Entrepreneurial Programmes Director

• Aug 2020 - Present

It's a tough market out there right now, particularly with the challenges faced by COVID-19 and the uncertainty of the political landscape ahead. But as with power and responsibility, big challenges also bring great opportunity. In such an exciting time business leaders can not only take advantage of the opportunity to become more cost efficient, but also take the time to improve process, test new ideas and innovate to secure their future. I am passionate about helping micro, small and growing businesses to gain access to suitable funding - be it grant, investment, borrowing, etc. - to bring their innovations and business ideas to life. In addition to maintaining a database of investors and funding opportunities, I actively work with companies to: - develop, test and deliver investor pitches - undertake use case and market research; identifying customers and unlocking supply chains - understand why previous funding applications fail and identify improvements for the next - design and deliver business growth events and workshops (group and 1-2-1) - be "a shoulder to cry on" with regular and ongoing business mentoring - Identify, approach and introduce potential customers, investors and partners - develop and refine business plans and validate ideas I will ask the uncomfortable questions to help business leaders truly understand their growth needs, their business strengths and weaknesses from an investment or grant funding point of view, and then work with them to bring their ideas into the real world. It is an intimate and rewarding process in which both my clients and I develop long-lasting, fruitful relationships. In addition to paid services, I also provide a safe space for entrepreneurs and early stage business leaders to ask questions, access industry connections and/or practice telling their story without judgement. Entrepreneurs can schedule a 1-hour slot for free once every 3 months, no questions asked, to help them to progress. Show less

Acting Head of Programme

• Aug 2022 - Sep 2022

Business Development Manager for ESA BIC UK at Leicester

• Feb 2022 - Sep 2022

I was delighted to be asked to support the ESA Business Incubation Centre at Space Park Leicester on a fixed term contract basis as the ESA BICs have always held a special place in my heart. Here I worked closely with the team at the University, Space Park Leicester and the midlands business community to develop a strategy, attract and promote the ESA BIC offering and provided application support to companies commercialising space technologies, as well as networking and signposting into the space and business community. During my time in this role I also co-created Cosmic Coffee at Space Park Leicester which is rapidly becoming the Space networking event for the #Midlands #SpaceCluster. If you or someone you know has a brilliant idea that could be used in space; or a brilliant idea for how a space technology can be used to develop new products, applications or services on Earth, then please do get in touch! I am still happy to signpost and support budding space entrepreneurs or those looking to commercialise space technologies into terrestrial applications. Show less

Sales and Marketing Director

• Nov 2014 - Jul 2020

I joined as a Marketing Manager and progressed to Sales and Marketing Director of Oxinet, reporting directly to Graham Steinsberg, I led the Sales and Client Management Team, and my role encompassed the following key responsibilities: • Supporting and managing the PEMS User Group • Developing and delivering Oxinet’s marketing strategy, which included: o Branding - I undertook a full rebrand of the company o Market insight o Website development, SEO and management o Designing and procuring corporate literature o Newsletter production o White Papers o Events • Database and contact management • Lead generation and qualification • HR support Oxinet has a long history of working with public, private and third sector clients, offering both packaged solutions and bespoke development projects. The Company’s expertise with Internet technologies combines a tradition of strong customer service and progressive development methodologies – ensuring that we provide software that truly meets our clients’ needs. www.oxi.net The flagship product - PEMS - (Placement Education Management System) - is a purpose-built IT solution designed to liberate Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from the manual and paper-based processes endemic within the practice education sector. The entirely web-based system comprises a series of modules, thus allowing HEIs to select a combination which can then be customized to suit their functionality needs and budget. For more information please visit www.pems.oxi.net. Show less

Business Development Manager

• 2015 - 2016

ESA Business and Incubation Support Manager

• Mar 2013 - Nov 2014

The ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Harwell supports entrepreneurs and high tech start-up companies to translate space technologies, applications and services into viable non-space business ideas. One of the key aspects of my role is to support these entrepreneurs and start-ups with access to technology, business advice and support, access to funding and focussed networking events. Located at Harwell Oxford, one of the UK's national science and innovation campuses, the ESA BIC Harwell is part of a rich environment which is home to over 4,500 researchers, engineers and innovators from more than 150 different high-tech organisations. Managed by STFC Innovations Limited, the technology transfer office of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the ESA BIC Harwell has specialist capabilities in innovation, exploration and instrumentation, as well as expertise in areas such as earth observation, astronomy, operations, data management, advanced electronics, detectors, optics and robotics. The Centre, as part of the ESA Technology Transfer Programme Office's Business Incubation initiative, gives entrepreneurs and start-ups the space they need to get their ideas off of the ground. Show less

Centre Manager - Harwell & Culham Innovation Centres

• Jun 2011 - Mar 2013

Harwell Innovation Centre is situated at Harwell Oxford near Didcot, providing start-up companies with a professional infrastructure and image to grow their business, along with a range of business support services needed during the first vital years of operation. Culham Innovation Centre is home to a range of pioneering technology focused companies, providing a professional infrastructure and image for businesses to grow, along with a range of business support services needed during the first vital years of operation. Culham Innovation Centre is aimed primarily at science and technology companies, knowledge-based start-ups and spin outs. Show less

Business Administrator

• Aug 2010 - May 2011

COTRAIN was founded in 2008 by Graham Steinsberg and Bryan Hucker through the reacquisition of Science Systems (Commercial). Graham Steinsberg and Terry Spendley were instrumental in founding the IT Services company in 1989 and in securing major support contracts. One such contract was to provide IT Support to the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Over twenty years on and this contract is still in place and supported by Geoff Newson, IT Operations Manager and his team. It was recently reviewed in 2008, with the involvement of Graham, Terry, Geoff and CII senior management. The contract continues to provide CII with a responsive in-sourced IT Department and has evolved to incorporate new technologies, office moves and departmental changes. Show less

Private Banking Relationship Manager

• Sep 2002 - Jul 2010

Passionately put clients and their interests at the heart of every contact, delivered high levels of customer service and received many letters of thanks Effectively managed and developed a portfolio of 1098 affluent clients, generating income by building strong, long term relationships, earning their confidence and becoming their first choice for contact Developed robust, effective sales strategy - reviewed regularly against targets, focusing on client retention, increasing cross sales and new business acquisition Consistently complied with internal and external regulatory requirements - achieved 100% in knowledge and compliance during last audit Actively participated in sessions to develop and improve key processes and procedures within my Other Roles within the bank: Prior to starting my role as a Relationship Manager I have held a number of branch based positions which included Customer Services Officer, Customer Advisor and Assistant Branch Manager. Show less