); Expedition Leader (high altitude & remote environments); FREC Level 3 First Aid (2024); BCU Sea Kayak Leader; BCU Level 1 Coach; Gorge Walking & Coasteering Leader; Mine Leader

​Cat is an experienced mountaineering and climbing professional based in North Wales, with over two decades of work in outdoor instruction, leadership and personal development through the mountains. She supports GO Vertical projects in complex terrain, bringing clear judgement, strong instructional experience and a calm, collaborative approach to safety and team dynamics on location. Alongside production work, Cat delivers climbing and mountaineering courses and supports charity abseil events, drawing on her extensive background in coaching, guiding and inclusive outdoor education.

 

Key qualifications:

Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (MCI – Mountain Training): Mountain Leader (ML): Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI): Member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI): Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Assessor (Gold): Postgraduate Diploma in Youth & Community Work

Stu is an experienced operational safety practitioner with a background in military leadership, rope rescue and work-at-height operations. A former Royal Marines Commando with three decades of service, he brings strong decision-making, team leadership and risk management skills to complex environments.

He supports GO Vertical projects requiring rope systems, technical access and operational safety oversight, drawing on extensive experience in rescue, inspection and industrial work at height. Alongside location safety work, Stu contributes to training delivery and charity abseil events, bringing a calm, methodical approach to safety-critical tasks.

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Key qualifications:

Mountain Leader (ML); Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI); Rescue 3 Urban Tactical Rope Supervisor (UTRS); Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Specialist (RRS)​​; PPE Inspection Instructor (Work at Height & Adventure Activities); FREC Level 3 First Aid; CEIHF Human Factors Facilitator & Instructor; 30-year Royal Marines service with operational leadership experience

Domi brings a strong background in health, wellbeing and mountain leadership, combining a practical approach with a calm and determined attitude in challenging environments. She supports GO Vertical projects requiring location safety, operational support and effective teamwork, bringing professionalism, adaptability and a positive approach to problem solving.

Alongside location safety work, Dominika delivers mountain experiences and promotes the benefits of health, fitness and time spent in the outdoors. Her focus, enthusiasm and can-do attitude have quickly made her a valued member of the GO Vertical team.

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Key Qualifications

Mountain Leader (ML)

Trainee International Mountain Leader (IML)

MSc Nutritional Therapy

BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition

Registered Nutritional Therapist (mBANT, CNHC)

Member of the Mountain Training Association (MTA)

Level 3 Personal Trainer

Over 10 years' experience in health, fitness and wellbeing

Tom provides specialist medical and safety support for productions working in remote, high-risk and technically complex environments. With a background in expedition medicine, emergency response and on-set medical cover, he brings a calm, practical approach to managing medical risk and supporting cast and crew.

Alongside medical provision, Tom contributes rope systems, rigging and technical access skills, enabling integrated safety and medical support on location. His experience spans film production, stunt environments, remote expeditions and large-scale outdoor operations, helping teams operate confidently in safety-critical settings.

 

Key qualifications:

FREC Level 4 (First Response & Emergency Care); Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS); Safe Administration of Life Saving Medication (SALMS); Immediate Life Support (ILS) – Out of Hospital; Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Operator (RRO); Rescue 3 Medical Practitioner at Height; PPE Inspector (Work at Height); Tree Climbing & Aerial Rope Rescue (City & Guilds); Advanced helicopter operations and remote medical experience; On-set and expedition medical support in remote environments

Shelley is an experienced emergency services professional with over 16 years' experience in the Fire Service, working across frontline response, specialist rescue and operational leadership roles. She supports GO Vertical projects requiring fire safety, rescue capability and risk management, bringing a calm, practical approach to safety-critical environments.

Alongside location safety work, Shelley contributes rope rescue, water rescue and medical support capability, drawing on extensive experience in emergency response and previous film production work. Her background in complex rescue operations and team-based incident management helps productions operate safely and efficiently in demanding locations.

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Key Qualifications

Fire Service Firefighter (16 years' service)

Aerial Platform Operator

Large Animal Rescue Technician

Swift Water Rescue Technician

Flood & Swiftwater Powerboat Operator (Mod 4)

Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Operator Instructor (RROI)

Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Technician (RRT)

Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Operator (RRO)

Line Operations Level 1 (Work Restraint)

Event Medical Support Practitioner

Immediate Emergency Care (IEC)

Previous film production fire safety experience