Meet our Hypo Hounds Trustees

Mike Newton (Chair)

Mike Newton is a serving Director within The Merit Group, a long‑established, family‑owned organisation providing specialist services across construction, office installations, managed print, IT, glazing, insulation, and logistics. His leadership supports the Group’s commitment to service excellence, operational efficiency, and strong community values. The Merit Group is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, demonstrating a culture of quality and sustainability across all divisions.

The Merit Group through Mike’s leadership is widely recognised for its dedication to community engagement. He has championed numerous grassroots initiatives, including sponsorships supporting youth football across Kent, reinforcing his belief in teamwork, social value, and local impact.

Alongside his commercial responsibilities, Mike plays a pivotal role in the charitable sector as the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Hypo Hounds, a national award‑winning UK charity that trains diabetic alert assistance dogs for children with Type 1 Diabetes. Appointed Chair in November 2024, Mike leads on governance, strategic direction, and long‑term sustainability, helping the charity strengthen its impact and expand vital services.

Whether driving commercial growth or guiding charitable transformation, Mike brings a grounded, people‑focused leadership style shaped by decades of operational experience, community commitment, and a strong belief in giving back.

Nicholas Bills

Nicholas joined Hypo hounds in August 2025.

Nicholas brings an extensive background in Sales and Marketing, communications, as well as owning and running several of his own business over the past 15 years, which he continues to do today.

Nicholas has first hand experience of what it is like to have a child with a life threatening illness and the fear, guilt, fatigue, and stress that brings.

Nicholas is excited to spread the word and let more people know about the great work that Hypo hound does.

Steven Roper

Steve is Managing Director of Zircon AC Group serving the mechanical, electrical and smart-buildings sector, with a strong background in leadership, financial management, and operational delivery. Steve specialises in driving efficiency, managing risk, and delivering long-term, sustainable outcomes.

As a trustee of Hypo Hounds, Steve brings commercial insight, governance experience, and a practical, solutions-focused approach. I support the charity through strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational guidance, helping ensure resources are used effectively to maximise impact for families living with diabetes

Joanne Herbert

Jo Herbert is a Business Development Executive at Statius Management Services, where she plays a key role in helping organisations strengthen their systems, improve performance, and achieve internationally recognised ISO certifications.With a background spanning business development, recruitment, and client engagement, Jo brings a people centred approach to complex compliance environments. She is known for her ability to build trust quickly, simplify technical requirements, and guide clients toward standards that make their businesses stronger, safer, and more resilient.

Before joining Statius, Jo successfully ran her own recruitment business, giving her deep experience in understanding organisational needs, building long-term relationships, and supporting leaders in creating high‑performing teams. Herblend of commercial insight and human-centred thinking has become a hallmark of her work.

Alongside her professional career, Jo is passionately committed to community impact. She serves as a Trustee at Hypo Hounds, a charity that trains life-saving medical alert dogs for people with Type 1 diabetes.

Known for her warmth, integrity, and determination, Jo combines her professional expertise with her charitable commitments to make a meaningful difference in both business and the community.

Rose Rossetti

As a senior member of the team at Zircon AC Group and Zircon Smart Buildings, where I work across business development, partnerships, and strategic growth. With extensive experience in the built environment, I specialises in building strong relationships, supporting sustainable solutions, and helping organisations work more collaboratively and effectively.

Through Zircon Smart Buildings, I have a strong focus on innovation, wellbeing, and healthier environments, championing technologies that improve air quality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, values that closely align with the mission of Hypo Hounds.

As a Trustee, Rose brings a commercial mindset, strong governance awareness, and a genuine passion for community impact and charity engagement. I am committed to raising awareness of Hypoglycaemia Alert Dogs, supporting fundraising initiatives, and helping Hypo Hounds build meaningful partnerships that enable long-term sustainability and growth.

Rose is proud to support Hypo Hounds in its vital work and is dedicated to helping the charity continue to change lives through independence, safety, and support.

Jamie Morgan

Jamie Morgan is originally from the heart of Kent and has been a proud supporter of the charity since 2016. A serial entrepreneur with 25+ years’ experience, he’s best known for building and leading an electrical and fire safety consultancy, alongside supporting business owners through marketing and business coaching.

He holds professional qualifications in Fire Safety, Electrical Compliance, Marketing and Coaching and Mentoring.

His ventures have also included a specialist dog photography studio, earning international acclaim—including Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year—and being published in over 100 publications worldwide. His images have helped raise awareness of the charity over the past decade.

At home, Jamie is the owner (or, by his own admission, the “slave”) of Phoenix: a wonderfully hairy Irish Wolfhound cross.