“I am an innovation & growth specialist, helping innovative high growth potential SMEs to address their challenges and maximise their opportunities.”

With a chemistry background and a passion for change, Ellie has a wealth of experience in the sustainability sector. Combined with specialisms in grant writing and investor readiness, Ellie provides a range of commercial support to SMEs on their growth journey. She understands the technical and scientific language for some of the most cutting-edge innovations and is able to translate this into a meaningful proposition to investors and grant funding assessors.

She enjoys the challenge of understanding a company’s barriers to growth and finding the right solutions. She is technically minded but commercially focused and can support innovative businesses on their growth journey.

In one sentence, what do you do at BIC?

I am an Innovate UK EDGE Innovation and Growth specialist – I work with SME’s to help them reach their full potential   

What makes you passionate about this work   

I love seeing the direct impact from our support with the SME – from securing investment through to managing growth, I am filled with pride when they make a success of it.  

What’s the most useful app on your phone right now? 

I have recently moved back to the countryside so my most useful app is called Picture This, which lets you take a picture of any plant/flower and tells you what it is…magic!         

How do you manage multiple tasks when you have a tight deadline approaching?       

I create a timeframe up to the deadline and block out the various tasks in my calendar. I then create a ‘to-do’ list and tick off each task when complete. Always give yourself a ‘buffer’ in the timeline for additional tasks or slippage to occur.   

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?         

Karaoke singing (after a glass or two of wine)    

What are your key skills?         

Grant writing, business strategy and networking