Over the last eight years I have been working along side top academic and research teams to set up and develop the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University.

I have over 15 years board level experience in technology companies, technical and commercial management, research marketing and consultancy. This has included establishing early stage internet companies and founding one of the first Internet Service Providers in the UK.

I have worked in science park management and different level of new technology commercialisation. My expereince covers working with new starts through to large companies, international membership organisations, the public sector and universities.

I enjoy working on most aspects of business operation such as business start up and growth, strategy and transformation, funding and business development. I have held a range of directorships and non-exec positions in a range of companies.

My track record includes winning high value tenders and technology projects in the public and private sectors as well as setting up teams to manage and deliver results. I have won and managed significant business growth funding working with the public and private sectors.

• Director of Engagement EBRI

  Aug 2019 – Present

  Birmingham, United Kingdom

  Management of engagement activities at EBRI including generating collaborations with business and government. Development of new initiatives, funding and project to delivery.

• Deputy Director EBRI. Enterprise and Government Engagement Manager

  Sep 2015 – Present
  

  Birmingham, United Kingdom

  Responsible for engagement, marketing, communications and business development activities alongside commercialisation of research and new consultancy services.
  
  Development of new opportunities for research teams, industry partners and funders to deliver applied technology and solutions for the market place, collaborative research and consultancy.
  
  Contract and compliance management of government and commercial projects.
  
  Knowledge transfer activities.

• Director Operations

  Jan 2013 – Sep 2015
  

  Birmingham, United Kingdom

  Management and operation of non academic aspects of The European Bioenergy Research Institute at Aston University.
  
  Development and implementation of strategy as part of the executive management team.
  
  Responsible for marketing, communications and business development activities alongside commercialisation of research and new consultancy services.
  
  Stimulated new opportunities for research teams, industry partners and funders to deliver applied technology and solutions for the market place, collaborative research and consultancy.
  
  Contract and compliance management of £16 million ERDF industrial scale demonstrator projects and knowledge transfer activities.

  European Bioenergy Research Institute Project Manager

  Jun 2011 – Dec 2012
  

  Birmingham, United Kingdom

  Project management of a 16.5 million pound project to develop European Bioenergy Research Institute. This includes construction of an industry scale bioenergy demonstrator, knowledge transfer, marketing and commercial management, development of research and consultancy opportunities.
  
  Support for development of a 7 million Euro Bioenergy investment network across North West Europe.
  
  Activities included development of contract delivery strategy, recruitment and management of project teams, development of knowledge transfer products and services, relationships with academic departments and university senior management.

  Consultant

  GMA Solutions

  2008 – 2011
  

  Nottingham, United Kingdom

  Business development, project and management consultancy.
  Work with the mobile, broadband/ telecoms and hosting industries.
  Information system strategy

  CEO and Founder

  EMNET

  1996 – 2008
  

  Nottingham, United Kingdom

  Established the company as a spin out from University of Nottingham to deliver web design and development services, Internet services hosting and network consultancy services.
  
  This included launch of one of the first UK ISPs, early stage content and internet marketing. Launched new businesses to develop opportunities in these fields.
  
  Delivered large government/ EU contracts in the technical business support, training and business development market place. Successful participation in EU Framework projects. International business experience in Europe, Australia and China.
  
  Achieved international recognition and won EU Awards for Innovation, programme design and delivery.
  
  Clients included: BT, CISCO, BBC, NatWest Bank, SGI, DTI, British Council, EU, EMDA, GOEM, EMDA, AWM, WAG, UK Trade and Invest, National Fire Services, Capital One, Nottingham Forest, Northcliffe Newspaper Group, UK Universities

  Technology Transfer Officer

  University of Nottingham

  1992 – 1996
  

  Nottingham, United Kingdom

  Managed the University Consultancy Company, Science Park and knowledge transfer. This included technology sales and marketing, contract and IPR negotiation.
  
  Comprehensive review of business engagement strategy and re-engineering of key elements of the knowledge transfer and business communications activity. Development of regional public sector and business engagement policy for the university.
  
  Managed implementation of proposed changes including writing business cases and developing new initiatives and projects as as a result of successful EU funding applications.
  
  News centres were developed in key areas such as rapid prototyping/ 3D printing, environmental technology and management, computer imaging, medical informatics and internet services. Developed a technology seed fund.
  
  Support for early stage international expansion of the University in China.

  Senior Economic Development Officer

  Nottingham City Council

  1988 – 1992
  

  Strategy and policy development to support modernisation of the City of Nottingham. Development of first innovation growth and clean technology programmes for the area. Project design, management and delivery of projects to support strategy.
  
  Management of Science Park and relationship with University of Nottingham.
  
  High level stake holder management including formation and support for high level boards and policy consultation.
  
  Support for international intrenational business activities including overseas missions, hosting delegations and conference presentations.
  
  Partners included: The Design Council, KPMG, East Midlands Electricity, Siemens, NatWest Bank, NTL, Northcliffe Newspaper Group

  Consultant in the Petrochemical Industry

  Linway Designs Ltd

  1985 – 1988