Staff Profile

Introduction

I have strategic and operational responsibility for all aspects of business development and enterprise across the University, providing a service to the academic community and to external partners in the commercial, public and voluntary/community sectors.

My remit includes the protection and exploitation of the University's intellectual property, consultancy services, Continuing Professional Development, contract and collaborative research with commercial partners and other commercial and non-traditional services. I am also responsible for developing and supporting sustained relationships with a range of stakeholders, including our strategic corporate partners, our key NHS partners, particularly the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, regional partners such as Newcastle City Council and other public sector agencies and Governmental Departments.

I lead a team of around 55 staff, based in three Faculty Enterprise teams, the Business Support team, the Partnership team, the company creation team and the team which oversees all of the University's Commercial Projects.

I am a member of the University's Research and Innovation, and Engagement and Place committees, and work closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Dean of Innovation and Business and the three Faculty Deans of Research and Innovation.

Background

I was originally employed at Newcastle University as manager of the Life Knowledge Park in December 2004. The Knowledge Park was one of six throughout the UK, set up with funding from the Departments of Health and Trade and Industry to lead academic research and to engage the public in discussions on genetic science. It received £10m of government and Regional Development Agency (One NorthEast) funding.

I subsequently co-ordinated and project managed the development of the North-East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI), a joint initiative with Durham University and the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

I was appointed to a Business Development Manager role in the Faculty of Medical Sciences in January 2009, before taking on the role as Head of Enterprise Services in July 2011. I was seconded to additionally manage the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering Enterprise team from August 2016 and took on my current University-wide role in January 2018.

Before moving back to my native Tyneside in late 2004, I was Director of Marketing and Membership at the British Dental Association in London. I have an MBA (with Distinction) from Newcastle University Business School (August 2004).

Roles and Responsibilities

Intellectual property, spin outs, consultancy, Continuing Professional Development, commercial services and other non-traditional funding streams.

Marketing, external relationships and corporate engagement

Qualifications

MBA (Distinction)
Certificate in Marketing (Distinction)

Previous Positions

Head of Enterprise services, Faculty of Medical Sciences, 2011-2017

Business Development Manager, Faculty of Medical Sciences, 2009- 2011

Life Science Programme Director, Newcastle University 2006-2008
Manager, Life Knowledge Park, Dec 2004 - 2006
Director of Marketing and Membership, British Dental Association, 2001-2004
Recruitment and Marketing Manager, British Dental Association, 1999-2001

Student/Young Dentist Liaison Officer, British Dental Association, 1998-99
Various sales, marketing and journalism jobs 1984-1998

Memberships

Chartered Institute of Marketing
Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)
University and College Union (UCU)

Whitley Bay Golf Club (don't ask me about my handicap)

Languages

English only I'm afraid

Informal Interests

Newcastle United

Promoting the North-East as a great place to live, work and visit

Current Work

I have overall responsibility for all aspects of business development and enterprise across the University, providing a service to the academic community and to external partners in the commercial, public and voluntary/community sectors.

Keywords

Intellectual property, spin outs, consultancy, Continuing Professional Development, commercial services and other non-traditional funding streams.

Marketing, external relationships and corporate engagement

Core scientific facilities, bio-incubator facilities