Ask HN: Moving from a non-technical role to a technical one

I have a PhD in computer science (formal verification/multiagent systems/logic/games), and since finishing, I've been working as a non-technical consultant (think lots of PowerPoint and Excel) in a non-technical field for the past year or so.

My technical itch is not being scratched in my current role and I want to move to a career that's more research-/software-based.

1) Is anyone aware of any firms that do formal-methods-like activities and is hiring out of the UK?

2) Has anyone got experience making a shift from a non-technical to a technical role? I'm concerned that my lack of relevant technical experience/past roles/internships may mean I don't stand a chance.