Experienced in developing technology businesses. Deeply involved in knowledge transfer with South Coast Universities. Practised at hands on implementation of cross border programmes in Europe, the Far East and the Americas. Comfortable at all levels of business contact, key account management, and relationship marketing.  Substantial record in accessing and building markets for b2b services, high technology products and technical consultancy.  Experienced networker able to build cooperative relationships with all stakeholders from HE to Government to the business sector.

Previous employment history ranges from international oil trading in the UK and Germany.  Divisional deputy director of a major German steel company.  Master Mariner and chartering  experience in the oil and gas sector.

2001 to date – Enterprise Hub Director – Southampton

Founding Hub Director at Southampton, in post since May 2001. Principle achievements of the Hub are:-

General

• Strong relationship with all stakeholders, including 4 local Universities and their research and innovation services, 9 local authorities (PUSH), the Hampshire Economic Partnership, Business Link, and many other companies and organisations.
• Development of the Hampshire membership of the South East Health Technologies Alliance with 70 active companies in biotech, biomed, and medical devices.
• Development of a successful marine cluster programme – The Solent Marine Community now operated by Marine South.
• The Managing Hub for the GROW Enterprise programme, sharing best practice in incubation of technology start-ups across the South East, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands.  Close contact required with European RDAs and their local Universities.
• Chairman of Wired Wessex, the ICT and new media sector initiative for Hampshire and Dorset with in excess of 550 members.
• Judge for the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurs mini MBA programme with Harvard and Stanford.
  

Specific Hub achievements

• In the current year, exceeded all RDA targets between 110 to 400% in portfolio members (27), network members (350), investment raised  (£1.5m) and GVA (£4m).
• Considered not just a successful, but a leading Hub by (several) independent auditors.
• Achieved Hub funding  of £160k p.a. comprising 50% SEEDA core funding and 50% from corporates, European programmes and added value services.
• 27 companies in deep support as Portfolio clients with 13 portfolio prospect companies receiving deep support.
• 23 experienced business mentors (successful entrepreneurs) attached to the Hub and working intensively across portfolio companies in the neighbouring Hubs.