Hello

My Background

I set up NM:Innovation in 2022, born of a passion for making the innovation process more accessible to Start-ups, SME's, Large companies and Researchers. By providing hands-on guidance to clients navigating innovation growth, I help demystify the practical steps to success. 

I am keen to use my knowledge to support and uplift companies in the ideation, R&D process and market entry products and services, optimise and excel in business practices, secure investment and grant funding, form collaborations, enter new markets and scale up. My professional approach is design led and committed to continuous improvement.

In the first year of operation at NM:Innovation, I have worked on several grant bids, won funding from Innovate UK for clients; prepared pitches for clients to secure investors; organised, run and produced reports from workshops; undertaken funding scanning and identification; created new R&D process and

built long lasting business relationships. 

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My expertise is built on 14 years of working in the Higher Education sector, both at a research-intensive Russell Group institution and at one of the top 2 in the world Universities for Art and Design  (Source: QS World University Rankings 2023)

I have extensive experience in the field of innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and guiding businesses and universities in the successful transition of research from laboratory inception to market fruition. My comprehensive expertise encompasses the complexities of the innovation lifecycle, spanning its multifaceted phases, funding, and potential pitfalls, from the perspective of both scientific and commercial view points

My R&D leadership role at the University of Arts London 2020 - 2022 was focused on managing a collaborative R&D initiative that championed sustainable innovation across the fashion and textile supply chain. In this capacity, I orchestrated a transformative program that nurtured the emergence of ground-breaking products, services, and experiences within the nexus of fashion, textiles, and technology.

During my years at the University of Southampton from 2009 to 2020, I cultivated cross-disciplinary collaborations across a diverse spectrum ranging from Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences to Mathematics and Physical Sciences. My remit involved managing a dynamic portfolio of partnerships, strategically amplifying the impact of university research, and fostering enduring relationships with key stakeholders. I was also an employee Engagement Champion for the University, advocating for a culture that empowers staff to flourish and excel.

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Beyond academia, I've demonstrated my acumen in the not-for-profit sector through Senior Management roles within charitable organisations between 2001- 2009. My leadership facilitated the cultivation of proficiency in diverse arenas such as business planning, strategic development, fundraising, grant and tender applications, team management, cross-sector collaborations, and charity leadership and governance.

My professional evolution has been enriched by continuous training and development, encompassing the fields management, leadership, coaching, and business growth. Complementing my experiential growth, I hold a degree in Philosophy and Fine Art, and two Postgraduate qualifications in Information Systems and Management.