In one sentence, what do you do at BIC?

I manage the Innovate UK funded projects aimed at supporting innovative SMEs in Wales.

Is what you do now what you expected yourself to be doing?

Most of my career has been spent supporting high growth, innovative companies both through publicly funded programmes and on a commercial basis.  Whilst I hadn’t planned to move into programme management it felt like a natural next step and gives me the opportunity to work with a great network of people both within BIC and across the wider Innovate UK EDGE consortium.

How do you stay on top of the latest innovation/ trends?

Innovate UK EDGE provides a great window into what is new and exciting.  We get to see first hand how companies are developing and embedding new technologies and innovating business models. When trying to spot new trends funding call topics, patents and industry publications are a great source of info.

Any top tips for managing multiple tasks and tight deadlines?

Prioritise and stay focused.  In a world of emails, direct messaging and video conferencing its easy to get distracted by whatever ‘pops up’.  I’ve learnt to try and focus on one task at a time, sometimes delaying opening new emails until that task is finished. 

What would your last meal be?               

An English breakfast!

What are your key skills?            

Listening, Innovation Management, Market Research, Project Management