Ceres Research is a new venture within the Ceres Group, set up to provide data-driven solutions for the agricultural industry and related sectors, led by the latest scientific research and information. Whether your world is field to fork, sun to power, carbon source to carbon sink, or otherwise, our knowledge, experience and investigative capabilities can answer your questions and find your solutions. By choosing Ceres Research, you are provided with an independent, qualified, and bespoke service in line with your specific objectives and means.

Fera Science (Fera) is an expert scientific services organisation with > 100 years' heritage in the Agri-Food sector, partly owned by Defra (UK Government). Fera offers a wide range of innovative scientific services and consultancy support to companies spanning the global Agri-Food supply chain, and works closely with governments, academic institutions and research organisations. My role involved:1. National and International Business Development & ConsultancyIdentifying, developing and converting new B2B opportunities derived from Fera’s expert scientific and consulting services, research and IP, in line with its strategic growth areas, and delivering consultancy support to clients. Particularly aiming to develop long-term value and international partnerships with companies, governments, and regulatory bodies. Growth areas included novel food and feed, CBD, hemp and medicinal cannabis, insect bioconversion, soil and plant health, land use and natural capital.2. Development of Strategic Academic Partnerships & Translational PhD ResearchDeveloping strategic academic partnerships with national and international institutions to drive collaborative and translational scientific research outputs (e.g. licensable IP, minimum viable products / services), and PhD research projects. Co-managed the Institute for Agri-Food Research & Innovation (IAFRI) Doctoral Training Partnership (Fera & Newcastle University), recruiting approx. 6 PhD students per year.3. Co-Development of Agri Investment FundWorking to develop a joint innovation fund with global investment fund managers (e.g. VC, Angel), for investment into Fera’s IP and expert scientific services, and a strategic M&A programme.In addition, I monitored, analysed and reported on Fera's science KPIs to its Science Commitee, and represented Fera on the National Laboratory Alliance Academic Working Group.

The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) is an open-access R&D centre working at the interface between academia and industry to convert plants, microbes and biowastes into profitable biorenewable products. As a Technologist in the Bioscience Innovation Team I worked on a variety of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), commercial and grant-funded R&D projects in the bioeconomy sector for companies and universities. These focussed particularly around adding value to unavoidable wastes arising from the food and drink sector through novel ‘valorisation’ technologies. Role included: • Formation of project proposals (incl. client consultations to understand needs/expectations)• Calculation of expected & actual project costings• Project delivery (laboratory-based, desk-based or workshop-based)• Results dissemination to audiences often not of scientific backgrounds (e.g. PowerPoint presentation, technical report writing)• Sales experience (e.g. promoting funded workshops to local SMEs via targeted emails/phone calls, developing & maintaining client relationships throughout project delivery & follow-up)• Project management• Building inter-disciplinary team relationships• Maintaining accurate timekeeping records (e.g. annual leave, flexi-time, project-related timesheets, resource planning using 10,000 ft software)• Using SugarCRM software for effective management of customer relationshipsAdditional responsibilities included:• Company representation by delivering presentations about facilities, expertise, case studies etc. at UK-based conferences (e.g. BioVale - York, WRAP - Cardiff, Innovation DB - London)• Member of Kaizen working group – maintaining operational procedures (e.g. risk assessments), continuous improvement of operational processes (e.g. data storage & security), ensuring operation complied with legislation (e.g. implementation of GDPR regulations)